One of Canada’s newest packing plants has started processing beef and adding a fresh face to the market. Construction of the Ranchers’ Beef plant located 10 minutes north of Calgary is on schedule and it should be fully operational next spring, said company president Tony Martinez. “We targeted the first quarter of 2006 and we’re […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Officials review compensation for destroyed livestock
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reviewing compensation for diseased animals ordered destroyed. The compensation under the Health of Animals Act is being reviewed by agency officials, Agriculture Canada and industry groups. They are evaluating the list of eligible species, analyzing market prices and calculating an appropriate maximum payment. “Right now, we’re reviewing the list […] Read more
Proper manure composting reduces greenhouse gases
Composted manure has been accepted as a good soil additive and research is showing it could control greenhouse gas emissions. A project at Olds College added perlite and zeolite to cattle manure in a composting program to reduce the release of nitrous oxide and methane while retaining valuable nutrients. The project is funded through a […] Read more
Real story on feed grain comes to light
LACOMBE, Alta. – Technology used among plant breeders to assess quality could upend the traditional methods of grading in the commercial world. Near infrared reflectance spectrophotometry, or NIRS, uses light to measure and differentiate grain quality rather than relying on the visual cue of plump kernels or high bushel weight. Those traits may have nothing […] Read more
Cattle exports have little market impact
Opening the border to Canadian cattle came not with a bang but a whimper. In the three weeks between July 18, when movement started, and Aug. 5, only about 22,300 slaughter and feeder cattle landed on American soil, according to the United States Department of Agriculture animal health and plant inspection service. That compares to […] Read more
Technology boosts feed research
OLDS, Alta. – The concept of net feed efficiency in cattle has been known for many years, but modern technology makes it possible to better understand where it fits in the production cycle. Electronic identification and high powered computers that weren’t available 10 years ago provide enough data and analysis to help producers select more […] Read more
Invention makes fencing simpler
Lloyd Quantz confesses that he has always hated building fences. Seven years ago, he started working with engineers to build a mechanized unit that uses pressure and vibration to push pine posts into the ground. The same unit then drills evenly spaced holes into the posts and threads high-tensile wires for a long lasting, secure […] Read more
Testing process questioned after suspected U.S. case
The prospect of a second home-grown case of BSE in the United States has raised more questions about the U.S. testing system. John Clifford, U.S. Department of Agriculture chief veterinary officer, told reporters that a private veterinarian collected the sample on a farm at an undisclosed location, and then forgot to submit it for testing. […] Read more
Durum debut ideal for EU
BOW ISLAND, Alta. – A new durum variety ready for commercial seeding next spring should fit international demand for strong gluten levels, yellow pigment for brightly coloured pasta and low cadmium levels. AC Strongfield from the Agriculture Canada breeding program at Swift Current, Sask., could become the new standard for conventional strength durum and address […] Read more
Breakthrough in wheat
BOW ISLAND, Alta. – After battling the wheat stem sawfly for more than 100 years, a new solid stem wheat could provide some respite for prairie farmers. AC Lillian, a new variety with seed available this fall has yields and protein content similar to AC Barrie with a stem full of pith to starve out […] Read more
