When Saskatchewan rancher Jack Hextall participated in his first trade mission to Asia, he took along a photo album to show his hosts pictures of his home at Grenfell. He was pleasantly surprised when people showed a genuine interest and wanted to learn more about his home and how he produces beef. “They really want […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Group urges check-off hike for increased promotion, research
Canada Beef delegates have proposed increasing the national beef checkoff to $2.50 per head to fund national beef programs. A resolution to increase the current non-refundable levy from $1 to $2.50 per animal sold was passed by delegates to the research, market development and promotion agency’s annual meeting in Calgary Sept. 18. The money goes […] Read more
Mexican firm urges increased beef production in Canada
If Canadians produce more beef, Mexico will buy it. Mauricio Usabiago Diaz-Barriga, a partner in the family owned food distribution company Susazon in central Mexico, said Canada needs a strategy to expand it current cattle beef herd. The Canadian herd size, now at around 13 million head, has been declining for nearly a decade. “Canada […] Read more
Farmer proves sunflowers work in short growing season
LESLIEVILLE, Alta. — Roger Bott decided eight years ago that he wanted a challenge, so he set aside two acres of his mixed farm and grew sunflowers. Sunflowers in Alberta are not uncommon, but the idea seemed out of reach for someone living near Rocky Mountain House with its short growing season. “Somebody said you […] Read more
Market garden directly involves customers
Lois and Wayne Hazell use community shared agriculture to make a connection with the consumers buying their food
LESLIEVILLE, Alta. — People who farm in west-central Alberta become slaves to the weather. Frost or snow can come at anytime, hail is a constant summer threat and dryness, which stunted this year’s crop, can also be a problem. Wayne and Lois Hazell were up against these challenges when they decided to start a market […] Read moreResearchers add value to beef fat
LACOMBE, Alta. — Turning beef fat into a healthy product could be possible as scientists learn more about the effects of feed and genetics. A 1,200 pound steer with a half inch of back fat and average muscling yields a 750 lb. carcass. Breaking down that carcass produces 490 lb. of boneless trimmed beef, 150 […] Read more
Cattle producers continue to reduce herd
The total inventory of cattle and calves as of July 1 was 23 percent below its peak level recorded in 2005
The Canadian cattle herd continues to shrink, although some are wondering if the latest statistics reflect what is happening in the countryside. Record prices should be a signal to expand, said Bill Jameson, a partner at JGL Livestock in Moose Jaw, Sask. “Return on investment usually spurs expansion. If this is not the case, I […] Read moreEducation kept PED at bay: veterinarian
Informing producers about the importance of biosecurity and correct livestock truck cleaning paid off
LACOMBE, Alta. — Canadian farmers may have dodged the catastrophic effects of porcine epidemic diarrhea because their biosecurity practices were exemplary, says an Alberta veterinarian. The United States has lost eight million pigs on thousands of farms since May 2013, while Canada had only 109 cases, and half those farms are now considered negative for […] Read moreInfrared camera records changes in body heat to track hogs’ health
LACOMBE, Alta. — Future technology may tell hog farmers if their animals are sick or stressed before they ever show symptoms. Scientists at the Agriculture Canada research centre near Lacombe are using infrared thermography to monitor pigs’ health and behaviour. Livestock welfare researcher Nigel Cook of Alberta Agriculture told an Aug. 19 field day at […] Read more
Love of farming weaves through many generations
CROSSFIELD, Alta. — For the Taks, the Master Farm Family Award from their county is affirmation that they are doing something right. Peter Taks, 90, still takes an active interest in the multi-generational operation near Crossfield. His son, Murray, and Murray’s wife, Reba, work with their sons, Kevin and his wife, Amy, and Ryan and […] Read more
