KAMLOOPS, B.C. — As far as Brian McKersie knows, city people do not cross through private backyards to shorten their route, so they should not have the right to cross through his pastures in southeastern British Columbia. “I say to city people, do you have a garden in town? My hayfields are my garden,” said […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
First Nations land claims may affect B.C. ranchers
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Land claims negotiations between four First Nations communities and the British Columbia and federal governments could affect about 50 ranchers in the Cariboo region. “Our biggest concern is that this is the first treaty that is being negotiated in an area that has a significant range component,” said rancher Grant Huffman, who […] Read more
Diverse Alberta farm focuses on consumer
BIG VALLEY, Alta. — When Cremona Primrose fills egg cartons for her city customers, she always adds a blue-green egg for a little variety. Those added touches are part of the direct marketing plan Cornel and Cremona Primrose have created for their farm near Big Valley in central Alberta. A commercial dairy is the mainstay […] Read more
Ranch wins sustainability award
British Columbia couple recognized for environmental stewardship, animal welfare efforts and community involvement
KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Environmental and social sustainability were natural choices for Trevor and Janice Tapp when they started their ranch at Fraser Lake in northern British Columbia. Named the winners of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association ranch sustainability award, the couple was recognized for their attention to land care, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, community involvement and […] Read more
Raising antibiotic-free pigs involves many questions
While research is ongoing to find substitute treatments, producers grapple with keeping pigs healthy without antibiotics
QUEBEC CITY, Que. — Using little or no antibiotics in swine production may be the wave of the future, but finding alternative treatments is a challenge. Consumer groups have been vocal about antibiotic-free food because they believe it tastes better, think it is healthier for them or worry about residue in the food or the […] Read moreAlternatives needed to maintain poultry health if antibiotic use is suspended: growers
QUEBEC CITY, Que. — Extensive planning was required when poultry companies like Pilgrim’s Pride and Tyson Foods announced they were going antibiotic free in their operations. “Removing antibiotics completely is still a challenge,” said Shivaram Rao of Pilgrims Pride. It is essential to have treatment options available when early signs of increased deaths are observed, […] Read more
Antimicrobial resistance a global issue
QUEBEC CITY, Que. — Resistance to antimicrobials has turned into a major health crisis, says the head of the centre for disease dynamics, economics and policy. “We have not seen a problem of this magnitude that encompasses the world since HIV,” said Ramana Laxminarayan, who is also affiliated with Princeton University. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials […] Read more
New rules on use of antibiotics for livestock
QUEBEC CITY, Que. — New antimicrobial regulations could be published this year changing the way medications for livestock are bought and sold. No products will be prohibited and officials at Health Canada’s veterinary drugs directorate have promised a smooth transition to the new system. “Our role in ensuring stewardship of antimicrobials is to make sure […] Read more
Research finds most Alberta rivers healthy
A three-year project monitoring riparian sites in the Bow River and Oldman River basins show more than half are healthy ecosystems. “We found that over 50 percent of the sites within the Bow and the Oldman were in really good shape,” said Michael Wagner, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The department worked with fRI Research, formerly […] Read more
Warming climate may speed algae spread
Blue-green algae growth is a spreading threat to major water bodies around the world. Last summer, 32 blue-green algae warnings were issued for recreational lakes in Alberta because of health risks to people and animals. However, one University of Calgary student assessed algae prevalence in small prairie lakes. As the climate grows warmer and drier, […] Read more
