The National Farmers Union wants the federal Competition Bureau to investigate the proposed sale of Lakeside Packers in Brooks, Alta., to XL Foods. Under the deal, Nilsson Bros., which owns XL, would control almost half the Canadian packing capacity, as well as hold a large share of western auction yards and cattle on feed. It […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Charolais event brings out best
OLDS, Alta. – Livestock youth events offer public speaking, marketing tips and even crafts, but for Marina Rasmussen it is all about the cattle. The 20-year-old member of the Canadian Charolais youth association has worked with cattle all her life and moves between youth and adult events. At the national conference in Olds her string […] Read more
Handlers gain show experience
STRATHMORE, Alta., – When the 50 young people from the Young Canadian Simmental Association parade their cattle before the judge, they do so entirely on their own. Learning to do for themselves is one skill members of the youth organization encourage when provincial or national events are held for young Simmental enthusiasts. “As far as […] Read more
Chase cows or entertain guests in these clothes
IRRICANA, Alta. – A flare for fashion that works on the farm or for a night on the town has turned into a profitable business for two friends who call themselves farmers’ trophy wives. For the last two years, Jennifer Friend and Cathryn Hagel have built a business called Mink and Manure that grew from […] Read more
Youths opinions count at judging competition
The best and brightest among farm kids are often found at an event like the Calgary Stampede’s international youth livestock judging competition. The event for young people between the ages of 9 and 20 gives them an opportunity to learn more about judging cattle, sheep and horses, as well develop their social skills through oral […] Read more
Cattle researchers look for disease resistance
Researchers studying feedlot steers and respiratory disease are exploring how to select disease resistant animals, which would save the cattle industry millions of dollars in treatment costs and death losses. “Evidence shows we can actually make progress in selecting animals that have a reduced susceptibility to bovine respiratory disease, providing we have the appropriate tools,” […] Read more
Juniors take centre stage at show
After only a year’s worth of experience exhibiting cattle, 10-year-old Laurie Morasch showed the big kids how it’s done at the national junior Angus show held July 20. She had the overall grand champion female, whose red heifer calf was shown separately and won its classes as well. Morasch has won championships at the 4-H […] Read more
American farm bill leading to problems
Agriculture policy mistakes are being made in the United States with international consequences says a former lobbyist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Some of the missteps are found in the U.S. farm bill with the continued uncertainty over country-of-origin labelling (COOL) and the push for more renewable fuel using corn as the main ingredient. […] Read more
B.C. auctioneer tops at Calgary Stampede
Watching Peter Raffan sell at the block, it is hard to believe the veteran auctioneer was so nervous at his first competition that he had to write notes on his fingers so he would not forget what to do. After going for the silver buckle at the 20th annual Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer competition […] Read more
Alberta farm families fight golf course development
CALMAR, Alta. – A group of farm families at Calmar wants to preserve agricultural land and stop a proposed 18 hole golf course and recreational vehicle resort. The development, called Heritage Ranch Golf and RV Resort, would be a 45 minute drive from Edmonton, bringing more traffic and people to the area. The families fear […] Read more
