Ranchers collecting urine from pregnant mares had their lives turned upside down in 1994 when animal rights groups attacked their industry. Their public image was shattered and many were mystified about the onslaught of criticism coming from people who knew little about horse management or the benefits of estrogen in treating post-menopausal women. “There was […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
U.S. calls for better safety net
Sinking commodity prices and forecasts of a seven percent drop in farm income are spurring a drive for improved safety nets in the United States. Crop insurance reform and other programs have been presented to Congress but groups like the National Farmers Union and cattle producer organizations aren’t sure if that is enough. “We don’t […] Read more
Canadians do paperwork for U.S. investigation
Six Canadian cattle companies are doing paperwork courtesy of the United States government. Three Alberta companies, two from Saskatchewan and one from Ontario have been named as respondents in an American department of commerce investigation to determine whether there was dumping of live cattle between October 1997 and September 1998. Dumping means selling products at […] Read more
Citizens’ panel grapples with biotech food
For some , biotechnology leaves a sense of wonder at the achievements of science at the cellular level. For others, the flavor of bioengineered foods leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Those diverse opinions were laid out at a University of Calgary conference called Designer Genes at the Dinner Table. “The sort of changes […] Read more
Suggestions for safer biotech
A citizens’ conference on food biotechnology has produced a list of recommendations for the future of science in Canada. The committee of 15 believes public participation is lacking in dealing with how biotechnology is used to produce food. They want more communication among Canadians and will forward their recommendations to government and industry. The group’s […] Read more
Demand for organics has producer in a quandary
PIGEON LAKE, Alta. – When Sharon Caswell went back to the land 20 years ago, she didn’t see herself in a home business that would take over her life. Working with four other farmers, Caswell sells frozen meat packages to families and restaurants from Calgary to Fort McMurray, Alta. She raises lamb and pastured poultry […] Read more
Bulls sold in blink of an eye
To kick off the 99th Calgary Bull Sale, auctioneer Bob Balog loosened his tie, took off his stetson and warned the capacity crowd to pay attention, because this was going to be one fast-paced sale. Within half an hour a perspiring Balog had sold the grand champion and reserve champion Herefords for $20,000 and $25,000 […] Read more
Reserve champion Hereford brings in $25,000
This year’s high sellers and champions at the Calgary Bull Sale are as follows: In three of the four sales, the reserve champions sold for more than the grand champions. The high-selling Hereford and reserve grand champion came from Corbeill Herefords Cluny, Alta., and sold for $25,000 to Poplar Dell Hereford of Edam, Sask. Grand […] Read more
U.S. crop insurance may cover livestock
A proposed crop insurance and risk management program that is commodity specific has received an enthusiastic greeting from American farm groups. “It is quite significant that for the first time, a crop insurance program overseen by the government will cover livestock,” said the American Farm Bureau Federation. Coverage would be available for hogs, sheep and […] Read more
U.S. beefs up beef promotion
Nebraska cattle producers want to light a fire under consumers before too many more turn their backs on beef. They hope the three-year-old Nebraska Cornfed Beef program is one way to rebuild a waning taste for beef. “Hopefully it will strengthen demand for our product,”said program adviser Dee Griffin. He is connected to the Nebraska […] Read more
