Chief executive officer of Agri-Trend is raising money for a big-budget documentary to defend use of genetic modification
Farmers concerned about losing a valuable biotechnology tool are urged to support a pro-GMO movie. Rob Saik, chief executive officer of Agri-Trend Group of Companies, said farmers are in danger of losing genetic modification unless they tell politicians and consumers the importance of the technology. “If agriculture doesn’t stand up and speak up, valuable tools […] Read moreStories by Mary MacArthur
Feeder prices plummet due to ‘panic selling’
Just like a roller coaster at the fair, feeder cattle future markets slowly climbed to the top and dropped fast in an action packed ride in mid-December. Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle futures dropped limit down five days in a row before bouncing back and settling into a less volatile ride Dec. 18. “We had […] Read more
Hydroelectric dam approved despite ‘negative impacts’
Construction of the Peace River dam is scheduled to begin next year
British Columbia energy minister Bill Bennett said the need for low cost, reliable electricity outweighed the negative impacts in the province’s decision to approve a controversial hydroelectric dam on the Peace River. “This was a decision the government had to make that was in the best interest of the majority of British Columbians over the […] Read more
Alta. biodigester switches from manure to municipal waste
Growing Power made the move because municipalities are paying it to turn their garbage into electricity
The two biodigesters that were originally designed to turn feedlot manure into electricity are now using municipal waste as their main energy source, says the company that designed the technology. Changing economics have convinced the owners of the Growing Power Hairy Hill Biogas project to use mostly organic waste from Edmonton and surrounding municipalities. “The […] Read more
Common compost can have exotic origins
Farmers have it relatively easy when it comes to handling their animals’ waste. Manure from corrals and barns simply gets hauled to the field as added organic matter. But where does zoo poo go? The 37 tonnes of manure from the Calgary Zoo is recycled into compost through the city’s recycling program and used for […] Read more
Crowds always happy to plop down money for cow patty bingo
Whether it’s called cow chip bingo, cow plop drop or cow patty bingo, the bovine game of manure chance is popular. Lorraine Bates, manager of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Country Fest, said the unique fundraiser was used for two years to help offset the cost of the fair’s 4-H show. “We may do […] Read more
Avian flu infects two more B.C. farms
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed two more farms with avian influenza in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. About 11,800 birds will be destroyed in a broiler breeder farm at Langley, B.C. It is the 11th commercial flock to be identified with the highly contagious H5N2 virus, bringing the total number of commercial turkeys and […] Read more
Alberta’s Wildrose has interim leader after mass defections
Heather Forsyth is the new interim leader of the provincial Wildrose party in Alberta. Forsyth was first elected in 1993 as a Progressive Conservative MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek. She crossed the floor in 2010 to become a Wildrose MLA. The Wildrose party is still struggling to regain its balance after nine MLAs, including their former […] Read more
Shooting Star Ranch rides roller coaster elk market
There is enthusiasm and optimism in the industry after years of hard times
NEW SAREPTA, Alta. — One year ago, Christine and Barry Harrison were two years into their five-year exit plan from the elk industry. After a dozen years of tough financial times, the couple no longer wanted to stay in the elk business. Then the price of elk antler jumped, the price of meat jumped and […] Read moreAvian flu continues spread
Avian influenza has been detected in a 10th British Columbia poultry farm as of Dec. 15. It brings the total number of poultry to be destroyed in the province to 233,800 birds since the highly virulent H5N2 virus was confirmed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed avian influenza in the latest barn Dec. 13. It […] Read more
