Canadian hog producers are losing $30 to $50 per pig these days, caught in a pricing structure based on United States numbers hovering in the economic basement. Though western Canadian hog processing plants have been running normally so far during the pandemic, numerous plants in the U.S. are closed or running at lower capacity due […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Feedlot backlog to remain a problem
The rate of cattle processing at Western Canada’s two largest processing plants is slowly increasing but a backlog of slaughter-ready cattle is expected to pose a problem for months. The Cargill plant at High River, Alta., is now running at about 50 percent of its 4,500-5,000 head daily capacity and JBS in Brooks is processing […] Read more
Calls continue for Cargill beef plant closure
Alberta’s NDP opposition continues to call for the closure of the Cargill meat processing plant in High River, Alta., saying it has failed to keep its workers safe from infection by COVID-19. Labour critic Christina Gray said Cargill must close until it meets legal requirements to engage workers on safety. She provided a copy of […] Read more
Packer backlog to remain problem for months
The rate of cattle processing at Western Canada’s two largest processing plants is slowly increasing but a backlog of slaughter-ready cattle is expected to pose a problem for months. The Cargill plant at High River, Alta., is now running at about 50 percent of its 4,500-5,000 head daily capacity and JBS in Brooks is processing […] Read more
Slaughter problems threaten beef supply
Production at Canada’s beef packing plants is expected to be down at least five percent in the second quarter of this year
Concerns about beef availability in the marketplace continue to sizzle like steak on a barbecue. As slaughter plants in Canada and the United States reduce line speeds, shifts or effect temporary closures to deal with COVID-19 concerns, analysts say supplies are likely to be affected. Market analyst Kevin Grier said Canadian slaughter is likely to […] Read more
Birds, anglers take on invasive Prussian carp in Alberta
It was bird buffet at Frank Lake east of High River, Alta., this spring. Gulls, mergansers and other waterfowl filled their bellies with Prussian carp. And since Prussian carp are an invasive species, the birds are doing their part to reduce the population of these fish, which are now found in southern Alberta and parts […] Read more
Foodgrains bank projects less festive this year
Farmers organize growing projects for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank this spring despite the need for social distancing
COALDALE, Alta. — The seeding of a growing project for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank usually doubles as a time to celebrate the new growing season and visit with the neighbours. This year, in Ed Donkersgoed’s field east of Coaldale, Alta., four people gathered and stood a few metres apart to watch the quarter section of […] Read more
Ranchers welcome Cargill reopening
Union continues to fight beef plant’s May 4 reopening in High River, Alta., after it closed due to COVID-19 outbreak
The Cargill beef processing plant in High River, Alta., reopened May 4 with two shifts after a two-week shutdown that occurred when hundreds of its workers tested positive for COVID-19. Employees began arriving early in the morning while efforts by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union to address workers’ safety concerns continued. UFCW local […] Read more
Delayed castration more painful for calves
Researchers say calves are best off if producers castrate them as early as possible and use pain control measures
Cattle branding operations might have to look a bit different this year, with smaller crews and minimal socializing. If ranchers have to forgo branding or reduce crews, they should nevertheless ensure the bull calves are castrated at branding time or at as young an age as possible. “The work still needs to get done and […] Read more
Slaughter facility takes measure following case of COVID-19
One worker at Bouvry Exports in Fort Macleod, Alta., has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now quarantined at home. Alberta Health Services confirmed the case April 29 and officials have visited the plant twice in the past week, said Tom McMillan, assistant director of communications for Alberta Health, in an emailed response to queries. […] Read more
