RED DEER – Two troublesome diseases afflicting horses may be relieved by new vaccines. Strangles and equine influenza are two highly infectious conditions that can run rampant through a herd, equine specialist Hugh Townsend of the University of Saskatchewan told a recent horse breeders conference in Red Deer. Pinnacle, a modified live intranasal vaccine developed […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Let’s save the land, says Alta. politician
A private member’s bill to protect farmland in Alberta will be tabled in the spring legislative session. “The intent is to preserve what we’ve got and let the next generation know there’s a chance for them to get on the farm,” said Barry McFarland, the MLA responsible for Bill 204. The legislation proposes limits on […] Read more
Welder/mechanic uses skill to construct juices and jams
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – There’s plenty of sampling and lots of lip smacking going on when the neighbors stop by John Schussler’s berry farm to buy jam. “Take this one. It’s on the house,” Schussler tells a neighbor as he savors another spoonful of homemade jam made from six different fruits. “I’ll call your wife to […] Read more
Sweet fighter puts lock on bad bacteria
RED DEER – Two simple sugars are proving effective weapons against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Research has found two different monosaccharides are effective in fighting some of the most deadly bacteria. “The use of sugars may be an acceptable, cost effective method to prevent or treat the infections of tissue in horses or other animal species,” said […] Read more
Hiplock needs special attention during calving
Good intentions can sometimes go astray at calving time. “Sometimes, the calves come out in spite of what the person does, not because of what they do,” said practitioner Uli Schmiamann of Pioneer Veterinary Services at Sundre, Alta. One problem that may need vet care is hiplock. A cow’s or calf’s hips can lock during […] Read more
GMO backlash surprises scientists
The backlash against genetically modified food is forcing governments, scientists and private companies that develop these products to rethink their activities. The scientists say they never anticipated the fierce consumer backlash when they began unravelling the mysteries of life in genetic codes. “When this came along, those of us in the breeding community saw this […] Read more
Computer used to analyze beef
Computerized meat analysis is taking the beef industry one step closer to finding the perfect steak. But while the technology is almost ready to use, researchers say processors must make the next move. “If they are truly interested in knowing the tenderness of the product they are selling, they will be able to adopt it […] Read more
Alta. trainer befriends unwanted horses
VULCAN, Alta. – Paul Mitchell describes himself as a “professional horse nut.” The 48-year-old horse trainer and retired mechanic has turned that passion into a personal crusade by starting a centre for abandoned and unwanted horses. This year he and his wife Brenda started the Mitchell Centre for Equine Rescue and Education, a registered charity […] Read more
Little elements can make a big crop difference
New high performing crop varieties are making greater demands for nutrients than ever before. However, those nutrients are not always replaced in adequate amounts. “Deficiencies are becoming more common as a result of the new varieties we are using pushing for maximum yields,” said Michelle Nutting, an agronomist with Agrium Inc. Plants need 16 essential […] Read more
Endangered species proposal unveiled
Ranchers and landowners in southeastern Alberta are scrutinizing a federal proposal that promises to protect landowners as well as endangered plants and animals. The framework for a new species at risk act was unveiled at the Calgary Zoo Dec. 17 by federal environment minister David Anderson. The minister wants to table the legislation in late […] Read more
