DENVER, Colo. — Implementing livestock traceability in the United States has been like a long engagement in which the bride fears she may never make it to the altar. “We have been working on this topic for 14 or maybe even 20 years and it seems the same 14 points that we have settled on […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
U.S. producers prefer simple traceability solutions
The American cattle industry recognizes the public benefits but worries about added costs to businesses
DENVER, Colo. —The technology behind livestock traceability systems can be mind boggling, yet in the real world, most producers and supporting industries need a simple approach. “As an auction owner-manager I would like to stay in the 1880s,” said Ken Perlich at the National Institute of Animal Agriculture annual meeting held in Denver from April […] Read more
U.S. lags other major exporters on traceability
DENVER, Colo. — When it comes to livestock traceability, the United States is an outlier among its competitors in the world beef market. Among the world’s top 10 beef exporters, only the U.S. and India lack a solid traceability system. Exporting nations like Canada, Mexico and Australia require individual identification from the farm of origin, […] Read more
Alta. ranch helps fund beef research extension
The first Simpson Ranch Chair on Beef Health and Wellness focuses on providing more education to the industry
A $2 million endowment to the University of Calgary’s faculty of veterinary medicine has established the Simpson Ranch Chair in Beef Health and Wellness. Edouard Timsit, the inaugural chair, has done considerable research into bovine respiratory disease and other production limiting diseases. His primary goal is to provide more extension and education to the beef […] Read moreDisease outbreaks force states to adopt traceability
DENVER, Colo. — About 10 years ago, two steers from southwestern Ohio were diagnosed with bovine tuberculosis at a Pennsylvania slaughterhouse. That was the beginning of years of detective work for Dr. Tony Forshey, Ohio state veterinarian and chair of the National Institute of Animal Agriculture. State officials determined the steers went out on one […] Read more
Livestock producers urged to plan for antibiotic use changes
DENVER, Colo. — Livestock producers and veterinarians need to question antibiotic use and consider whether alternatives might work as well. “The use of antibiotics going forward is a major issue that we are going to have to deal with. Every single agriculture person in the world at some point is going to have to measure […] Read more
Good nutrition can help battle stress
Nutrition has become complicated and people are often confused about what to eat, nutritionist Leslie Beck told a crowd at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference. People are looking for ways to manage stress, get more energy and stay healthy, which can be achieved with proper nutrition, she said at the event held in Calgary […] Read more
Last year’s fires delay grazing in B.C.
More than three million acres of land were affected during widespread fires from April to November last year
Grazing will be delayed on the burned-out rangelands of British Columbia following the worst wildfire season in the province’s history. “It is generally a rule in range management with delayed turnout of livestock to allow for recovery and strengthening of grass vigour,” said Perry Grilz, director of range within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural […] Read moreInnovation offers new future for Canada’s carbon economy
BANFF, Alta. — Adding value to petrochemicals is the next big opportunity for Canada, said the chair of Nauticol Energy in Calgary. “Canada is not doing a very good job in excellence in a variety of efforts and adoption of innovation is one of those,” Leo de Bever said at the Alberta Institute of Agrologists […] Read more
Farm puts down roots in two provinces
KIRRIEMUIR, Alta. — The circle of family, community and relationships embrace Craig and Jinel Ference. Recently named Alberta’s outstanding young farmers, the couple lives in the southeastern Alberta community of Kirriemuir near the Saskatchewan border. Becoming part of the young farmer alumni expands their community. “For us, it is a huge opportunity to meet different […] Read more
