Data collection and top notch equipment to help collect and analyze it is necessary if Canada is to properly monitor climate change and improve forecasting of extreme weather events. “There is two weeks lead time that is credible and that is what we have been using to drive these models,” said John Pomeroy, Canada research […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
GM non-browning apple has stigma to overcome
RED DEER — Sliced apples that do not turn brown will be available in stores in October but the developer of the genetically modified fruit knows there is still a stigma around these kinds of products. “Nobody likes yucky apples,” said Neal Carter, who started working with scientists on a gene reversal technique to prevent […] Read more
Plan sought for marketing during crisis
RED DEER — BSE transformed Canadian agriculture when it was first found in this country in 2003, but the industry has faced other disasters since. Diseases such as H1N1 in hogs, avian influenza and catastrophic weather disasters all take a toll, so industry and government are developing plans to handle the next event through the […] Read more
Corporate focus on animal care sparks on-farm changes
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Major food corporations have taken a role in mandating animal welfare standards and wide-reaching effects that impact the farm. “Our ultimate goal is to make sure the animals are being taken care of as well as respect for the farmers and the suppliers,” said Christine Summers of Costco. With $116 billion in […] Read more
Ohio’s livestock code of practice a model for other states
COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the Humane Society of the United States appeared in Ohio with a challenge to change farming practices such as confinement housing or face a public vote, the state decided to act. Following a meeting in February 2009 with the humane society, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board was formed with membership […] Read more
Rural residents need strategy
RED DEER — The agriculture sector needs to be prepared for any contingency because regional resources are being spread thinner, said the head of emergency management for Rockyview County. “In a disaster situation, if 50 farms are affected, 72 hours is optimistic that help will come to you,” Randy Smith said. Therefore, neighbours must often […] Read more
Don’t horse around with equine diets
RED DEER — Eating more fibre is often recommended for better health. Horses are no different. Horses evolved as continuous grazers and would eat 16 to 20 hours a day if they could, said Deborah Barrie, who owns Feedstore to Your Door Inc. “The reality is we do a lot to our horses and we […] Read more
Carbon sequestration has limits
Scientists understand the theory of carbon sequestration, but transferring that information to farmers around the world is the bigger challenge. Pulling carbon out of the atmosphere and putting it into the soil adds fertility and better water holding capacity, but there are limits, scientists said April 24 during an international carbon sequestration webinar. “There is […] Read more
Dairy producers respond to Trump’s attack on industry
Canadian dairy farmers say they won’t be cowed by criticism from other countries — or other Canadians — about their supply managed system. However, they are getting weary of being under attack. “It would be nice to not be the centre of attention,” said Dairy Farmers of Manitoba chair David Wiens. The system set up […] Read more
Cattle chew through more than hay and barley
Cows are like scavengers and are willing to eat more than barley and hay, as long as it is palatable. If there are alternative feeds available locally at a good price, they may be worth considering, said Murray Feist of Saskatchewan Agriculture. “Cattle will do well. That four-stomach rumen will allow them to scavenge and […] Read more
