Racism around the globe is getting a lot of attention these days. Much of it relates to “Islamaphobia” and U.S. political actions that affect immigrants. But few Canadians consider the racism that was directly aimed at Japanese Canadians nearly 80 years ago that can serve as a warning today. George Takashima, a retired educator, hospital […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
More cattle released from quarantine
About 20 premises involved in the southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan bovine tuberculosis investigation have been released from quarantine and another 53 remain under quarantine pending test results. Those are the latest numbers provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which started the investigation last fall and has since organized the destruction of about 10,500 […] Read more
Canadian pork sector eager to form trade deal with Japan
Canada exported $3.8 billion worth of pork last year, and with limited scope for domestic market growth, producers are putting emphasis on increasing that export amount. Frank Novak, chair of Alberta Pork, said the Canadian pork industry has reduced its reliance on the U.S. market, but trade deals with other countries will be vital to […] Read more
Agriculture in the Classroom in a pickle over GM apple
An Agriculture in the Classroom webinar drew fire last week because of its content involving the controversial Arctic Apple, a variety genetically modified to be non-browning. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) said the webinar content had inappropriate product placement and collaborated with Council of Canadians and several other groups in sending a letter to […] Read more
Biotech advances not helping poor: breeder
RED DEER — Proponents of genetically modified crops often say such crops are needed to help feed the world’s poor and expanding population. They should stop using that argument, says a Cornell University plant breeder, because so far it hasn’t proven true. Margaret Smith told those at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar March 8 that […] Read more
Consumers opposed to GM don’t understand plant breeding
Everyone has eaten fruit and vegetables altered through traditional crossbreeding, ‘unless you gather all your food from the wild’: breeder
RED DEER — Consumer concern about the safety of genetically modified food stems from lack of understanding about plant breeding regardless of type, says an American corn breeder and professor at Cornell University. Margaret Smith said people have been modifying crops through domestication, selection and cross breeding for about 200 years, and genetic modification is […] Read more
Hog producers seek ways to trim energy costs
New study includes recommendations for energy-efficient boilers, larger or variable drive fans and LED lighting
A recent study of 38 Alberta hog operations showed energy costs could be trimmed by an average of 26 percent. Alberta Pork commissioned Dandelion Renewables, an energy consulting firm, to study hog barn energy costs and suggest potential ways for producers to reduce them. Steve Gladwin, director of engineering for the company, took inventories of […] Read more
Cows decide milking regime
LACOMBE, Alta. — Two robotic Lely milkers were the subject of numerous videos taken March 7 at Chubanna Holsteins when tour groups associated with the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar visited the farm. Andrew and Anna Wildeboer operate the 100-cow dairy with help from one full-time and a few part-time employees. Andrew is also an auctioneer […] Read more
Canola meal in cows’ diet beats the competition
RED DEER — The value of canola meal in dairy cow diets may have been underestimated, says a feed expert. Tim Mutsvangwa, a professor of ruminant nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan, said cows produce more milk when canola meal is in their diet and it also contains essential amino acids and higher amounts of […] Read more
Researchers look at ins and outs of potty training calves
RED DEER — Training cattle to poop and pee in a designated area could revolutionize manure management, pen and barn design, animal health and welfare. And research proves it can be done, although more study is needed on the specifics. Jennifer Van Os, a post-doctoral scholar in the University of British Columbia’s animal welfare program, […] Read more
