Alberta Beef Producers Executive Director Rich Smith discusses the issues in 2017 including the struggle against the weather, how they are keeping a sharp eye on trade deals, the size of the provincial herd and a few other topics. All in this discussion with Rural Roots Canada.

Ever wonder why a certain part of the farm is always a few degrees cooler or warmer than everywhere else or why you get a torrential down pour and your neighbour 5 kilometres down the road barely gets a drop? The answer is likely a microclimate.

The recent dump of snow on parts of southern and central Alberta could be a little bit of good news for farmers, that is if the harvest is done.

There are about 50 that currently chase storms across the province of Alberta and you'll see their pictures flood your social media accounts when the skies darken and the thunder crackles.

Thunderstorms produce all sorts of dangerous weather, from large hail, to strong winds and even tornadoes, but the most serious situation from a thunderstorm is lightning.