Disease prevalent in Alberta | Researchers hope to develop oral vaccine for young calves
University of Calgary researchers are working on a new type of oral Johne’s disease vaccine for calves that may provide immunity. Oral doses are an improvement over an injection of killed vaccine because they can travel to the spot where the offending bacteria are found in the intestine. “We believe we need a vaccine that […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
92 Hereford bulls sold for $4,917 at Calgary sale
The unofficial sale results for the Calgary Bull Sale were $4,917 on 92 Hereford bulls. The 114th annual event was held March 6 with smaller than usual entries from Alberta Hereford and Angus breeders. Angus results were not available. The grand champion Angus bull was from Lorenz Angus Farm at Markerville. It sold for $4,200 […] Read more
Outstanding young farmers honoured
Dairy farm, market garden | Couple raise purebred Holsteins and free range laying hens, and grow organic crops
BANFF, Alta. — Dairy farmers Richard and Nicole Brousseau of St. Paul have been named Alberta’s outstanding young farmers for 2014. Working with Nicole’s parents, Bert and Yvonne Poulin, they have 50 purebred Holsteins at Moo-Lait Family Farm. Both worked off the farm at Lakeland College in the dairy division, although neither expected to eventually […] Read moreLivestock feed trapped in transportation slowdown
This winter’s hunt for feed grain has been frustrating for British Columbia livestock owners. “It has been almost impossible to get a steady supply since November,” said Bill Freding, who owns Southern Plus Feedlots near Oliver, B.C. He knows piles of grain are sitting on the Prairies, but he can’t access them. With grain movement […] Read more
Malting barley markets may be on doorstep
Domestic sales opportunities | Craft brew masters seek varieties of hops and barley with less protein and beta glucan
Canada has worked hard to find international buyers for its malting barley, but the best customers might be right here at home. Craft beer is one percent of the world’s production of 200 billion litres, but its growth since 2004 has been measured in double digits. Annual sales of craft beer in North America from […] Read moreUSDA food sustainability focus worries beef group
Beef called unsustainable The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association fears a drop in beef consumption
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United States may revise its dietary guidelines next year with greater focus on eating more fruit and vegetables and promoting food sustainability. The guidelines are assessed every five years, said Kristina Butts, a Washington based policy analyst with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The dietary guidelines are based on calories and […] Read morePopulation growth sparks opportunities in agriculture
Export markets expand | A growing middle class and increasing demand for food will spur livestock and grain sales
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Agricultural producers should be bullish about their prospects as global demand for food grows every year. “Every year we are adding 78 million people to the planet,” said Brett Stuart of Cattlefax. “That is the equivalent of nine New York Cities every year.” Income growth is also positive, which means an increased […] Read moreCattle sector creating code of practice for feedlots
RED DEER — The National Cattle Feeders Association is drawing up a feedlot code of practice to help feedlot owners assess animal health and welfare, environmental status, transportation and employee training. Packers and retailers already have animal welfare standards, which feedlots are expected to follow. “There are things happening and if we don’t get ahead […] Read more
Now; How embryo technology revolutionized an industry; Then: Guelph scientists develop embryo freezing technique
Creating a life from a transferred embryo of no more than 150 cells is a miracle every time a new calf or lamb is born. The first calf resulting from an embryo transfer was produced experimentally in 1951, but it took more than 20 years to commercialize the science. NOW: A major breakthrough occurred when […] Read more
Alberta chicken farmers to leave national organization
RED DEER — Alberta Chicken Producers has parted ways with its national organization. An ongoing dispute over quota allocation prompted the provincial organization to serve notice it is leaving the Chicken Farmers of Canada. The final opt out goes into effect July 31, 2014. “It is with great disappointment that despite all the efforts we […] Read more
