Canadian Food Inspection Agency says mortality rate of live horse shipments has been 0.011 percent over the past decade
MEDICINE HAT — A bill that would ban the transport of live horses by air for slaughter will go to the federal agriculture committee after passing second reading in the House of Commons in late January. Private members Bill C-355 has been working its way through Parliament since introduction in September 2023. It would prohibit […] Read more
Alex McCuaig
Stories by Alex McCuaig
Beef markets strong but instability expected
Volatility may increase this year, particularly if heifer placements remain high along with fed marketings in the U.S.
MEDICINE HAT — Beef prices are up and demand remains strong, according to the latest Canfax market report, but dry conditions in cattle-producing regions across the globe are affecting markets. “We’ve reached new record highs in 2023 with both fed and feeder prices surpassing the previous highs made in 2015,” said Canfax executive director Breanna […] Read more
Alberta forms drought advisory committee
MEDICINE HAT — Alberta has struck a new drought advisory committee as some provincial rivers reach record low levels, reservoirs remain below capacity and mountain snowpacks continue to be under historical averages. The province says at least parts of the province are facing risks of severe drought conditions in part due to warm and dry […] Read more
Sask. irrigators keep their eyes on water supply
Levels at Lake Diefenbaker were lower than usual going into winter but still significant; province’s snow cover also low
MEDICINE HAT — River flow, low mountain snowpack and reservoirs struggling to fill in southern Alberta haven’t escaped the attention of irrigators in Saskatchewan as the traditional wet spring becomes critical. Mountain snowpack levels across Alberta’s Eastern Slopes as well as those in Montana that feed into the St. Mary and Milk rivers are well […] Read more
Alta. paid out record pasture insurance last year
Agriculture Financial Services Corp. paid out more than $325 million through the Moisture Deficiency Insurance program
MEDICINE HAT — Last year had the highest ever payout for pasture insurance in Alberta, surpassing that of 2021, according to data from Agriculture Financial Services Corp. More than $325 million was paid through AFSC’s Moisture Deficiency Insurance program, nearly three times the amount provided two years ago. “We went through one of the worst […] Read more
Subsurface irrigation called way of the future
Early adopters in southern Alberta are pioneering the practice of delivering water directly to crop roots using drip lines
MEDICINE HAT — Subsurface drip irrigation is a relatively new system to the Prairies, but one of southern Alberta’s early adopters is confident it’s an effective way to grow crops with water efficiency rates second to none. Subsurface irrigation systems deliver water directly to roots using drip lines and is commonly designed to be spaced […] Read more
Alta. plans water sharing agreements amidst drought scare
MEDICINE HAT — The Alberta government is taking unprecedented steps as the situation unfolding on Alberta rivers and the drought conditions that stretch from Hay River to Milk River reverberate across the province. Provincial environment minister Rebecca Schultz issued a media release today announcing the launch of the largest effort in the province’s history to […] Read more
Feeding problems worsen impact of cold weather
MEDICINE HAT — Poor grazing conditions last summer due to drought may make cattle especially prone to this winter’s extreme cold conditions, according to a Medicine Hat veterinarian specializing in livestock. Temperatures across Alberta dipped below -30 C in mid-January following a season of poor growing conditions across the southeastern rangeland portion of the province […] Read more
Livestock drought assistance expanded in Alta.
Drought assistance for livestock producers is being expanded in Alberta. The federal and provincial governments have announced that applications are opening up for an additional 23 municipalities. In addition to the expansion of eligible regions, the deadline for applying for funds under the Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance program has been extended to Feb. 22. The […] Read more
Prairie water users watch mountain snowpack
Alberta officials say the region’s moisture shortage remains dire but stress the situation could easily turn itself around
MEDICINE HAT — The best greeting for farmers attending last week’s Irrigation Production Conference was the dump of snow outside the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge. Inside, the need for that type of precipitation was laid bare in order to avoid a water shortage this year. The numbers tell the tale as to […] Read more
