Farmfair competition | Fewer interested in pulling competition
EDMONTON — Ron Sebastian could have stacked another 500 pounds of cement blocks on the stone boat and tried for first place. Instead, he waved his hat, satisfied with second place in the heavy weight division of the heavy horse pulling competition at Farmfair. Sebastian’s team had already pulled the 11,500 lb. on the stone […] Read moreStories by Mary MacArthur
Military solution creates farm problem
Elk invasion | Producers concerned about roaming herds of elk that cause damage to farmland surrounding CFB Suffield
A decision to replace wild horses with wild elk at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in southern Alberta has turned into a disaster similar to introducing rabbits to Australia. With no control plan, the 221 original elk transplanted to the base 20 years ago are now estimated to number 4,500 to 5,000, and the population doubles […] Read moreNorth Dakota sees first case of clubroot
Clubroot found in a North Dakota field had likely been there for several years, said the plant pathologist who discovered the plant. “The size of the area makes me believe it is nothing new. It’s been there for quite a few years,” said Luis Del Rio, plant pathologist with North Dakota State University. Unlike most […] Read more
Stampede sanctions catch many
Officials use wide net | Several suspended from Stampede Park after positive drug test results
The Calgary Stampede has given one-year suspensions to anyone involved in handling the winning steer disqualified from its Steer Classic this summer because of drug use. Under suspension are: the steer’s owners, Royden Anderson of Didsbury, Alta., and Riley Chalack of Carstairs, Alta.; cattle fitters Raymond Gonnet and Chris Wilson of Iowa; and Trausch Farms […] Read moreGood handling facility saves time
Managing flocks | Producer says an efficient handling facility can save 45 minutes per ewe
A good handling facility is the best labour saving device for farms, says an Ontario sheep producer. “Handling facilities don’t have to be fancy, just effective,” Anita O’Brien, a former Ontario Agriculture sheep specialist, told the Alberta Sheep Breeders Association’s recent conference. “We use it so often, it’s the most heavily used equipment on the […] Read moreBiosecurity must be priority
Due diligence | Sheep producers must purchase replacements carefully
NISKU, Alta. — Forget about coyotes. The most dangerous animal to a sheep is another sheep, said Dr. Chris Clark, a veterinarian with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. Diseases are the major cause of losses in the sheep industry, so producers need to be wary of introducing any outside sheep into the […] Read moreProducer group, farm bring in changes following video
Egg Producers of Alberta Video showing workers smashing chicks and throwing them in garbage was broadcast on television news program
It’s the chicken equivalent of closing the barn door after the horse has escaped. Officials with Egg Producers of Alberta are trying to assure consumers that a disturbing video showing inhumane handling practices on two Alberta chicken farms isn’t representative of what happens in the entire industry. The video, taken by the animal rights group […] Read moreFarmers concerned about crop inspection costs
Pedigreed seed As industry prepares for privatized pedigreed seed inspections, growers worry costs will rise
Farmers are worried that crop inspection service costs for pedigreed seed could increase 600 to 700 percent when seed inspection is privatized this spring. The cost of inspecting seed could jump from 75 cents an acre to higher than $5 an acre, depending on the location, acres and other services provided by private inspectors. “It’s […] Read more‘Think like a sheep’ to increase productivity
NISKU, Alta. — Gord Schroeder says it’s not uncommon for him to grab a lawn chair and simply watch his sheep. The Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board manager isn’t admiring his animals. Instead, he’s trying to figure out their behaviour. “If you have a basic understanding of sheep behaviour, it will make raising and handling sheep […] Read more
Nature, environment, travel play role in children’s education
Flexible home schooling | The Wasyliks help on the farm, raising animals and growing produce
VERMILION, Alta. — The Wasylik family is like any other on a busy fall day. They breathe easier now that the crop is harvested, but bushels of apples still need to be turned into cider, jars of jams and pickles are still on the kitchen counter and need to be taken to the cold room, […] Read more
