Canadian dairy organization joins international sustainability group EDMONTON — Dairy Farmers of Canada has joined a group of countries in signing the Rotterdam Declaration, an international statement on sustainability. Initiated by the International Dairy Federation, the position paper was released last year during its annual meeting in the Netherlands. The federation has 45 member countries. […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
CFIA reviews livestock feed rules
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is reviewing feed regulations for beef and dairy cattle. “The regulations we have now date back to 1983 and we really haven’t done much in the way of updating those regulations. They are 30 plus years old,” said Sergio Tolusso, national manager of the agency’s animal feed division. “The world […] Read more
Cheese enterprise booming for former munitions expert
VERMILION, Alta. — The Old School Cheesery at Vermilion, Alta., is turning into a destination for connoisseurs of locally produced artisan foods. “The plan was to make some goat cheese, but when I did my market research I found out that Canadians only eat two kinds of cheese: cheddar and mozzarella. So we changed our […] Read more
Local contestant wins champion auctioneer title at stampede
A day in the life for Dean Edge revolves around family, cattle sales and rodeo. A long-time employee of the auction company Vold Jones and Vold, Edge was named the champion international livestock auctioneer at the Calgary Stampede held July 7-16. He competed against 23 other auctioneers from Canada, United States, Australia and South Africa […] Read more
4-Hers win big with cash for education
The Calgary Stampede, 4-H Alberta and the Olds Agricultural Society host an annual youth program that offers $75,000 scholarships and education opportunities. Throughout the week at Olds, these young people learn showmanship, grooming, marketing and leadership skills topped off with livestock shows ending in a supreme championship at the final day of the Stampede, which […] Read more
Animal care, traceability first topics in ProAction initiative
EDMONTON — Continuous improvement is a farmer’s goal, and for dairy producers that could be achieved through an initiative called ProAction. The national program sets standards for quality milk, animal care, traceability, biosecurity and environmental care. However, rather than imposing it on farmers in one fell swoop, modules are being introduced slowly. “In September of […] Read more
If the shoe fits: farriers put talents to the test
Art and science come together when blacksmiths compete at the Calgary Stampede. Fifteen blacksmiths hammered out shoes for horses in timed events during a three-day competition. A panel of judges scrutinized every shoe as a work of craftsmanship that had to fit an individual’s hoof perfectly. Using horses from movie wrangler John Scott, each class […] Read more
The real dirt on Alberta soil
LACOMBE, Alta. — Knowing a bit of history may lead to better soil management. “If you know the kinds of soils you are farming and how they were laid down, it tells you a lot about the characteristics and helps you decide what are the things you need to be worried about,” said Ross McKenzie, […] Read more
Young cattle producer discovers Angus ear tags need better promotion
OLDS, Alta. — Thomas Wildman says working with cattle is a sport, but he also takes the business seriously. The 15-year-old from Sangudo, Alta., decided to run an online survey to assess people’s opinions about green identification ear tags offered by the Canadian Angus Association. The project was part of a marketing competition for the […] Read more
Cheese enterprise booming for former munitions expert
VERMILION, Alta. — The Old School Cheesery at Vermilion, Alta., is turning into a destination for connoisseurs of locally produced artisan foods. “The plan was to make some goat cheese, but when I did my market research I found out that Canadians only eat two kinds of cheese: cheddar and mozzarella. So we changed our […] Read more
