RED DEER, Alta. – Some producers are losing out on premiums for growing cattle containing more saleable meat. Automated carcass evaluation tests reveal $80 spreads are possible within a single grade. That variation in value has been detected by a new computerized grading system known as video image analysis, a $750,000 research project. Graders now […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Public outcry spawns humane transport system for livestock
RED DEER Alta. – The federal government, faced with rising public concerns over humane transport of animals, expects to have a new system focused on livestock and poultry by the end of next year. A so-called “national humane transportation system” will be based on a one-year pilot project to be launched by September. “Lots of […] Read more
Goat lovers flock to Alberta to show off prized possessions
FORT MACLEOD, Alta. – Neither rain nor snow nor the worst flood in years could stop the Western National Goat Show from happening in Fort Macleod. Nubians, Saanens, LaManchas, Pygmies, Boers, Angoras and French Alpine goats from the four western provinces were all there to be rated, classified and judged. Breeders came from as far […] Read more
Alberta Women of Unifarm may seek ‘divorce’
LACOMBE, Alta. – Whatever the future holds for a general farm organization in Alberta, the Women of Unifarm say they plan to continue as a strong voice for rural women. This year’s annual meeting at Lacombe gave rise to heartfelt discussion about the need for a women’s farm organization while its companion organization, Unifarm, struggles […] Read more
B.C. growers bring customers to the mountain
VERNON, B.C. – This Okanagan farmers market is a little off the beaten track, but once visitors find the place, most agree it’s worth a climb up the mountain. Tom and Tamra Davison, along with Tom’s parents Bob and Dora, took a hard look at the future of fruit growing in the Okanagan 10 years […] Read more
Flow of tears marks aftermath of Alberta floods
PINCHER CREEK, Alta. – “May I help you?” were the first words the farmer heard when he walked into the Pincher Creek disaster services office. “I don’t know,” he replied as he pulled a wrinkled list from his jacket pocket. He was one of 300 people coming to that office to take inventory of his […] Read more
Fire razes Olds hay operation; $2 million in damage
OLDS, Alta. – A spectacular fire that destroyed Transfeeders Co., a hay compressing company on the Olds College campus, is being investigated by provincial fire inspectors. Fire broke out around 2 a.m. June 9, destroying loose hay, containers full of densified hay bales ready for shipment, offices and equipment. The loss is estimated at about […] Read more
Alberta flood losses to hit $100 million
PINCHER CREEK, Alta. – As a few people wander along the banks of the Pincher Creek looking at damage from the worst flood they’ve ever seen, the only sound is the river roaring eastward. A few birds soar by and a stench hangs about the place. Matted weeds, tree limbs, silt and pieces of twisted […] Read more
Canada watches pork competitors with nervous eye
RED DEER Alta. – When it comes to selling pork worldwide, Canada can’t afford to rest on its laurels. The promise of more open markets following the 1994 signing of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade means competitors can move into Canada, as well as move into some of Canada’s overseas markets. Canada is […] Read more
Southern Alberta flood damage in millions
CALGARY – After living through the worst flood in 100 years, farmers and ranchers in southern Alberta are beginning to assess how badly they were hurt by swollen, angry rivers last week. Property losses have yet to be assessed. Steve West, minister responsible for disaster services, predicts the damage will be in the millions of […] Read more
