An American study linking high amounts of red and processed meat to increased cancer risks has been praised by some and doubted by others. Heather Chappell of the Canadian Cancer Society praised the epidemiological work that examines cancer risks to humans and their long-term health progress. “This is a great study because it was done […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Report unlikely to impact eating habits: experts
The latest study linking red meat consumption to an increased cancer risk is not likely to change eating habits, say dietitians. The study, sponsored by the national cancer institute in Washington, D.C., was released at the end of March. Over 10 years it monitored what people older than 50 ate and then evaluated how many […] Read more
Meat may be sacrificial lamb
Belt tightening is a common response to hard times. Often one of the first items trimmed from the family budget is meat. “We are keeping an eye on that,” said Ron Glaser of the Beef Information Centre, which tracks consumer trends. However, until 2008 data from Statistics Canada is released in May, the centre cannot […] Read more
Reducing energy use easy way to save money
TABER, Alta. – Something as simple as clean light bulbs in a barn can make a big difference in energy savings on the farm. In some cases as much as 15 percent can be shaved off the utility bill when conservation practices are taken seriously, Jason Price of Alberta Agriculture said during a recent alternative […] Read more
Alta. spud, vegetable producers seek deals
Alberta vegetable and potato growers continue to negotiate processing contracts just weeks before seeding needs to start. Potato growers have signed chip contracts with five major processors in southern Alberta, but french fry deals with Lamb Weston, McCain and Maple Leaf Foods remain elusive, said Greg Nakamura, a Taber farmer and member of the Potato […] Read more
4 H-ers give dairy cows a report card
Fifty young people attending a dairy judging clinic at the recent Stampede Dairy Classic in Calgary learned a doe-eyed milk cow is more than just a pretty face. Calgary area veterinarian Gordon Atkins walked them through the Holstein scoring program, a national evaluation system to rate dairy cows on their ability to make milk, walk […] Read more
Strategy against BVD urgent
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Farmers need a simple plan against bovine viral diarrhea virus that includes effective tests, vaccines and management to prevent infections and eliminate existing cases, veterinarians say. “Biosecurity is probably one of the most critical controls to combat BVD virus,” said infectious disease specialist Dan Grooms of Michigan State University. Mike Sanderson of […] Read more
BVD control needs all producers on board
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Tom Hougen knew almost nothing about BVD until he had positive diagnoses on his Montana ranch. After attending a producer meeting about bovine viral diarrhea virus and persistent infections in 2003, he started to suspect the disease was responsible for sick calves and unexplained abortions among heifers. He did nothing until 2004, […] Read more
Type of BVD determines treatment
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Bovine viral diarrhea virus was identified more than 60 years ago and remains a confounding disease for livestock producers. At an international symposium on BVD, producers said they have noticed a greater than normal number of sickly or dead animals. The disease has been found throughout the world and is responsible for […] Read more
Farm welcomes troubled llamas
ETZIKOM, Alta. – Melissa Lanz was one of those little girls who liked to adopt strays. As an adult, she decided to turn that compassion into a business. “I have been rescuing orphans since I was about nine. I was always bringing strays into the house,” she said. Calves, cats, lambs and llamas have all […] Read more
