Introducing genetic improvements to a beef herd means more than buying a new bull. The purebred industry has devoted considerable effort to genetic evaluation, which is important, but more needs to be done, said an Agriculture Canada researcher. As consumers demand more of beef, purebred producers must meet the challenge by providing genetically superior animals […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Baby boomer diets challenge beef industry
For many baby boomers time has become the most precious commodity. And as time slips away, it leaves spreading waistlines, digestive problems and a more finicky palate. As well, as the kids leave home, parents’ lifestyles changes. So commodities like beef have to adjust to suit the demands of this population bulge. “We have not […] Read more
Percheron show attracts the big guns worldwide
After preparing for the World Percheron Congress for a year, Nebraskan Brenda Grant wasn’t about to let a rash on her horse’s rear end or record rainfall in Calgary dampen her spirits. Grant traveled more than 1,900 kilometres with four horses from North Platte, Nebraska, to get to the congress held June 27-July 4. The […] Read more
Calgary couple give up auto bodies for cosmetics
CROSSFIELD, Alta. – After 30 years of repairing cars in their Calgary auto body shop, Ron and Dawn Smith never dreamed they would become farmers. Today, the Crossfield couple head an enterprise called Rhea Grande where they raise rheas as part of a thriving cosmetic business. Six years ago they were city slickers who knew […] Read more
Environmental advisers play major role in farming
PICTURE BUTTE, Alta. – If Kim Sutherland had her way, there would be workshops teaching farmers how to hire environmental consultants and engineers. Those growing piles of manure across the Prairies are turning into an environmental consultant’s dream. Yet not all farmers are getting the advice they need. Many consultants have arrived from the oil […] Read more
Inspection agency in dispute over cash
Alberta’s new brand inspection agency may have to borrow money to start doing business Nov. 1. The privatized agency needs about $1.3 million to pay for office staff, brand inspectors and equipment. It also needs cash for operating capital until accounts like brand inspection fees are paid. The government will provide some start-up funds but […] Read more
Breeders expand as llama values dip
RED DEER, Alta. – The glitz and the glamor was there, but the sky-high prices for llama breeding stock was down compared to other years. The Legacy Llama sale, which draws consignors and buyers from all over Canada, saw 85 lots total $419,700 to average $4,940. In past years the sale has earned more than […] Read more
Commission wants to boost cattle checkoffs
RED DEER, Alta. – The Alberta Cattle Commission wants to increase its checkoff to raise more money for beef promotion. After lengthy debate at the commission’s recent semi-annual meeting it was agreed to ask producers for an increase to $2 from $1.50 per beef animal sold in the province. The proposal will go to producers […] Read more
Ranch wins environment award
An East Kootenay ranch won this year’s British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association environmental stewardship award. J-2 Ranch at Canal Flats, owned by the Calgary company Mo-Mac Investments Ltd., is managed by Gerard and Chris Breton and Blake Taylor, who have been there since 1990. The ranch was awarded for developing ecological programs with the B.C. Forest […] Read more
More to shy alpaca than another pretty face
RED DEER, Alta. – There is more to alpacas than a pretty face framed by a fringe of bangs hiding shy, brown eyes. For breeders like Andy Tillman of Bend, Oregon, they are valuable animals he has loved and studied for more than 20 years. Llamas and alpacas have established themselves as genuine livestock in […] Read more
