DNA testing advancements target fertility

There are steady advances in DNA testing of beef animals, and it has potential to improve the bottom line for cattle producers. Steven James, director of research and development for Quantum Genetix, said genotype and phenotype information on bulls and replacement heifers can indicate whether a bull has the ability to impregnate heifers and pass […] Read more

Elanco, Bayer deal clears Competition Bureau

The federal regulator has approved Elanco’s purchase of Bayer’s animal health business with certain conditions

Elanco Animal Health plans to buy Bayer’s animal health business now that the Canadian Competition Bureau has announced it will not challenge the proposed deal. Elanco announced a consent agreement with the bureau on July 14. It announced plans to buy Bayer Animal Health in August 2019 in a deal worth an estimated $10.3 billion. […] Read more

As of Aug. 2, there were 120 confirmed Canadian cases of salmonella-related illness associated with  contaminated onions. | file photo

Onion recall expanded

A recall on onions imported from the United States has been updated and expanded by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As of Aug. 2, there were 120 confirmed Canadian cases of salmonella-related illness associated with the produce, 43 of them in British Columbia, 56 in Alberta, four in Saskatchewan and 13 in Manitoba. No deaths […] Read more


Symptoms of salmonella illness include fever, chills, diarrhea, cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting. | file photo

Imported onions from U.S. recalled

Red onions imported to Western Canada from the United States by the Sysco food company are subject to recall due to risk of salmonella contamination. As of July 30, 114 people have confirmed cases of salmonella and the Public Health Agency of Canada said the imported onions are the likely source of the problem. Of […] Read more

Burger King has released a video promoting its efforts to mitigate climate change, but the suggestion that feeding lemongrass to cattle might be part of the solution has stirred up controversy.  |  Burger King screen capture

Lemongrass feed idea gets a reaction

Burger King forced to ask for more advice on its claim that feeding lemongrass to cattle can reduce methane emissions

The fast food company that markets the Whopper has garnered whopping attention in the cattle industry with a recent campaign that purports to reduce cattle methane emissions. Reaction was so swift that the company pulled its television advertisements that started in mid-July and has asked animal science professor Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of […] Read more


A major enemy of silage is oxygen, which is where adequate packing enters the picture. | file photo

Silage handling, storage are key to maintaining quality

Piles should be built at no more than a 30-degree slope and care must be taken not to introduce dirt into the silage

Producing high quality silage leads to production of high quality cattle, says ruminant nutritionist Leland Fuhr. Silage handling and storage are key to achieving that quality and they depend on storage type and design, crop staging and proper packing and protection, among other requirements. Fuhr shared his assessments during a July 21 session at the […] Read more

Sprayer tracks in a pea field near Smokey Lake, Alta., northeast of Edmonton show the extent of the wet conditions farmers in northern Alberta are dealing with this summer.  |  Brian Cross photo

Northern Alta. farmers waterlogged

Five rural municipalities north of Edmonton have declared agricultural disasters due to excessive rainfall this year and farmers across a wide area of central and northern Alberta are looking at drastically reduced yields and income. The counties of Athabasca, Lamont, Leduc, Northern Lights and Thorhild have made disaster declarations, with Northern Lights and Leduc the […] Read more

An artist rendering shows what Olds College has planned for its new building projects.  |  Olds College photo

Olds College expands two education facilities

Alberta COVID recovery funding will help increase enrolment in the school’s animal science and ag technology programs

Shovels are already in the ground at Olds College now that the provincial government has provided $21.37 million in funds to renovate and expand facilities for animal science and agricultural technology studies. The college’s Lachlin McKinnon Building will be expanded into the new Animal Health Education Centre, which will require $15.16 million. Another $6.21 will […] Read more


Alta. program connects chefs with producers

Alberta-grown produce, protein and grains will be served up on plates at restaurants in the province during a promotion running Aug. 7-16. It is the second year for Alberta on the Plate, an event designed to connect Alberta chefs with local farmers to provide a dining experience for others. “It’s really about trying to share […] Read more

Canola plant incident ‘theft and trespassing’

There have been reports from Alberta that people are entering fields near Calgary and absconding with canola plants

Reports in early July of people near Calgary removing canola plants from farmers’ fields gained major mainstream media attention. With canola at full bloom, the sunshiny yellow fields glow in the sun. Such fields are often used as backdrops for photos of prairie weddings or graduations but mass removal of plants by interlopers is a […] Read more