OTTAWA — The Canadian Sheep Federation is figuring out its future now that organizations representing 75 percent of the flocks in Canada have formed their own organization. Alberta Lamb Producers, the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and the Federation des producteurs d’agneaux et moutons du Quebec officially formed the National Sheep Network in Nov-ember, leaving the […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Standards developed for no-stun livestock slaughter
Public consultation is being sought on the practice of slaughtering animals without stunning them first. Animal slaughter processes for the halal and kosher markets do not allow stunning in accordance with religious belief. The market for such meat is growing, but there is no national standard in Canada for acceptable practices. “What is acceptable can […] Read more
New municipality considered for Alberta
Flagstaff County and the eight towns and villages within it are considering the formation of a single regional governance model. The area southeast of Edmonton has a dwindling population of about 8,000 people. If a proposal proceeds, Flagstaff County, the towns of Daysland, Hardisty, Killam and Sedgewick and the villages of Forestburg, Heisler, Alliance and […] Read more
Animal transport regulations updated
Shorter times in transit for livestock are among the proposals in new regulations posted for public comment Dec. 3 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. About 700 million animals are transported each year, a figure that includes mostly poultry but also cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and goats. The CFIA said in background information accompanying the […] Read more
Culled dairy cows can face tough journey
Long distances to plants and delays in timely culling by farmers are blamed for problems; nine-point plan developed
OTTAWA — Management of cull dairy cows must be improved, according to a study undertaken by PhD student Yanne Jane Stojkov of the University of British Columbia. About 350,000 dairy cows a year are designated for slaughter in Canada, and some of them face long journeys to processing plants despite having health issues including lameness […] Read more
Words from the wise
HIGH PRAIRIE, Alta. — To make our world a better place, we must take time to smell the roses, take a walk, grow a garden, laugh, cry, and enjoy more of life together. Those are Stella Sware’s words of wisdom, the words her daughter-in-law, Jodi Sware, published in a book called The Wisdom of Our […] Read more
A gripping story about cutting corners
CALGARY — Duane Janiskevich wants a “do over,” and he wants other farmers in Canada to be so safe that they never need one. Janiskevich cut off three fingers and his thumb in 2008. The evidence is there, on his right hand, and the memory is vivid. He knew at the time that a jigsaw was […] Read more
Alberta potato processing plant planned
The extra demand created by the facility will increase total potato acres in southern Alberta to 50,000
A new potato processing facility in Lethbridge, to be built by Cavendish Farms, was announced Dec. 12 at Lethbridge city hall. It is expected to create demand for an additional 9,000 acres of potatoes in southern Alberta. Lethbridge Mayor Chris Spearman said in a news release that the project, with an investment of at least […] Read more
Soap maker focuses on natural ingredients
FAIRVIEW, Alta. — A Jersey milk cow gave her name to Cheryl Bieda’s business and the arrangement has worked out as smooth as cream — in more ways than one. Misty is the cow, and Misty Meadows Soap is the business, which involves the making and selling of soaps, creams, balms and other products. Bieda […] Read more
Family dynamics called key to farm profitability
Producers also need to know cost of production, make a business plan and adjust to changing situations, say experts
CALGARY — When Richard Stamp listed the top five risks for farm operations, he realized he has changed perspective over the years. The owner and operator of Stamp Farm and Stamp Seeds of Enchant, Alta., learned that family dynamics have to be managed if any other part of the agricultural operation can survive and thrive. […] Read more
