After tagging 700 calves last year at branding, Neil Jahnke figures a national identification program for cattle can work. Yet some rumbling remains as word of the program spreads through the countryside. “I’m sure there’s lots of people who don’t know it’s coming,” said Jahnke, who ranches near Gouldtown, Sask., and is one of several […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Canada expects smoother sailing at world trade talks
Contentious wheeling and dealing over agriculture as nations vie for the best deal is expected at the next round of world trade talks. But Canada’s Mike Gifford is optimistic these negotiations will be smoother than the previous Uruguay Round. The special trade policy adviser for agriculture expects a speedier, more efficient round of talks. “It’s […] Read more
Agriculture will boom when tariffs end: study
Canadian agriculture stands to win big as tariff walls crumble in a liberalized world trade environment, according to a recently released study. If tariffs and other trade barriers are gone in 10 years, the George Morris Centre, based in Guelph, Ont., estimates $2.5 billion in net benefits to the Canadian agrifood economy. A 20-year phase […] Read more
Feed tastiness essential for good cattle rations
CANMORE, Alta. – A cow can be led to the feed bunk, but it can’t be forced to eat. As fussy as a stubborn six-year-old child, if a cow does not like the feed put before it, it won’t eat, no matter how nutritious the ration. “In order to be effective, the cow has to […] Read more
A Jack ‘o lantern to light the street
OLDS, Alta.. – Anyone passing an out-of-the-way greenhouse on the Olds College campus may have wondered what was going on amidst the green leaves last week. “Grab it, grab it!” “Watch what you’re doing. You’re stuck in the door.” “Don’t let go. What are you doing?” Six red-faced, grasping, grunting men were moving Will Neily’s […] Read more
New livestock rules loom
If the latest proposal governing feedlots and hog barns passes muster, Alberta will have a provincial set of regulations and standards. Called the sustainable livestock operations act, regulations and the standards document, the proposal has been circulated to the livestock industry with a Nov. 1 deadline for comments. Terry Church of Alberta Agriculture, said the […] Read more
Free trade success story
The North American Free Trade Agreement and the Canada-United States deal before it are being given much of the credit for Alberta’s decade of prosperity. Agriculture, natural resources and high tech exports to the United States all played major roles in building a robust provincial economy, said a recently released study from the Western Centre […] Read more
Dutch firm buys 57 percent of Alberta genetics company
Alta Genetics has taken on a new investment partner, Koepon Holding BV of the Netherlands. The $21 million deal became effective Oct. 1 when the private Dutch dairy company bought 57 percent of the shares of the Alberta-based genetics company. Common shares are worth $3.75 each. The two companies have been involved in various business […] Read more
Livestock smell viewed as health issue, says survey
Nearly half the people surveyed in two southern Alberta communities link air quality related to livestock with human health concerns. The survey released Oct. 4 is already tainted with controversy. The Alberta Pork Producers and Alberta Cattle Feeders Association walked away from the committee last week over the report. The two groups rejected the study […] Read more
Prairie lambs head east
Lamb markets are holding their own across the country with most of the action in Ontario. “That’s where the big market is for our product,” said Doug Laurie of North Country Sheep and Goat Sales at Edmonton. Tony Stolz, Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission manager, agreed. “Lambs are shipped East where the price is perceived […] Read more
