Farmers can do their bit for the environment by remembering to return their used oil containers for recycling. Dumping, burying or burning these containers is an environmental risk that could degrade property values and contaminate water. “If you throw them away with oil in them, that is going to get into the environment,” said Phil […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Youth gain experience at Olds Classic
OLDS, Alta. Ñ Raymond Gonnet is a self-professed steer jockey who admits showing cattle is his favourite activity. The 18 year old from Onoway, Alta., has been showing cattle since he was a 4-H member at the age of nine. “I couldn’t see over the steer the first time I showed,” he said. On April […] Read more
New hen killing method developed
RED DEER Ñ A new method of killing old laying hens is faster and more effective, according to an Alberta animal welfare specialist. The system, developed in Alberta, uses carbon dioxide in an enclosed chamber to render birds unconscious in about 10 seconds and kills them in 30-60 seconds, said John Church, provincial animal welfare […] Read more
Cargill buys Ontario packer
Canada’s largest beef processor, Cargill Ltd., is buying Better Beef Ltd. of Ontario for an undisclosed amount. The proposed sale raises concerns among cattle producers because it means more consolidation among packers and possibly, fewer bidders for fat cattle. “Being in the West I don’t expect it to impact us too much,” said Jeff Ball, […] Read more
Cattle producers encouraged to join class action lawsuit
Lawyers representing Canadian farmers pursuing a class action lawsuit against the federal government are trying to rally support among beef and dairy producers hurt by the ongoing BSE situation. There is no deadline at this time to join the claim because lawyers are waiting for it to be certified in court as a class action […] Read more
Weeds often start in gardens
RED DEER Ñ Gardeners could be buying a noxious weed when they select an easy to grow, hardy plant that promises prolific growth. “That should be a red flag,” said Marian Jones of the newly formed Alberta Invasive Plants Council. Many of the most serious invasive weeds like oxyeye daisy, purple loosestrife and medicinal herbs […] Read more
Purple loosestrife pluckers make headway
RED DEER Ñ Combatting the marsh monster of purple loosestrife has been a 15 year battle for those who fight weeds every summer. Each year, volunteers and weed control staff from municipalities travel the Bow River in Alberta by canoe. They chart the spread of this plant that has crowded out natural vegetation like cattails […] Read more
Alberta holds off fusarium
HANNA, Alta. Ñ Alberta continues to buy time against fusarium head blight. Researchers are still collecting 2004 data but they know a few cases were present in some irrigated areas of Alberta, said Kelly Turkington, plant pathologist at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lacombe, Alta., . “Under irrigation, especially where producers push the water, we […] Read more
Animal transport meeting planned from April 14, 2005
RED DEER Ñ An international animal transportation conference focusing on traceability and security will be held in Calgary May 1-4. Speakers will present information on animal traceability, satellite tracking programs, security issues, recent changes required of airlines and port authorities and anti-terrorism training programs that are available to companies.Ê Information will also be provided on […] Read more
Class action lawsuit launched over BSE
A $7 billion class action lawsuit against the federal government and a multinational feed manufacturer has been filed in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. A team of lawyers from the four provinces is handling the case. The lawyers say the government did not ban ruminant meat and bone meal from cattle feed soon enough. Both […] Read more
