Repealing COOL is the only option, says ag minister
Canada has applied to the World Trade Organization for $3 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs against the United States mandatory country-of-origin labelling law. The WTO dispute settlement body considers the request June 17 and if it approves, Canada may decide how and when to retaliate. The Canadian government wants the U.S. to repeal COOL, which […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
4-Her receives Premier’s award for contributions
Brennan Munro has retired from 4-H on a high note. The 17-year-old member of the Irricana Beef and Multi 4-H Club led out the grand champion market lamb at the Calgary 4-H on parade regional show held May 29-31. In addition, she was recently selected for the 2015 Premier’s award given each year to an […] Read more
NDP funds support more green community projects
The Alberta government boosts budget for municipalities to take on energy reducing projects
The Alberta NDP government is making good on a promise to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions with an injection of $2 million for municipalities to go green. The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre established in 2011 provides technical expertise and grants to local governments to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their energy […] Read moreAnimal activists plan welfare assessments for corporations
Animal rights groups plan to assess Canadian corporation’s commitment to animal welfare later this year. The Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare, sponsored by Compassion in World Farming and World Animal Protection, has been tracking food processors and retailers around the world. About 80 companies have been reviewed in three audits going back to 2012. […] Read more
University eager to use donation to educate veterinarians, farmers
A major donation to support animal welfare research at the University of Guelph will be devoted to further education for veterinarians and producers. Dairy giant Saputo donated at total of $1 million to the Universities of Guelph and Wisconsin to develop more courses for those working with cows. Guelph plans to create an intensive rotation […] Read more
U.S. House votes to end restrictive meat labels; Senate hurdle remains
The United States Houses of Representatives voted 300-131 on June 10 in favour of ending mandatory country of origin labels on imported beef and pork. The next hurdle is the U.S. Senate where some politicians are resisting change even though the World Trade Organization has ruled against COOL four times saying it discriminates against Canadian […] Read more
Family cattle company finds success with Wagyu
BRANT, Alta. – Brandon Ball polished off two Wagyu burgers before heading off to tour the pens where the family raises cattle for their branded beef program. “I’m spoiled by Wagyu,” he said. His grandfather Jack Ball, a Simmental breeder became involved with bringing the Japanese cattle to Canada via the United States in 1991. […] Read more
Alberta ranch listed at $54 million
Only serious inquiries will be considered for the sale of the Bar-N Ghost Pine Ranch listed for a record $54 million. Located in the Municipal District of Willow Creek in southern Alberta, the 14,740 acres working ranch is owned by oil and gas executive Greg Noval. He bought the property in 1992 and hopes to […] Read more
Hide colour no guarantee of quality in beef
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
Canada prepares to retaliate on COOL
Canada has applied to the World Trade Organization for $3 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs against the United States country of origin law. The WTO dispute settlement body considers the request on June 17 and if it approves, Canada may decide how and when to retaliate. The Canadian government wants the U.S. to repeal the […] Read more
