Many commercial dairy producers rely on semen supply companies to take care of the genetic improvements in their herds. Sue DeNise of the animal health company Zoetis said genomic testing heifers could help producers introduce improvements at an even faster pace than relying mostly on new bulls. “We are trying to educate producers on how […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Inspection policy needs updating:CFIA official
TORONTO — There is an international effort to lower the level of food borne illnesses caused by a host of micro-organisms that get into people’s guts and wreak havoc. In Canada, ongoing tests and surveillance of meat products and processing plants show low levels of troublesome bugs like listeria, salmonella and E. coli, said Martin […] Read more
Food borne illnesses often unreported, preventable
Poor personal hygiene, food preparation causes | Many people don’t see a doctor unless they are ‘almost dying,’ says biologist
TORONTO — Every year, one out of every eight Canadians gets food poisoning. However, many cases are not reported because few people get sick enough to go to the doctor. “If you have a very mild case, you are less likely to seek medical care and less likely to submit samples,” said epidemiologist Kate Thomas […] Read moreBeef brand must be used judiciously: Sunterra
Promotion and marketing | Canada Beef Inc. warned not to water down value of logo by branding all products
Most people intuitively recognize logos and slogans of popular products, but imprinting the Canadian beef brand into consumers’ psyche may take some work. Canada Beef Inc. is charged with marketing and promoting beef at home and abroad but must find ways to gain widespread brand recognition. Promoting the bright red maple leaf brand as a […] Read moreOntario fruit farm values community connection
700 acres, 80 employees | Family farm keeps abreast of new varieties, technology and marketing methods
WATERLOO, Ont. — Peter Katona reaches up into a tree, pulls off an apple and takes a big bite. “Now, that’s a McIntosh,” he said as he enjoyed the crisp fruit. There’s a passion for growing a good apple at Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, complemented by a drive to keep the farm sustainable for future […] Read moreAlberta ranch donates beef to Canada’s Olympic luge team
One southern Alberta ranching family will be paying special attention to the 2014 Olympics winter games in Sochi when they cheer for the Canadian National Luge team. The Barnert family of Okotoks decided to support the athletes with a large donation of beef. “We felt it was one of those things we could give back. […] Read more
Insects healthy alternatives to traditional meat
High in protein | Insects are environmentally friendly and more sustainable than livestock farming
SASKATOON — Eating insects may not appeal to many westerners, but they are commonly eaten in other parts of the world. Flies, caterpillars, ants, worms and beetles do not take up much space and are easy to raise, said Kaori Inside, a former editor with the online news service All About Feed who is now […] Read moreU.S. reaps plenty of corn but demand also rising
SASKATOON — Livestock producers could find relief from feed costs if the United States corn harvest meets expectations of a bumper crop. However, the demands on that crop for biofuel, exports and food will continue, said Joel Newman, president and chief executive officer of the American Feed Industry Association. To meet the U.S. federal renewable […] Read more
Canada Beef chair forced to do more with less
Government funding, check-off dollars down | The organization could see its promotion budget cut by $4.5 million by 2015
Chuck MacLean wears two hats when he comes to the Canada Beef Inc. board table. He is chair of the beef promotion company but is also a successful rancher and feedlot operator from southern Alberta who upholds a business philosophy of constant improvement. “In my world, your biggest competitor is yourself. We challenge ourselves to […] Read moreManure, water recycler wins technology award
A Calgary company has been recognized for its technology to recycle manure to clean water. Livestock Water Recycling won $100,000 from the Globe and Mail and Telus small business challenge contest. The money is expected to be used to upgrade its recycling system and laboratories. The company works with dairy and hog farms, as well […] Read more
