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
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
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
Alta. beef checkoff stays refundable
Alberta Beef Producers says changes may be needed to continue to effectively run the organization with lower revenue
Of 1,874 votes cast, 51.3 percent of Alberta beef producers have voted to keep a refundable checkoff. The province-wide plebiscite, in which approximately 18,000 producers were eligible to vote, also saw 48.5 percent vote to make the checkoff non-refundable, while 0.2 percent were spoiled ballots. Preliminary results were announced Dec. 3 at the Alberta Beef […] Read more
Speckle Park gains foothold in Australia
A breed association is starting to gain traction with membership increasing to 300 from 120 in the last year
REGINA — When Greg Ebbeck saw Speckle Park cattle at the Calgary Stampede more than 10 years ago, he decided they would be a good fit for his operation in Australia. Attracted to the carcass results where the cattle consistently achieve high grades in the Canadian system, he and others started to import embryos to […] Read more
Show winners consider themselves cattle producers first
‘We try to raise the cattle first and then let them become show cattle,’ says Rob Adams of Ter-Ron Red Angus
REGINA — The folks at Ter-Ron Red Angus are no strangers to the winner’s circle, but Rob Adams likes to emphasize they are cattle producers first. “We try to raise the cattle first and then let them become show cattle,” he said during Canadian Western Agribition held in Regina Nov. 19-24. The family-run operation at […] Read more
Junior winner credits support from family
REGINA — An intense involvement in cattle breeding and showing has opened up the world for Garrett Liebreich. The winner of the reserve champion at the junior supreme show at Canadian Western Agribition, the 18-year-old is moving into the big time. The show awarded him a $2,000 scholarship for future studies but in the meantime […] Read more
