Canada’s first cattle on feed report shows Alberta and Saskatchewan have nearly one million calves in feedlots this fall. Released at the beginning of October, the report is a partial response to requests from the Americans for more information about the Canadian industry. “A lot of people knew they needed a report like this. Hopefully, […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Saving river banks in Alberta
RED DEER – The director of Alberta’s cows and fish program has spent the last 10 years watching community groups take back their lake shores and river banks. Greg Hale says the program, which was started 10 years ago as a response to the sorry state of creeks in southwestern Alberta, has been a rousing […] Read more
Goats become sweet venture
CAYLEY, Alta. – A heavenly smell issues from Judy Meyers’ goat farm. Instead of the usual farmyard smells, her farm is heavy with the aroma of chocolate fudge bubbling in her kitchen. Meyers and her husband, Dory Tuvim, are eastern transplants who always wanted to farm. They got their wish 13 years ago in Quebec […] Read more
Act allows for changes
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – Proposed legislation and regulations for Alberta’s livestock operations will take care of human health and the environment without undermining agricultural prosperity, say those working on the new rules. During a meeting held in this southwestern Alberta city in the heart of what’s known as feedlot alley, more than 150 farmers were assured […] Read more
Cargill keen on carcass reports
Carcass evaluation in the next century means a major investment in technology for Cargill Foods at High River, Alta. The intent is to provide information on every animal that passes through the plant. Sending that data to producers should improve beef quality. “What good is all this information if it doesn’t change the way we […] Read more
Computer picks creme de la creme for packer
At Warren and Carol Wiebert’s Kansas feedyard, the computer has become one of the most valuable tools for working cattle. Located in Decatur county, the family-owned business feeds and finishes 38,000 head at a time. With electronic sorting they are able to report back to their clients how well every steer performed in the lot […] Read more
Hunker down to a taste sensation
So, Boss, you say you’re looking for a hot sauce that will put the spice back in your life? Or a drink that brings back the old zing? How about a caramel sauce that could melt even your heart? Then Boss, come on to Alberta where everyone from heavy duty mechanics to retired civil servants […] Read more
Alberta prepares for aging residents
Canada’s population is turning grey. When baby boomers start retiring in the next 20 years, government and health care professionals want to be prepared for the special needs of this population bulge. To get ready, Alberta is setting up focus groups to define what services will be needed when the number of older people rises […] Read more
Canada’s ranchers win in U.S. probe
The United States Department of Commerce has ruled Canadian cattle producers are not unfairly subsidized. The ruling has vindicated the industry and saved it from a countervail duty. “We run a clean act here and being accused of subsidizing our industry was just wrong,” said Ben Thorlakson, president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. The Oct. […] Read more
Consumer, retailer will set beef sector’s future
One of the most phenomenal stories of growth in North American agriculture has occurred in Alberta during the last 30 years. All of it is due to widespread expansion of the livestock industry. “Someone tell me something that has changed as much in the last 30 years or is as vibrant as the Alberta industry,” […] Read more
