CARSTAIRS, Alta. – When farmers in this area of central Alberta got word that a 4,000-sow operation was planned for their county, they were apprehensive about the repercussions for their community. They questioned how the developer planned to get rid of the abundant waste that 4,000 sows and their litters produce. They also worried about […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
RMs find code of practice helpful in decision making
When many rural municipalities wrote their land-use bylaws, none predicted the kind of massive agricultural operations that are coming before councillors for approval. So far, each building proposal has been handled individually and rural municipalities are playing catch-up as they try to accommodate a new business without harming the environment or angering the neighbors. “As […] Read more
Charolais association allies with Calgary packer
With all the talk about improving beef quality one company has put its money where its mouth is and developed a branded beef program that has run successfully for three years. The Original Alberta Beef program created by Calgary-based packer XL Foods suggests if somebody takes a chance with a new system to improve beef […] Read more
XL to build new plant
XL Beef Ltd. plans to build a $20 million processing plant in Calgary. Construction is planned to start in the fall for a 1998 opening. XL is one of Canada’s largest meat processors and was the first beef company to develop a branded product, beef from a specific source, with its Original Alberta Beef program. […] Read more
Grain leftovers fill in as valuable livestock feed
RED DEER, Alta. – A waste product from the grain industry is gaining popularity as a livestock feed on the Prairies. Dockage, found in every load of grain at harvest time, can be used as a nutritious ruminant feed, said animal scientist John McKinnon, of the University of Saskatchewan. McKinnon holds the beef chair at […] Read more
Alberta study uses other countries to push dual market
The Alberta government last week unveiled an American economic analysis that argued voluntary pooling can be an effective marketing tool in an open market. Agriculture minister Walter Paszkowski used the report to insist that grain marketing under the Canadian Wheat Board could be made optional rather than compulsory. He said any redesigned wheat board must […] Read more
U.S. reviews trade effects on cattle
The impact of free trade on the North American cattle industry is under review by the International Trade Commission. Canadian cattle producers travelled to Washington, D.C. March 20 to defend their industry and were surprised to see no representation from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The American organization has not submitted a written comment, said […] Read more
Klein vows to stay the course as votes show support
Only in Alberta would an election win of 63 out of 83 seats not be called a landslide. While the Progressive Conservative juggernaut rolled relentlessly through ridings in every corner of the province, it stalled at the boundaries of Liberal-held Edmonton. Still, the Alberta election on March 11 was a thumbs up for the premier […] Read more
Ranchers skeptical of environmental protection
IDDESLEIGH, Alta. – For many people living in the short grass prairie region of Alberta’s Special Areas, the government’s environmental plan, Special Places 2000, is seen as a threat to their livelihood. The Special Areas of central southeastern Alberta have been protected for 60 years and assurances that Special Places won’t bar ranchers from pastureland […] Read more
Ranchers nervous about effects of wildlife species law
IDDESLEIGH, Alta. – Youngs-town rancher Tim Andrew says in most cases it’s pure luck if people spot a burrowing owl. The diminutive owls that live in abandoned badger holes across the southern prairies were one issue raised during a recent meeting in this southeastern Alberta community. About 100 ranchers gathered to discuss their concerns over […] Read more
