The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre is now able to test the vaccines it develops
BANFF, Alta. — The vaccine centre based in Saskatoon is now able to test potential vaccines to combat African swine fever. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced Jan. 8 that the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, based at the University of Saskatchewan, can now more fully participate in the search for a response […] Read moreAuthor Archives
African swine fever research efforts expand
Award recognizes work to improve care of piglets
This year’s F.X. Aherene prizes were presented to the inventors of an easier way to handle piglets and a better heating system
BANFF, Alta. — The inventors of a device to allow easier handling of piglets and the developers of a system that provides more even heat to young piglets received awards for their efforts Jan. 9 at the Banff Pork Seminar. Tess Faulkner and Gillian Grieves of South West Ontario Veterinary Services invented the Hammock, a […] Read moreNegotiating with farm trespassers not advised
Producers are told to phone police if activists trespass on their property and then let them take care of the situation
BANFF, Alta. — A photo of the activists who occupied a southern Alberta turkey farm last fall appeared Jan. 8 in Geraldine Auston’s presentation about managing protesters and trespass at livestock operations. The president of Ag & Food Exchange Inc. advised producers at the Banff Pork Seminar on what to do in such situations, which […] Read more
Century ranch focuses on Herefords and Angus
On the Farm: Veronica and and Brad Doenz operate LCI Doenz Ranches and raise two sons in southern Alberta
WARNER, Alta. — Veronica Doenz wears a T-shirt that gives an immediate clue about her busy life. Chasing Cows and Kids, it reads. She and her husband, Brad, have two young sons and 300 cows so they both do a lot of each activity. Jordy, 7, is in Grade 2 at the Warner school and […] Read more
Smith warns of pressure by environmentalists
“First they came for foresters. Then they came for the oil sands. Then they came for the cattle producers. Now they’re coming for you.” Danielle Smith gave this ominous message to farmers who attended the Dec. 11-12 Farming Smarter conference in Lethbridge. The talk radio host and former leader of Alberta’s Wildrose political party said […] Read more
Late harvest caused higher mycotoxin threat in feeds
Mycotoxin levels were low in early samples of feed harvested in Western Canada. Then things changed. Toxin levels are largely driven by weather, said All-Tech feed expert Dr. Max Hawkins. Rain in the later harvest season across much of the West opened the door and mycotoxins inched their way in. He advised producers to test […] Read more
Agriculture contemplates life without glyphosate
Glyphosate, the herbicide that has revolutionized weed control since its introduction in 1974, faces steadily increasing restrictions and in some cases outright bans in various countries around the world. That situation is putting pressure on farmers to find alternative measures of weed control. Though there is increased emphasis now on developing new modes of action […] Read more
Alberta eyes promise of protein fractionation
Proponents say developing an industry that processes plant proteins would help diversify the province’s economy
TABER, Alta. — Binders, emulsifiers, texturizers, foaming agents, gels: these are some of the uses for fractionated plant proteins. David Fielder, senior scientist and value-added fractionation program lead with Alberta Agriculture, said Alberta can be as competitive as other provinces in processing plant proteins for use in foods and other products. That would help diversify […] Read more
Study questions rest stop need
GATINEAU, Que. — Rest stops provided to calves amid 12-hour and 36-hour transport did not reduce fatigue, dehydration, stress or immune status, according to study results. Although two more years of study will provide more information on whether rest periods benefit cattle in transport, early results call into question the requirement for rest stops in […] Read more
New animal health group still a priority
GATINEAU, Que. — The spectre of African swine fever infecting pigs in Canada is giving more impetus to the potential formation of Animal Health Canada, an entity with the goal of improving animal disease prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. ASF’s continued spread in Asia and Eastern Europe is a concern because its arrival in Canada […] Read more
