LONGVIEW, Alta. – Naturally raised, local beef is on the menu at Cornflower Ranch. Richard and Trudy Cutfield have been raising cattle for more than 20 years with a philosophy of clean air, water and naturally raised beef from their foothills ranch between Longview and Turner Valley in southwestern Alberta. They direct market as much […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Canadian company to produce pour-on ivermectin
Canadian cattle producers no longer have to visit the United States to buy cheaper versions of pour-on parasite control product for their animals. Alberta Veterinary Laboratories in Calgary has received approval to manufacture ivermectin pour-on for cattle, after four years of trials and submissions to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. It is […] Read more
Niche markets key to export growth
The continuing global recession and weakening meat demand have reduced beef and cattle prices worldwide, says Richard Brown, the British representative for Gira, a European agriculture and food market research firm. However, livestock herds are shrinking in number around the world and prices did not dip as catastrophically as they might have when the financial […] Read more
Students make space connection
VULCAN, Alta. – Four astronauts from the International Space Station found a fitting way to end their 20 minute conversation last week with southern Alberta high school students: live long and prosper. The ultimate in long-distance telephone conversations took place Sept. 23 at County Comprehensive High School in Vulcan. It was the result of months […] Read more
Beef export goals redrawn
The Canada Beef Export Federation has expanded its priority markets and scaled back export goals as trade restrictions continue and a worldwide recession slows demand. “Our 2015 goals currently indicate that we hope to only slightly exceed our 2002 performance,” said CBEF president Ted Haney at the organization’s annual meeting in Calgary Sept. 17. Canada’s […] Read more
U.S. seeks BSE status upgrade
The United States may apply for new BSE status by next February. The request to change to negligible from controlled risk would go before the world animal health organization, known as OIE, its French acronym, next February for consideration by member nations at the May annual meeting, said Debra Bryanton, executive director, food safety directorate […] Read more
Beef sector wants unified voice
The creation of the agricultural market access secretariat may provide the export focus lacking within the federal bureaucracy, say some industry players. A lack of leadership holds back the Canadian beef industry, said Scott Wooding of the Canada Beef Export Federation during the organization’s annual meeting in Calgary Sept. 17. “I see an industry that […] Read more
Alberta auctions receive market news
Alberta auction markets will deliver up-to-the-minute livestock news to customers by the end of the month. Communications officials from Alberta Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association will help install large, flat screen televisions at Perlich Bros. auction mart in Lethbridge and Vold Jones Vold in Ponoka. The TVs will deliver the latest agriculture news, […] Read more
Understanding weight gain helps with feeding regimen
RED DEER – Understanding how cattle grow could produce better marketing decisions. Because cattle are generally sold by the pound rather than by carcass quality, putting on weight is foremost in producers’ minds. “The most valuable animal in the pen is the one that weighs one lb. below the heavy weight discount,” researcher Ty Lawrence, […] Read more
Rapport with packer can benefit producers
RED DEER – Becoming friendly with a meat packer may seem like an unlikely alliance for beef producers, but it could be the best way to earn more money from their carcasses. “Develop a relationship with one or more packers beyond knowing the name and phone number of your cattle buyer,” said researcher Ty Lawrence, […] Read more
