OTTAWA — Electronic technology could revolutionize the cattle industry. Smartphones capable of reading individual cattle identification tags and scanners to detect E. coli 0157:H7 or find internal bruises are at the prototype stage, said Mark Klassen of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. The mobile tag reader is at the second prototype stage, he told the CCA […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Study examines reasons behind shipping of unhealthy animals
A two-year study wants to find out why cattle in poor shape show up at auctions and processing plants. “We are looking at what is compromised and where are they coming from and what are the conditions that make this worse,” said Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein of Agriculture Canada. The beef and dairy industries want to know […] Read more
How to treat minor health issues
COCHRANE, Alta. — Horse owners need to know basic first aid because a veterinarian is not always nearby. “First aid is something every horse owner should know,” said Calgary horse trainer Ron Anderson. Horse owners can learn to treat minor problems, administer de-wormers and give vaccinations, he told a horse workshop held in Coch-rane April […] Read more
Diligent biosecurity halts disease spread
PED has heightened awareness of how diseases can spread, especially from farm to farm through livestock trailers
A deadly virus that killed millions of pigs in the United States motivated a Canadian trucking company to get innovative when attempting to keep disease out of its livestock trailers. “The PED (porcine epidemic diarrhea) virus came along and we were looking at ways to heat the trailers and kill some of the bacteria and […] Read moreEgg Farmers of Alberta seeks candidates for new entrant program offering free quota
Applications are open for new farmers interested in getting into the Alberta egg business. Egg Farmers of Alberta are accepting new entrant program applications from May 1 to June 25. Last year, seven new farmers were accepted, said a news release from the egg farmers. The new entrant program issues bird quota at no cost […] Read more
U.S. cattle feeders feel price pinch
Canadian counterparts are benefitting from the low dollar, high prices and good export demand
North American cattle prices have been at a record highs for the last four quarters, but the party may soon be over if Canadian market trends follow what’s happening in the United States. Those expensive feeder cattle placed in U.S. feedlots last fall are being sold at huge losses. Based on the cash market without […] Read moreBe prudent, don’t panic, says Alberta economist
While the oil and gas sector has taken a dive, other sectors in the province are faring well, absorbing some loses in the labour market
RED DEER, Alta. — The biggest threat to the Alberta economy is uncertainty, not $55 oil, says the chief economist of ATB Financial. “I really don’t think Albertans should worry about the economy. I am not saying we shouldn’t be prudent and we ignore what is going on because 2015 will be a challenging year […] Read moreWater treatment system delays processing facility
The opening of a new beef processing plant on the outskirts of Calgary has been delayed. Harmony Beef, located in Rocky-view County, needs to design a water and wastewater treatment system that will satisfy the municipality. Harmony may either truck wastewater in and out or tie into the county’s existing service infrastructure, said Grant Kaiser […] Read more
Farmers dispute energy company’s reclamation work
STAUFFER, Alta. — Dennis Murphy says a four acre well site on his farm has turned into a weed-riddled eyesore he wants cleaned up. After seven years of arguing with regulatory authorities and the oil company holding the lease, he and his partner, Bonny Carson, have had enough. Murphy says his dispute with Bonavista Energy […] Read more
Comic books featured at Aggie Days
A series of 10 comics about 11-year-old Chase Superman Duffy is bringing the wonder of growing things to Alberta students. Chase is featured in a series of graphic novels that combines science, fantasy, mystery and adventure for readers eight to 12 years old. In each story, Chase visits his grandfather’s central Alberta farm and practises […] Read more
