Hop, hop! Did you know carrots grow underground ? That’s right—carrots are called root vegetables  because the part we eat grows down in the soil, not up in the air. While we see the leafy green tops waving in the wind, the crunchy orange carrot is busy growing below the surface. What Is a Root Vegetable? Root vegetables grow by digging deep  into the ground. Their roots help them: Soak up water Collect nutrients from the soil Stay strong and healthy as they grow Carrots are

It’s a brand-new year! That means new days, new ideas… and maybe even new boots. Boots are pretty special. Some boots are made for muddy fields. Some are made for snowy sidewalks. Some are made for long walks, hard work, or learning something brand new. And just like boots, we all choose how we want to step into the new year . What Boots Will You Wear This Year Will you wear your curiosity boots —the ones that help you ask questions like: Where does my food come from? Who gro

You may not find Santa selling fruits and vegetables at a farmers’ market, but he sure does have all the skills necessary to be a farmer! In fact, there’s solid evidence that he runs a farm up at the North Pole, alongside his toy workshop. It’s hard to know exactly what happens up in Santa’s domain, but here’s some of the best evidence that Santa either is a farmer or grew up on a farm: 1. He cares for and trains his reindeer. Reindeer are Santa’s main way of getting around,

As December arrives, calendars flip, the 25th is circled, and Christmas decorations are dug out of storage. One of these decorations, the wreath, has a long history. Coming from the Old English word “writhian,” which means “twist,” wreaths are usually made by twisting greenery together and adorning with flowers, berries, and other decorative materials. Often created from the trimmings of Christmas trees as they’re given their signature triangular shape, wreaths are a great wa

Honey bees don't hibernate or migrate, so how do they stay alive in the winter? Basically, by cuddling. The bees in a hive form what is called a "cluster", which is really a big ball of bees with the queen at the centre. The centre of the cluster is between 32–37 °C, which keeps the queen at the perfect temperature. Honey is stored nearby for the bees to snack on to regain energy. Snacks and friends? Sounds like the perfect 4 month-long slumber party!

Looking for a farm-fresh holiday treat that’s berry fun for the kids? 🍓🎅 Try making adorable Strawberry Santas! 🎄 Check out the full recipe and get started on your berry merry masterpiece today! Fun Farm Facts: Humans have been gathering wild strawberries since the Stone Age. However,, the much larger garden strawberry, which is eaten around the world today, was bred in the 18th century. Today strawberries are grown around the world. The biggest producer of strawberries by

It’s all about awareness, planning and communication. By Natalie Noble for Ag for Life Old Man Winter is back and if previous years are any indication, we can expect extra icy conditions. “Over the last five years, we’ve been having incredible freeze-thaw cycles,” observes Dr. Don Voaklander, director with the U of A’s Injury Prevention Centre. “This can be really dangerous. We have more people showing up in Emergency rooms for falls than we’ve ever had before in the winterti

Red barns are a hallmark of Alberta’s landscape, nearly as ubiquitous as the fields they’re built on. The iconic red paint wasn’t initially an aesthetic choice, though the contrast of a red barn against a sunshine-yellow canola crop or a snow-covered field is certainly beautiful. Rather, red was chosen by early European settlers for its functionality, and it is because of tradition that the colour persists. Wood barns would weather quickly, turning to a dull grayish brown bef

What happens on the farm during the winter? For most farmers, the busiest times of the year are during the spring and fall. The spring marks the beginning of their growing season and crop farmers prepare for seeding. When the crops are fully grown, usually in the fall, farmers head straight into the harvest season! What do farmers get up to once the harvest season ends and that first snowfall hits? While it may seem like it’s a time for some good old rest and relaxation, they

November is Canadian Career Month—a time to explore future possibilities, especially in the world of agriculture. The industry touches every part of our lives—feeding families, supporting communities, and driving the economy. With 1 in 9 Canadian jobs connected to the agriculture and agri-food industry, students of all talents and passions can find a career here. Show students how their unique skills connect to meaningful, real-world opportunities by exploring these exciting

Trick or treat or . . . harvest? Though Halloween today revolves around collecting candy and dressing up in costumes, the spooky holiday has agrarian roots. Halloween is believed to have stemmed from Samhain (pronounced sow-win), a traditional Gaelic festival celebrating the end of the fall harvest. Beginning on October 31st and extending into November 1st, Samhain marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. Feasts were held to celebrate a successful harves

In today’s classrooms, the call to help students understand their role in building a more sustainable future has never been louder....

Discover how botany connects us to the food we eat and the world we share Have you ever looked at a seed and imagined the plant it will...

Consider where you get your food. When you buy an apple from a grocery store, first you run it under water before taking a bite. At a...

Few foods connect Alberta’s fields to family kitchens as simply—and deliciously—as the humble potato. With harvest season in full swing,...

As we approach Truth and Reconciliation week and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we want to acknowledge and honour the...

Are you creative, innovative and passionate about agriculture education? Are you a teacher looking for a new opportunity?  If so,...

Make a wheat stalk out of paper! Materials: White and yellow craft paper Yellow craft paper Black marker Craft glue Scissors...

Few plants have a story as rich—and as flavourful—as garlic. Known as the “stinking rose,” garlic has been treasured for thousands of...

What most people don’t realize is that agriculture plays a starring role in your sunscreen bottle. Many of the key ingredients that protect, nourish, and moisturize your skin are grown by farmers — including right here in Canada.