OTTAWA — Researchers spend a lot of time and effort trying to develop packaging to help prevent food waste. And for good reason. In 2009, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported that 32 percent of food produced in the world is never eaten — lost to waste in one form or another. It […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Olivia, Liam top baby names in Alberta
Last year more than 55,500 babies were born in Alberta and parents chose from an eclectic list of monikers. For the third year in a row Olivia was the most popular name for girls while Liam was the favourite for boys. Last year Service Alberta recorded 13,782 different baby names, with many reflecting names found […] Read more
New ear tags, drones keep tabs
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — When it comes to managing his cattle, Jeff Braisher has found it all comes down to one thing. Whether the British Columbia rancher is counting cattle, tracking movement of his herd or assessing weight gains, his biggest conundrum is figuring out how to make an ear tag stay in the cow’s ear. […] Read more
4-Her pulls hat trick at Calgary show
For the third time the grand champion steer from Calgary’s 4-H on Parade has gone to Jacey Massey, who at 14 is an experienced showman and livestock judge. Her 1,425 pound black steer sold for $5.50 a lb. to Hirsche Fraser Meats at Okotoks, Alta. A member of the Irricana Multi Club, Massey also won […] Read more
Going indoors to grow local
SHERWOOD PARK, Alta. — Providing fresh local produce to Canadians year round could be achieved with a new farming concept that combines horticulture with aquaculture. NutraPonics, which opened in 2015 near Sherwood Park, is dedicated to supplying the local produce market and supporting local suppliers. Since last December, it has been selling fresh romaine lettuce, […] Read more
Farmers play key role in educating their customers
QUEBEC CITY — Consumers may not know much about agriculture but they know what they like. “Consumers are playing a bigger and bigger role in the structure of the food system. They are making relatively uninformed choices but they are making choices nonetheless,” said economist Mike von Massow of Ontario’s University of Guelph. People are […] Read more
Farmers take on research
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Do it yourself research is one way farmers can find answers to questions on their own Back 40. In 2014, the British Columbia Forage Council initiated a program to support local field trials, install weather stations and encourage producers to do research that fits with their conditions. Wayne Ray of Fort Fraser, […] Read more
Global beef demand shifting, but not growing
OTTAWA — The world may be hungry for beef, but supplies have remained unchanged for 10 years. “Beef has done something that no other commodity has done,” said market analyst Brett Stuart of Global AgriTrends. Production peaked in 2007-08 and there has been no real growth for the last 10 years, he told the Canadian […] Read more
B.C. policy changes spark fear
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Political upheaval in British Columbia has left livestock producers wondering what policy changes are in store. Water is among the areas of concern as producers seek certainty about access and licensing requirements on Crown and private land. “Right now, we are faced with a period of time of some uncertainty in terms […] Read more
B.C. predation program may see budget dwindle
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — A livestock protection plan in British Columbia may be a victim of its own success. The three-year pilot program launched in January 2016 may run out of money before its mandate ends, said coordinator Mark Grafton. “With the volume we are dealing with, it is looking like our funding will run out […] Read more
