A Calgary company hopes to break into the alternative protein market using prairie grown oilseeds. Working with Corteva Canada and Rowland Farms, the company is developing a new processing technology to separate protein and oil from crops that can be used for personal products, food and animal feed. The company has perfected a proprietary technique […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Feds fund beef projects
The federal government is investing $8.3 million to support six projects within the Canadian beef industry. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canada Beef, the Canadian Beef Breeds Council and the Canadian Angus Association will receive funds through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s federally delivered programs. Announced by federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau at the Calgary Stampede July […] Read more
Research solidifies cattle’s role in soil health
A British scientist argues that higher stocking rates and uniform distribution of animals lead to better soil structure
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Long-term grasslands studies have made researchers like Taro Takahashi a believer in the environmental value of livestock and grazing. Takahashi is a research scientist whose work at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire, England, includes a life-cycle assessment of pasture-based cattle production systems. Rothamsted Research is one of the oldest agriculture research institutions in […] Read moreCattle producer hopes to build on Angus breed’s momentum
DRUMHELLER, Alta. — Keeping the Angus momentum going was one of the goals of New Brunswick producer Trevor Welch. The retiring president of the Canadian Angus Association wants to continue building the brand while maintaining friendly ties with other breeds. “In Canada, Angus is two-thirds of the cow herd and we want to maintain that […] Read more
Meat ban not political: sector
A Chinese ban on pork and beef should not damage Canada’s international reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and high quality food, said industry officials. Falsified export certificates on a shipment of frozen pork that landed in China earlier this month caused the ban, according to the Chinese government. The product also tested positive […] Read more
Healthy soil depends on the life below ground
Producers can measure microbial activity, carbon level, infiltration and aggregates to see if their soil is being built up
DIDSBURY, Alta. — The livestock, both above and below ground, work together to keep soil healthy. When fungi, bacteria, insects, plants and grazing animals work together, soil structure can be built with plenty of organic matter to provide a healthy habitat. “Soil organic matter is an essential natural resource for your soil,” said Jill Clapperton […] Read more
School develops centre of excellence for ag
Proponents argue such initiatives make rural schools and communities more sustainable and educates public about farming
ALTARIO, Alta. — There is a positive spirit at Altario School where the community and students have come together to promote agriculture. Located in east-central Alberta, the school has 65 students from kindergarten to Grade 12 and was determined remain a vibrant part of the community. With the help of the Prairie Land School Division, […] Read more
Proper practices increase vaccine efficiency
A veterinarian says many factors are involved in disease control, and timing of vaccination is one of the most important
DRUMHELLER, Alta. — Timing is important to provide the best vaccine protection for beef cattle. Producers might think that when their animals become sick, they need better or new vaccines, said veterinarian Rob Tremblay at the recent Canadian Angus Association annual meeting held in Drumheller. However, disease control is multi-faceted and other factors can play […] Read moreFeeding minerals can improve pregnancy success rates
Prenatal nutrition is critical along with weight gain to ensure enough nutrients are reaching the fetus and the mother
Cattle producers know cows have to be managed properly to produce a vigorous calf. New research is also showing added minerals beyond normal requirements improves the pregnancy’s chances of success, said animal scientist Reinaldo Fernandes Cooke of Texas A & M University. “The nutritional management of cows in gestation has a direct impact on calves […] Read more
Canadian beef on foreign consumers’ radar
Affluent consumers in Mexico, China, Taiwan and Japan are aware of Canadian beef and have favourable opinions
EDMONTON — Canada has made impressive inroads thanks to new trade agreements and market strategies that aim for the biggest bang for the buck. “We may not be the biggest and we may not be in every market,” said Bryan Walton, retired manager of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association and now a consultant. “What can […] Read more
