PENTICTON, B.C. – Country-of-origin labeling is a needless expense and a non-tariff trade barrier that could be challenged, says the vice-president of cattle procurement for Excel Beef. “We believe in a standardized grade and standardized quality evaluation of cattle in North America,” said Ken Bull of Cargill’s head office in Witchita, Kansas. Country-of-origin legislation is […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Record heifer slaughter results in calf shortage
PENTICTON, B.C. – Ship the heifers or breed them? That’s the question many cattle producers may ask themselves this fall. With fewer breeding females, the calf supply is down. Feeder prices bear watching since there won’t be as many around, said market analyst Anne Dunford of Canfax. “There will be fewer cattle on feed and […] Read more
Mustangs thrive in new home
TURNER VALLEY, Alta. – Eldon Eadie never gets tired of watching his Suffield Mustangs as they graze the rolling pastures of his EE Ranch near Turner Valley. “There isn’t a horse in this bunch that wouldn’t be a credit to any breed,” said Eadie. With a herd of 50, he has the largest herd of […] Read more
More anthrax in Alta.
A fourth central Alberta farm has been quarantined after anthrax was confirmed there last week. Two animals died at the Rocky Mountain House ranch, bringing the number of dead livestock to 23, said Doug Scott of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. So far the agency has vaccinated about 650 head in the area and another […] Read more
Cross-border cattle group to dispel rumors, distrust
PICTURE BUTTE, Alta. – A fledgling association with supporters in the United States and Canada wants to pressure politicians into stopping a tariff on exported cattle. “It’s a long shot and we’re under no illusions that it’s going to be easy,” said Don Alberts, president of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association. About 200 cattle producers […] Read more
More anthrax; producers urged to contact local vets
A third case of anthrax in cattle has been detected on a central Alberta farm. The case was discovered July 24 at Caroline, Alta., when a single animal was found dead, said veterinary program officer Doug Scott of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The farm has been quarantined and all other livestock were vaccinated. The […] Read more
Canada hits EU beef and pork
& Reuters News Agency news Designated beef and pork imports from Europe carry a 100 percent tariff as of Aug. 1, effectively keeping these products out of Canada. International trade minister Sergio Marchi and agriculture minister Lyle Vanclief said this action is a response to the European Union’s failure to accept rulings made by the […] Read more
Contracts are way to go, says transport review
RED DEER, Alta. – A major proposal in the review of the prairie grain transportation system would use contracts to procure and deliver the grain. The proposal suggests either the individual producer or the Canadian Wheat Board working collectively for farmers would hold the contract. “This is not a tinkering exercise,” said Arthur Kroeger, who […] Read more
B.C. pays more than foreigners for grain
RED DEER, Alta. – When it comes to grain transportation reform, British Columbia feels forgotten. Once protected by the feed freight assistance program, B.C. livestock producers pay about $10 more in freight for grain than export customers, says the chair of the provincial turkey marketing board. “We think it is a travesty that the federal […] Read more
CP slashes jobs to cut losses
Second quarter operating losses of $343 million have forced CP Rail to cut 1,900 jobs across Canada. “We don’t know where the cuts will be yet. We’re looking across the country in every department,” said CP spokesperson Ian LaCouvee in Calgary. Permanent jobs will be lost in all parts of the organization including management, administration, […] Read more
