Researchers aiming for 180 bushels per acre
Corn’s competitive edge over barley could lessen if Alberta researchers succeed in boosting the latter’s yields from 60 to 180 bushels per acre. “The genetics are out there to do 256 bu. an acre of barley,” said Steve Larocque, who farms near Three Hills, Alta., and is president of Beyond Agronomy, a private company. The […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Program geared to satisfy push for sustainable practices
Alberta grain producers hope they can answer corporate questions about sustainability when the big food companies come calling. About 40 farmers have joined a pilot project to test three initiatives and gain a better idea of what sus-tainability means at the grassroots level. Jason Lenz is one of those farmers. He believes many of the […] Read more
BSE case shows value of testing
‘Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas,’ says Alberta’s chief veterinarian of BSE surveillance
RED DEER — The latest discovery of a BSE-infected animal in Alberta should not spell the end of testing. In fact, the opposite should happen, Gerald Hauer, Alberta’s chief veterinarian, told the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, which was held in Red Deer Feb. 18-20. “Now is not the time to take our foot off the […] Read moreMcDonald’s signs on to sustainable production
RED DEER — McDonald’s is ready to test its sustainability program on Canadian farms. It also wants Canada to know other countries are anxious to join the movement and get McDonald’s business, company executives told the Alberta Beef Industry Conference, which was held in Red Deer Feb. 18-20. “Keep in mind we will get it […] Read more
Zilmax back on shelf under new regulations
The feed additive is allowed in a mixed ration at a lower dose and cannot be used as a top dressing
Canada has approved a new label for Zilmax. The Canadian Veterinary Drug Directorate allows the beta agonist additive from Merck Animal Health to be fed to cattle weighing at least 450 kilograms at a lower dose than previously recommended. The product was pulled from the market in 2013 following reports of lameness in slaughter cattle. […] Read moreAnalyst sees lower, stable livestock input costs
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Stable grain prices and falling crude oil prices mean lower input costs for livestock producers this year. Tight corn supplies followed by record grain prices hit beef, pork and poultry sectors hard between 2010-12. Prices started to relax as supplies rebuilt and eased the burden of high feed costs. “We are […] Read more
Antibiotic resistance spurs research collaboration
RED DEER — Chicken and beef producers have agreed to share important information about antibiotics and resistance problems. Both sectors have animals living in confinement and both have come up against troublesome bugs that are resistant to commonly used medications. The Institute for Applied Poultry Technologies is sharing its equipment and laboratory expertise in a […] Read more
DNA test enhances selection
SAN ANTONIO, Texas —Heifer selection has historically been based on visual characteristics such as structural soundness and femininity. However, visual selection does not always reveal which animals are the most fertile or produce the best calves, said Mike Amos of the livestock pharmaceutical firm Zoetis. He and Zoetis geneticist Kent Anderson recently attended the National […] Read more
Producers want red meat distinction in guide
U.S. food guide revisions don’t differentiate between lean cuts like steaks and roasts, and higher fat processed meats
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Less meat and more plant-based food could be the basis of a revised food guide in the United States. The actual guidelines may not be released until the end of the year, but more servings of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, fish and legumes are expected to dominate. Moderate intake of […] Read more
Grazing lease changes proposed
RED DEER — A proposal to change Alberta’s grazing lease agreements is not likely to be settled until next fall. The major cattle groups met last November and agreed to increased rates. Formulas were created to calculate rates that considered associated costs and profits derived from a lease. Rental rates would be calculated as a […] Read more
