Students learn how to process an animal carcass ‘from nose to tail’
OLDS, Alta. — The motto on the coat of arms at the Olds College National Meat Training Centre declares: “revive the art.” The centre has been operating since 1969, and teachers at the college wants people to think of butchery as an honourable profession. “There was a period where if you said you were a […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Fababeans economical, environmentally friendly
Research shows the beans fix more nitrogen into the soil than field peas
THREE HILLS, Alta. — More than half a million acres of fababeans would be grown on the Prairies if Paul Wipf had his way. The farm manager of the Hutterian Brethren colony at Viking, Alta., has fallen for fababeans in a big way after the manager of the colony’s hog operation convinced him they needed […] Read moreMeat centre educates global buyers, aims to build Canadian quality brand
The facility holds meat-cutting demonstrations and cooking classes
Marty Carpenter exudes delight as he walks through the kitchen at the Canada Beef Centre of Excellence. “Why would a chef want to leave a kitchen like this,” said Carpenter, who is head chef for Canada Beef Inc. Working with master butcher Abe van Meile, they will be welcoming the world to the centre to […] Read moreEfficient animals produce more beef for the buck
Animals that eat less than required for growth have a negative residual feed intake
OLDS, Alta. — Two bull calves standing in a pasture may look the same, but one could be more feed efficient than the other. That trait is an economic benefit to the cattle industry because feed costs are the largest expense in raising beef. Bulls that eat less but gain the same are considered more […] Read moreWorms weaken milk output
RED DEER — Parasites picked up in pastures can reduce a dairy cow’s milk production and inhibit its ability to fight off disease. “One of the things we have seen in the last 10 years is that we have really learned how these parasites affect the immune system,” said Donald Bliss, a veterinary parasitologist from […] Read more
Producers assess sustainability
Egg Farmers of Alberta wants to narrow the great divide between producers and the millions of consumers who buy their products each year. A sustainability strategy has been launched to assess the state of egg farming in the province. Egg farmers already follow mandatory food safety and animal welfare programs as part of their license […] Read more
Pumping water improves pastures
OLDS, Alta.— Cleaner drinking water and less erosion around creeks are obvious from the start when ranchers install new watering systems. Ian Murray of Acme, Alta., installed off-site watering systems when he started Shoestring Ranch in 2007. He pumps water from a dugout during winter and started to see benefits right away, despite experiencing glitches […] Read more
Social media may bridge gap between rural, city residents
Group invites farm families to post photos via Twitter to depict their struggles and rewards
RED DEER — For decades, farmers have commented on the lack of connection between them and urbanites. Social media might be the answer, especially for young farm families who want to meet with others like them to share common ideas or pick up some useful skills. One of these connections can be found through a […] Read moreBeef program requires records of sustainable practices
OTTAWA — The beef industry’s on-farm food safety program is being enhanced. Animal welfare, environmental care and biosecurity components have been added to the verified beef program to ensure customers that Canadian beef comes from responsible and sustainable operations. The voluntary program documents animal health and husbandry practices. Rob McNabb of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association […] Read more
Watering systems require monitoring to ensure quality, maximum weight gain
OLDS, Alta.— A good livestock watering system involves management, time and sometimes on-farm tinkering. “There is nothing made yet that you can just walk away from and say, ‘see you next spring.’ These things require attention,” said Bill Cunningham of Promold Marketing of Crossfield, Alta. His company manufactures and sells sheds, feeders and water systems. […] Read more
