When Canada was awarded the World Angus Forum six years ago, planning began almost immediately. Working with an army of volunteers, the Canadians decided to put on a memorable show at Calgary. The result was more than 1,000 head of Red and Black Angus cattle, nearly 800 registered delegates from 20 countries and hundreds more […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Best get better through genetics
Angus enthusiasts from 20 different countries may have differed in their preferences on cattle body type but they all agreed their breed is a rising star. John Tilson of Wedderlie Farm in Scotland was one of three judges at the World Angus Forum futurity show July 15. He has raised the black cattle all his […] Read more
Gene study shows diversity in Angus breed
Livestock producers have more tools to select the ideal animal than ever before thanks to the escalating knowledge gained from genetic research. However, some worry that artificial insemination and embryo transfer from high performing animals could dilute a breed’s genetic pool. “It has been suggested with reproductive technology like AI and embryo transfer, it can […] Read more
Gene study shows diversity in Angus breed
The dream of finding the right DNA to build the perfect animal is getting closer to reality as powerful computers analyze millions of snips of genetic information. The information sold to cattle producers is getting better all the time but much more needs to be done, said Jerry Taylor of the University of Missouri. He […] Read more
‘Perfect specimen’ gets top award
A 40 hour trip to the Calgary Stampede was well worth it for two Ontario sheep farms. Supreme championships were awarded to Stonehill Sheep Farm of Chatsworth for the best ewe and Todd Farms of Lucknow for the best ram over 11 breeds competing at the All Canada Sheep Classic July 8-13. Purebred sheep producers […] Read more
‘Perfect specimen’ gets top award
Allowing livestock to graze riparian areas may be an option this year if dry conditions continue. Norine Ambrose, the program manager for the cows and fish program within the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society, said such areas could be productive if managed carefully now. “Many riparian areas can be grazed effectively but still they are […] Read more
Horse slaughter traceability rules worry food exporters
Better nutrition and management and a higher incidence of twins in the exotic and Holstein breeds means some larger herds can have up to a 10 percent twinning rate. Statistically, 25 percent of the twins will both be male, 25 percent will both be female and 50 percent will be mixed. In the 50 percent […] Read more
Identify freemartins to reduce losses
A 40 hour trip to the Calgary Stampede was well worth it for two Ontario sheep farms. Supreme championships were awarded to Stonehill Sheep Farm of Chatsworth for the best ewe and Todd Farms of Lucknow for the best ram over 11 breeds competing at the All Canada Sheep Classic July 8-13. Purebred sheep producers […] Read more
Charity group helps women in need
After 10 years of thrills and few spills, the Chickwagon has become a permanent fixture at the Calgary Stampede chuck wagon races. The dream child of 10 Calgary women entrepreneurs, the rig started in 1999 as a fun way for them to participate in the 10 day cowboy festival. Since then, the concept of the […] Read more
Feed plentiful for those left
The strong possibility of a poor quality crop means lots of livestock feed may be available, but this is doing little to lift the spirits of livestock producers. Brant Randles, president of Louis Dreyfus Canada, told the International Livestock Congress in Calgary July 11 that livestock inventories are shrinking and livestock prices are falling. “Prices […] Read more
