An American health policy called One Health takes a look at the connections that exist between people, animals and their environment
AMES, Iowa — Physicians and veterinarians have known antibiotic use directly contributes to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Educating the public on prudent use could save people from nasty infections like pneumonia and gonorrhea that are showing resistance to commonly used drugs. “We have known antimicrobial resistance has been around since antibiotics came into market. […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Online program talks about food’s origins
RED DEER — Project Agriculture is a new program to teach Alberta high school students about where their food comes from. Designed by the Alberta poultry, egg and dairy farmer organizations, the online education program is free with curriculum links, projects, questions and information for students from Grades 7-12. The program was launched in two […] Read more
Chicken main source of salmonella
RED DEER — Salmonella enteritidis is a leading cause of food poisoning in Canada and investigations often trace the source of bacteria to chicken products. A salmonella surveillance program for Canadian chicken farms started in January of this year but more monitoring is needed through all parts of the supply chain, from hatcheries to kitchens. […] Read more
Plant-based protein concerns chicken producers
RED DEER — Plant-based protein products made to resemble chicken are showing up in stores and restaurants, much to farmer consternation. Cattle, hog and supply-managed groups have met to discuss the impact of alternative proteins because farmers in those sectors face the same new competitor, said Michael LaLiberte, executive director of Chicken Farmers of Canada. […] Read more
Salmonella hard to control at farm level
RED DEER — Staying ahead of salmonella is a long, involved process for poultry producers. Three salmonella varieties are reportable in Alberta. Salmonella enteriditis is most common in people. It does not make chickens sick but it can kill vulnerable people, said Delores Peters of Alberta Agriculture. “People die of salmonella every year so for […] Read more
Beef traceability a key goal
RED DEER — Not everyone wants to know the history of every morsel they eat, but a growing body of investors and customers want trustworthy data on food products, said the head of sustainability at McDonald’s Canada. “We need to be able to answer questions about everything,” said Jeffrey Fitzpatrick-Stilwell at the Alberta Beef Industry […] Read more
Project aims to reduce input application passes
Protein Industries Canada funds research initiated by a private consortium that looks to increase on-farm efficiencies
A $9.25 million project designed to improve farmer efficiency and profitability is being tested on a Saskatchewan farm this year. A consortium of Calgary companies, Provision Analytics, Verge Technologies and Skymatics as well as Coutts Agro of Kindersley, Sask., will invest $4.6 million in the project with the rest coming from Protein Industries Canada. Verge […] Read more
Poultry producers await trade compensation
The industry asked for market development and innovation funds to make up for losses resulting from recent trade deal
RED DEER — Poultry and egg producers are waiting for details of an industry investment fund to compensate them for concessions made in recent free trade agreements. “Recent trade agreements have led to a further erosion of our market. We have a big job to do in working with the government to deliver on the […] Read more
Respiratory hazards abound in livestock barns
Airborne contaminants that can affect worker health include dust particles and gases such as carbon dioxide and ammonia
RED DEER — Agriculture is the fourth most hazardous industry in Canada, but the statistic does not break down specific risks, such as the damaging effects of airborne contaminants in a hog or poultry barn. “You could be exposed to a myriad of contaminants in your barns,” said Irene Wenger of the University of Alberta’s […] Read more
Alberta farm family succeeds in high-end retail business
When customers walk into Sunterra Market in downtown Calgary the first thing they may see is a slide show featuring farm scenes from the Price family of Acme, Alta. The Price family opened their first Sunterra market in 1990 and now have eight food stores in Calgary and Edmonton. The family has developed an integrated […] Read more
