REGINA – Fertilizer and moisture are like figure skating pairs – they are much more together than apart. Research by Dan Pennock, of the department of soil science at the University of Saskatchewan, has confirmed what most farmers know: Soil on knolls is less fertile than that at the bottom of the slope. One year […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Couple’s money troubles blamed on hog plant
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – Lethbridge acreage owners Irvin and Jackie Duncan were shocked when their application to renew their mortgage was turned down last November. The Duncans live across the road from the proposed hog processing plant owned by the Yuan Yi Agriculture and Livestock Enterprise Co. Ltd. Their lender told them the application was refused […] Read more
Financial crisis won’t stop plant: Lethbridge mayor
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. – The Yuan Yi hog processing plant is going to be built in Lethbridge, says mayor David Carpenter, dismissing rumors its Taiwanese owners are pulling out due to financial or community pressures. The Yuan Yi Agriculture and Livestock Enterprise Co. Ltd. has some concerns which company officials discussed with Carpenter during his recent […] Read more
Extra care pays off for packer and producer
DENVER, Colo. – After 13 years as a beef packer, Minnie Lou Bradley has some sobering words for those who breed the bulls that produce the steers that end up as steaks on somebody’s plate. “Added value will come if you produce the quality,” she said. An owner in the family-run B3R Country Meats at […] Read more
U.S. cattle producers want to show pride with label
DENVER, Colo. – When Los Angeles grocery shoppers pick up good looking steaks American cattle producers want them to know the meat came from steers born in the U.S.A. This is the basis for country-of-origin labeling demanded by American cattle producers who see imports of cattle and beef from Canada and Mexico as threats to […] Read more
Cross border feeder plan has flaws to mend
DENVER, Colo. – Work is ongoing to streamline the Northwest Cattle Project so more American cattle can cross the Canadian border freely. The plan to move Montana or Washington feeders into Alberta feedlots started last October and almost immediately problems cropped up on the Canadian side. “We realized the protocol was too onerous,” said Carl […] Read more
American beef catches Asian flu
DENVER, Colo. – Shock waves from the Asian financial crisis are shaking American beef producers. As Asians see their currencies devalue, their ability to buy American beef shrinks. This is lowering beef prices by $3 per hundredweight, Cattlefax market analysts told the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association gathered in Denver for its centennial convention. A five […] Read more
Heartland aims to boost herds
Heartland Livestock wants to help a few good communities build feedlots. The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool division is talking to communities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba about investing in feedlots of 5,000 to 10,000 head. The plan has been on the drawing board for about six months. It proposes the community puts up half the money to […] Read more
Lambs continue to line sheep producers’ nests
The lamb industry’s star continues to shine as prices remain strong for a meat most people eat only on special occasions. “We’ve seen as good a time as we have ever had for lamb,” said Doug Laurie of the North Central Sheep and Goat Sales in Edmonton, which sold 12,000 sheep at the Edmonton Stockyards […] Read more
CWB gives Melita durum special contract to ensure supply
The Canadian Wheat Board is expanding a market development project to prove to pasta connoisseurs that Canadian durum can make luxury spaghetti that is “molto buono.” And to ensure it has enough durum to meet the demand raised by last year’s efforts, the board will offer an identity-preserved delivery program for AC Melita durum this […] Read more
