Bill Lehman, an American meat inspector who gained an international reputation for his criticism of meat inspection systems, has transfer orders to move to Detroit, Mich. Lehman, who has been stationed at Sweet Grass, Mont. since 1987, was told by his supervisor in the United States Department of Agriculture to report for work in Detroit […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Vegetable oil stocks to fall
HAMBURG, Germany (Reuter) – World stocks of oils and fats will fall to 9.70 million tonnes by April 1, from 11.08 million at the start of 1997, independent newsletter Oil World said in its latest report, issued last week. It said the three month drop in stocks of 1.38 million tonnes compares with a 0.44 […] Read more
Canadian beef continues to draw fire in U.S.
CALGARY – Canadian beef continues to take hits from groups in the United States that claim the meat is not properly inspected at the border. The meat inspection and food safety criticisms have been defended by Canada and the United States Department of Agriculture. Both governments insist Canada’s meat inspection is of the highest standards, […] Read more
Federal, provincial safety net link possible
RED DEER, Alta. – Alberta’s farm income disaster program could be linked to a federal safety net in the future, says a federal official. “We’re interested in that program and we want to see how it works,” said Bill Schissel of Agriculture Canada. “I think down the road a marriage of those two programs with […] Read more
B.C. offers basic or added crop insurance
British Columbia has introduced a two-tiered crop insurance program that offers a basic plan as well as additional, more expensive coverage for high risk crops. For some farmers in the B.C. Peace River district who left all or some of their crops in the snow, the insurance may be a year too late. Clayhurst farmer […] Read more
GRIP rebates expected early in new year
CALGARY – Alberta plans to refund Gross Revenue Insurance Plan premiums to about 24,000 farmers providing Ottawa gives its approval. The program ended in 1995 leaving a surplus in the province’s account with $20 million calculated as the farmers’ share. All farmers who participated in the program are eligible for a share of the money, […] Read more
John Deere trains staff at Olds College
OLDS, Alta. – A $1 million deal has been signed between John Deere Ltd. and Olds College. The implement company gave the college $410,000 to build a 7,500 sq. foot facility adjacent to the agricultural mechanics building this July. It will include classrooms, a library and office space. Along with cash, Deere is donating equipment, […] Read more
Arable acres can get share of $50 million
RED DEER, Alta.- Applications for the arable acres supplementary program should be in Alberta farmers’ mailboxes by Christmas. The program was developed when the province opted to pass on $50 million of federal safety net money to those acres that weren’t eligible for the Western Grain Transition Payments Program when the Crow transportation subsidy ended […] Read more
Alberta beef gets new funding
CALGARY – A $16 million industry development fund is coming to Alberta’s beef industry. The money will be administered by the Alberta Cattle Commission. Spending options are fairly broad, said commission general manager Gary Sargent. Money may be spent on domestic and export market developments, promotion, industry training programs or research. On Dec. 18 industry […] Read more
Irrigation brings life – but can also take it away
LETHBRIDGE – For many dryland farmers, irrigation brought an oasis to the desert. But a University of Lethbridge hydrologist said irrigation also has negative affects because it can dramatically alter rivers and their ecosystems. Stewart Rood spoke about the effects of irrigation on rivers at the Alberta Irrigation Project Association annual meeting in Lethbridge Nov. […] Read more
