A single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a Washington state dairy cow has forced American beef producers to accept national cattle identification. Eric Davis, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is a longtime supporter of national identification for cattle. He admits the concept has been moving forward at a snail’s pace. “One of […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Canada argues for minimal risk status
Canada continues to build its case that it should be classified as a minimum-risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, even with the possibility of a second case originating in Alberta. A dairy cow from Washington state confirmed with BSE may have been imported from the Leduc area near Edmonton. Canada argues it remains a minimal-risk […] Read more
Asians reject American beef
As much as 40,000 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef from the United States is floating in limbo since a number of countries banned the product Dec. 23. Following the announcement of a single case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a U.S. dairy cow, Canada was the only trading partner willing to accept a limited […] Read more
Cattle groups kept hopping
The discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was not what Eric Davis ordered for Christmas. And it’s is one gift the president of the American based National Cattlemen’s Beef Association cannot return. “This was not how I wanted to end my term as president of NCBA,” said Davis. The cow-calf and feedlot operator from Bruneau, Idaho, […] Read more
Growth hormones debated
Banning growth hormone implants for feeder cattle is not enough to get Canadian beef back into Europe. The Alberta Beef Producers defeated a resolution to halt the use of implants, but the issue raised questions among delegates about the hormones that are used to put more weight on feeder cattle. “The science of growth implants […] Read more
BSE sparks interest in electronic ID
SUNDRE, Alta. – A small electronic chip in a cow’s ear may jolt beef producers into improving herd records. Since the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in an Alberta cow last year, and a second North American case in Washington state last month, interest has grown for animal health and farm managment records. In Canada, […] Read more
Thin cows too costly, says feeding study
SUNDRE, Alta. – Knowing how to properly assess a cow’s condition is a good tool for balancing winter feed rations, says an Alberta Agriculture beef specialist. Cows may look fatter than they really are so feeding programs should be adjusted to ensure they stay healthy, said Trevor Yurchak at a producer workshop near Sundre. The […] Read more
Expansion hinges on marketplace
Market forces should determine whether more beef processing facilities are needed in Alberta. Alberta Beef Producers delegates narrowly defeated a motion for a feasibility study on a producer or co-operative owned packing plant. Such plants could be dedicated to handling mature cows and bulls. “While there is a need and interest, this is not the […] Read more
Ag Notes
Nominations sought The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame is accepting nominations representing those who depict the best of the province’s agricultural industry and rural life. Every two years the hall recognizes outstanding contributions of Albertans who have dedicated their lives to agriculture and the community. Since 1951, the hall has added 111 men and women […] Read more
People question safety of food
RED DEER – The public perception of genetically modified organisms in food has declined since 1998, according to an Ipsos-Reid Corp. survey of market trends and food choices. In 1998, 45 percent said the use of GMOs was a negative trend while in 2002, 58 percent had a negative view. As well, in 1998, farm […] Read more
