Ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership was music to David Haywood-Farmer’s ears. “It will put us in a great spot to get things done,” said the president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. Getting the deal done on the CPTPP was a top lobbying goal for the CCA, even though there were […] Read more
Author Archives
Beef exports poised for big jump, thanks to new trade deal
Crops tested in semi-arid conditions
Planting a mixture of forage species may increase productivity on tame pastures. The concept of multiple species is not new but past trials were conducted in higher moisture areas, so researchers at Agriculture Canada’s Swift Current research centre decided to try forage mixes in a semi-arid environment. The results were mostly favourable but also showed […] Read more
Fed cattle markets continue downward slide
Prices dropped 15 percent from the highest point in January to the low in summer, but it’s not as bad as most years
Feedlot and cow-calf margins are slipping downward as the beef market heads toward the end of the year. From the highest point in January to the low in summer, fed cattle prices dropped 15 percent, said Canfax analyst Dallas Rodger at the Alberta Beef Producers annual meeting in Calgary held Dec. 3-5. “In the last […] Read more
Economics guide forage genetic research
Researchers want to develop better forages that have more biomass, stress tolerance and altered leaf lipid content
The earliest form of genetic modification started thousands of years ago when ancient farmers experimented with selection of wild plants to make them better to eat. “When you see a new trait it is because a genetic change has occurred,” said Stacy Singer, a biotechnologist and microbiologist at Agriculture Canada in Lethbridge. Selection of the […] Read more
Declining hay yields challenge herd growth
Researcher says producers not using enough fertilizer on hayfields and pastures, partly due to higher nutrient prices
Compared to corn and wheat, alfalfa yields have not made much progress over the years, says an Agriculture Canada researcher. There has been a long-term hay yield decline from Quebec to British Columbia. During a 30-year period average annual hay yields in Saskatchewan decreased from about of 3.5 tonnes per acre to 2.5 tonnes per […] Read more
Check-off vote disappoints leaders
Heads of Alberta’s two main beef groups wish mandatory levy was approved, but call new relationships a silver lining
The leaders of Alberta’s two largest beef organizations have decided it is time to build positive relationships for the betterment of the industry. A decision on whether to keep a $2 checkoff refundable upon request was narrowly approved in a producer vote this fall. Of the more than 18,000 eligible producers who had six weeks […] Read moreSuccessful forage stand depends on proper seeding, quality seed
Proper seeding with quality seeds sets up a forage stand for the long term. It is a good idea to use certified seed for better results, said agronomist Earl Creech of Utah State University. Certified seed provides assurances of good quality seed with genetic purity, no weeds and highly viable, he said at the recent […] Read more
Sustainable projects require more beef
Buyers who want to source sustainably raised beef have trouble finding enough supply to meet their needs
When it comes to sustainability, McDonald’s might ask, where is the beef? Companies like McDonald’s need millions of pounds of sustainably sourced beef but supplies are limited, said Calgary-area rancher Cherie Copithorne-Barnes. She is past-chair of the Canadian Round Table for Sustainable Beef. “There is a lineup of these retailers and food-service companies that would […] Read moreAdding forages to rotations can help build soil fertility
Forages used in crop rotations provide multiple benefits for soil health and fertility. Long-term studies in North Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta showed wheat yields were 50 percent higher in land previously cropped to alfalfa for three years, said Nova Scotia-based agronomist Bill Thomas. Other crops also flourished. “Corn crops planted following legumes require less […] Read more
Search continues for better hog pricing
An analyst predicts that ‘the Armageddon’ is coming if the Canadian industry doesn’t find a way to solve market crisis
Canadian hog pricing has been widely debated for the last five years with no agreement in sight. The dilemma of under-used packing plants, producers leaving the business and market volatility were discussed at the recent Alberta Pork annual meeting in Calgary. While some producers favour a made-in-Canada price formula, economists were hesitant to endorse the […] Read more
