CALGARY – An ideological line was drawn in the sand Oct. 15 when the long-awaited farmer-led court challenge against the Canadian Wheat Board began in the Federal Court of Canada. The complaint, being heard in a Calgary courtroom, maintains that under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Wheat Board as the only agency […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Watching feed costs key to beef profits
CALGARY – It’s tough making a living on cattle this year and without some sharp figuring, profit margins will continue tight. As the cattle cycle bottoms out with lower prices, increased beef supply and full scale liquidation of breeding stock, each producer has to plan a strategy. Controlling feed costs will be a critical point. […] Read more
Wind power suffers from lack of incentive
KANANASKIS, Alta. – Political apathy is seen by many as the strongest barrier against wind power development in Canada. While the last federal budget granted some tax concessions to alternative energy projects, inertia is evident in the industry as it struggles for recognition. To further develop green power, the federal government agreed last January to […] Read more
Manure rations get pooh-poohed
CALGARY – Feeding steers recycled chicken manure has ruffled feathers in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. An Environment Canada demonstration project in the region where 32 Holstein steers are receiving rations that include pelleted chicken manure has been criticized by dairy and beef industries. Environment Canada is investigating ways to rid the area of chicken manure, […] Read more
Catalogue focuses on Alberta artists
LYALTA, Alta. – The mail order business has come a long way from the days of thumbing through the Eaton’s catalogue for yard goods and children’s clothes. For the first time Alberta artists and their work will be promoted in a special arts catalogue scheduled for publication this fall. Called Rural Inspirations, Showcasing Alberta Arts […] Read more
Quality of Alberta crops drops daily
CALGARY – Bob Hallett has been keeping weather records for Environment Canada since July 9, 1962, so the recent record snowfall to hit southern Alberta was no surprise. “You can figure you’ll have snow every third or fourth year before you’re finished harvest,” Hallett said. The Carstairs farmer said about 20 centimetres of snow fell […] Read more
Head of Prairie Pools approves of Goodale’s cautious approach
CALGARY – Changes to the Canadian Wheat Board structure will be watched but probably won’t have much effect on how Prairie Pools Inc. does business. Newly elected prairie pool chair John Pearson said the Oct. 4 announcement by federal agriculture minister Ralph Goodale shows Goodale is traveling the middle of the road and that route […] Read more
Cattle producers turn to co-operatives
CALGARY – Beef producers are finding something exciting going on in Manhatten. That’s Manhatten, Kansas where a beef co-operative focusing on quality and value-added meat production is hoping to put more money in producers’ jeans. It’s a new attitude. Cattle moving through the co-operative will be identified individually and producer members will receive printouts on […] Read more
Alberta sulfur plant gets nod from district but locals worried
CALGARY – Construction of a sulfur processing plant in a rural Alberta community has received tentative approval from local authorities but some of the plant’s neighbors are cautious about living close to such an industry. Lionel Cathcart, a local ostrich farmer, doesn’t want the plant next to him. Besides heavy demands on the water supply […] Read more
Crow cash coming for forage and special crops
CALGARY – Alberta forage and special crops producers must wait until the new year for their share in a $50 million federal payout from the Crow Benefit adjustment plan. The payments will be based on acres and will go to Alberta land-owners who grow forages, vegetables and other special crops as part of a farming […] Read more
