Forage inventory needed Ranchers say they play second fiddle to forest industry, pasture forage needs often overlooked by government
VERNON, B.C. — The competition for resources is a common theme on the diverse landscape of British Columbia. Ninety-four percent of the province is crown owned land, and ranchers depend on one-third of that for grazing. These days, they compete against wildlife as well as recreation, mining, forestry and urbanization. Ranchers sometimes feel they are […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Slaughter plants should broadcast live: Temple Grandin
BANFF, Alta. — Animal behaviorist Temple Grandin has often said meat packing plants should have a live video on the internet to show what really happens to the millions of cattle, pigs and birds that are processed each year. The American Meat Institute has taken her suggestion to heart, said chief executive officer Patrick Boyle. […] Read more
4H on Parade auction sets record
A record price of $60 per pound was bid for a market lamb raised for a charitable cause at Calgary’s annual 4H on Parade held May 31-June 2. Each year clubs volunteer to raise a lamb and a steer to be auctioned off with proceeds going to the charity of the club’s choice. This year […] Read more
Wildlife damage an ongoing issue
Cattle producers pass resolution | Deer, elk and wolves pressure grasslands and cattle herds
VERNON, B.C. — Doug Fossen used to think it was a treat to see an occasional elk crossing his range in the southern interior of British Columbia. Not anymore. “We are getting herds of 50 or 60,” he said. Exploding populations of deer, elk and predators are driving B.C. ranchers to distraction as they fight […] Read more
Canada leads the way in BSE research
Evolving science | Research and policy have expanded and intensified since BSE was first discovered in Canada in 2003
The way the world thinks about and reacts to BSE has changed thanks to Canada’s experience and influence. An international panel praised the country for its thorough inquiry and trace back after Canadian authorities completed their investigation into the first case reported in May 2003. “It has really positioned Canadian science in a very visible […] Read moreCOOL could affect cattle marketing
VERNON, B.C. — The latest version of the U.S. country-of-origin labelling law could force producers to make hard decisions when they sell cattle this fall. “It is going to affect the direction our cattle go,” said British Columbia feedlot owner Bill Freding of Oliver. Like many other producers close to the border, he relied on […] Read more
Producers thankful for gov’t support
BSE skewed markets | Governments scrambled to send assistance to floundering producers
Minutes after Ben Thorlakson got the news that Canada had a confirmed case of BSE, he was thinking about the thousands of cattle he and others had on feed. Where would they go now that international markets suddenly closed for live animals and beef? “I thought this could be it. I said to myself, ‘Ralph […] Read moreConversations about BSE: industry insiders share their beefs
Many Canadian cattle producers were shocked when the discovery of BSE caused most countries to close their borders to Canadian cattle and beef. Restoring trade access took far longer than expected, and the disruption ravaged the industry. Here’s how some key players experienced the storm. ‘by god, i needed that 16 cents’ In the early […] Read more
B.C. ranchers receive environmental award
VERNON, B.C. – Dave and Wanda Casorso of Oliver, B.C. have received the province’s environmental stewardship award. Presented annually by the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association, the award recognizes outstanding efforts to improve the land, forage and water on ranch land. Wildlife habitat improvement is also recognized. The Casorso Ranch is located in the south Okanagan […] Read more
New technology helps probe into meat quality
Scan assesses meat and fat | DEXA and near infrared technology could provide more reliable data for meat grading
LACOMBE, Alta. — Visual appraisal plays a large part in meat grading, but instruments with a basis in human medicine could add a new dimension to how pork and beef quality is assessed. “We are just in the investigation process to see how far we can go with the quality aspects,” said Jennifer Aalhus, an […] Read more
