Black cattle are segregated at packing plants, but few end up in a premium Angus beef program
Plenty of black cattle graze across North America, but hide colour does not mean they are going to produce high quality beef. Black cattle are segregated at packing plants and could end up in a premium Angus beef program. However, the number that actually make the grade is not that high. “We do have to […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Order of Excellence goes to Alta. cattle producer
Stan Grad succeeded in the oil industry and also founded a purebred operation that developed its own composite breed
Stan Grad is a modest man who credits most of his success in business to a host of friends and mentors. This fall, the Alberta rancher and oilman is receiving the Alberta Order of Excellence, the highest honour the province can bestow on a citizen. The owner and founder of Soderglen Ranches, Canada’s largest purebred […] Read moreResearchers link healthy soil to human health
The world has long understood that healthy soils mean healthy crops, but the link after that, to human health, can sometimes go unnoticed. “We know soil health is very closely linked to human health through food security and the nutrients it provides for us,” said Lara Moody of the Fertilizer Institute from the United States. […] Read more
Sainfoin, alfalfa handle drought, fix soil nitrogen: expert
LETHBRIDGE — Alfalfa and sainfoin may be the only forage crops left standing in a dry year like this one. “We are seeing the legumes growing because of their drought avoidance,” said Alberta Agriculture forage specialist Grant Lastiwka. “Every year has droughts someplace in the system. I would like to be able to deal with […] Read more
Alta. drought counties declare disaster areas
A growing list of Alberta counties have declared themselves agriculture disaster areas as drought spreads across the province. The northern counties of Sturgeon, Leduc, Mackenzie, Parkland and Thorhild and the southwestern county of Cypress are suffering from severe dryness as crops and pastures shrivel, and more could join their ranks. Deciding to declare a disaster […] Read more
Study to determine why cattle arrive in bad shape
Alberta Farm Animal Care has received $268,000 for a two year study on compromised cattle arriving at auctions and abattoirs. The program starts later this summer and early fall, when the condition of cattle being delivered to these facilities will be assessed, said executive director Angela Greter. Someone will be present on sale days to […] Read more
Boy in Sask. farm accident dies
There will be a celebration of life for 10-year-old Cody Sibbald, who died July 22 after he was injured in a tractor accident on the family ranch July 8 at Beechy, Sask. The gathering will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Beechy Community Hall. He was the son of Angus breeders Russell and […] Read more
Researchers examine effects of oil activity on pasture
DUCHESS, Alta. — A research project is investigating the impacts of energy companies’ activity on rangeland. The University of Alberta had first-hand experience when two electricity companies wanted to erect major towers and power lines across its Matthies Ranch near Duchess. “They had a really good manual for cultivated areas, but a manual for native […] Read more
Scientists ponder what will replace animal antibiotics
Prebiotics, probiotics, organic acid and essential oils are not perfect substitutes for antibiotics now being used
A combination of products may be needed to replace the antibiotics that are used to treat livestock. Research into essential oils, probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes and short chain fatty acids shows these compounds might work to some degree, but none are likely as effective as a good antibiotic, said a group of scientists during an international […] Read moreB.C. juice makers relocate to Montana
Calgary bureau A hard decision to sell a multi-generation farm has turned into a positive business opportunity. Gary and Sue Snow of Creston, B.C., decided to sell their cherry orchard while still producing award winning juice under the Tabletree label. Within a couple days of selling the property, they were offered a chance to set […] Read more
