AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands (Reuters) Ñ Dutch authorities are investigating several suspected cases of animal feed being mixed with banned chemicals, the justice ministry said Feb. 2. Minister Piet Hein Donner sent a letter to parliament that demanded an explanation after a Dutch animal rights group published a confidential government report, showing the use of dangerous […] Read more
Stories by Karen Morrison
Elk rancher to appeal
An elk rancher from Maidstone, Sask., will appeal his conviction on eight counts under the Health of Animals Act. Rick Alsager was convicted and fined $69,000 in Saskatchewan provincial court in Lloydminster Jan. 24 for moving animals without a permit, breach of quarantine orders and obstruction of inspectors. Also named in the suit were Alsager’s […] Read more
Rare book collection adds to vet student knowledge
Jack Rosen believes veterinarians need to look back to see how far they have come in their profession. “One doesn’t start learning about genetics by talking about the double helix,” he said. “You first have to get the foundation of your discipline. “You get an appreciation of how you have advanced and how much further […] Read more
Feed co-op quietly builds loyal customer following
Prairie Feed Co-operative Ltd. is a bright spot on agriculture’s otherwise dull fiscal landscape, with annual sales reaching $26.5 million in 2003. That same year, the 20-year co-op returned average savings of seven percent to its 300 members in Western Canada. Robert Haanstra, PFCL’s general manager, said its success is closely tied to the successful […] Read more
University costly for rural students
Swift Current native Gavin Gardiner will graduate from the University of Saskatchewan with an arts degree and a large debt. Gardiner, president of the university’s student union, will have higher costs and debt loads than those who live within 80 kilometres of a university, according to a report done by the Canadian Centre on Policy […] Read more
Swap fat for fibre in healthy diet
Replacing fat with fibre in foods commonly found at the grocery store can increase health benefits for consumers and markets for western growers. Kelley Fitzpatrick, co-ordinator of Flax Canada 2015, said incorporating soy-based protein and omega 3 fatty acid oils into diets can lower blood cholesterol levels and help put a dent in steadily rising […] Read more
Baby boomers bored with buffet of bland
Hot and spicy are the latest crazes in the food industry, said Dave Andersen of Newly Weds Foods, a processor and supplier. Speaking to the Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association annual conference in Saskatoon Jan. 13, he said demand has surged for hot spices like red pepper, mustard seed and black and white pepper. Look […] Read more
Ag Notes
Beef producer elections Darcy Davis of Acme, Alta., has replaced retiring delegate Arno Doerksen as chair of Alberta Beef Producers. Erik Butters of Cochrane, Alta., is vice-chair and Travis Toews of Beaverlodge, Alta., is finance chair. As well, Vince and Wanda Lohman of Innisfail, Alta., received the association’s 2005 environmental stewardship award. The Lohmans maintain […] Read more
Delicate fibre gathered from hardy goats
Long, cold Canadian winters are credited with producing award winning cashmere goats in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of British Columbia. Goat producer Diane Thompson said success also comes from meticulous attention to details like breeding programs and maintaining animals that produce excellent fleece yet grow to a good size for the meat market. This year, Thompson […] Read more
Life’s a stunt
VANSCOY, Sask. – Tim Edwards turns a few heads while making a spectacle of himself. Whether standing atop two galloping horses or riding a 1,000 pound Texas Longhorn steer down a grid road ditch, Edwards is easily noticed near his acreage outside Vanscoy. Such spectacular stunts are his business. He and his wife Jackie annually […] Read more
