Antibiotics for treatment, not prevention | Medically beneficial antibiotics can only be used under advice of a veterinarian
Health Canada plans to phase out the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock. In a notice issued April 10, the federal department said the move is designed to minimize development of antimicrobial resistance. In collaboration with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), Health Canada said it will implement two key measures: removal of […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Weevils tackle toadflax, save farmer money
Randy Archibald was skeptical that 50 weevils could make a dent in the yellow toadflax that was taking over parts of his Alberta ranch. The yellow-headed noxious weed was growing profusely along four kilometres of steep riverbank land that was nearly impossible to reach with a sprayer. Camrose County arrived each year with side boom […] Read more
Overcautiousness can stifle research: scientists
Precautionary principle | Researchers say too much regulatory oversight can result in paralysis and a lack of decisions
OMAHA, Neb. — Progress is stifled when regulators are too cautious during risk assessments of new technology that has the potential to boost crop yields or create healthier animals, said an American businessperson. “We as an industry must have access to innovative ideas, innovative methods, innovative technologies, and if we in fact are going to […] Read moreMonitor body condition to improve reproduction
Breeding efficiency | Veterinarian recommends producers assess animal fat and feed accordingly before breeding
Reproduction is the most important productivity measurement affecting profitability in a cow herd. “Cow costs are important,” said John Campbell of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. “We can’t ignore that, but we probably can’t sacrifice reproduction too much when we reduce cow costs. If we don’t have a calf at the end of the […] Read moreEfficiency, improvements key to agriculture, beef production
Experts look at ways to reduce industry’s environmental footprint
RED DEER — Sustainable intensification may be the only way to feed the world, says a scientist with Agriculture Canada. “If we are going to feed the people of the world, intensification is the only way we are going to do it,” Tim McAllister told the Alberta Beef Industry Conference held in Red Deer Feb. […] Read more
Life revolves around Angus for devoted breeder
Still judging cattle | Breeder enjoys meeting others in the business
Some of Bud McBride’s dreams are coming true after 75 years of involvement with black cattle. “In our dispersal catalogue, I wrote a line saying, ‘I can hardly wait to see the pastures turn black,’ and have they ever,” he said in an interview during the recent Calgary Bull Sale, where he judged the Angus […] Read more
Breeders irked by plan to revoke pedigree act
A federal government proposal to repeal the Animal Pedigree Act has received two thumbs down from animal breeders. Producers discussed the 105-year-old act during the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation annual meeting in Calgary April 5. A near unanimous vote opposed revoking the act, which was last amended in 1988. The livestock records corporation administers the […] Read more
Former CFIA president gets honourary degree
Dr. Brian Evans is the first recipient of an honourary degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Calgary. Evans is the retired executive vice-president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and was the country’s chief veterinary officer for 15 years. He graduated from the University of Guelph with a bachelor of science in agriculture […] Read more
U.S. pork sector makes PED research a priority
Results expected in months | Researchers focus on how virus is shed, sow immunity and how much resistance is required
OMAHA, Neb. — The U.S. pork industry has accelerated research into porcine epidemic diarrhea to get answers about a disease that has killed millions of young pigs in less than a year. Research projects that might have taken years are now expected to produce results within months, said Lisa Becton of the National Pork Board. […] Read moreClassroom Agriculture Program needs volunteers in Alberta
Alberta’s Classroom Agriculture Program needs volunteers to talk to Grade 4 students about farming and food production. Each year from April to June, more than 20,000 children get to meet with farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and other people involved in agriculture to learn about where their food comes from. This year, the program is oversubscribed in […] Read more
