Competition gives owners, animals experience
TEES, Alta. — There weren’t many mules and donkeys at this year’s Tees Long Ears Days. That’s because mules have become so popular that owners haul their animals to the paying competitions. “Once they get experienced, they enter competitive shows,” said Russ Shandro, president of the Alberta Donkey and Mule club. He said the 24th […] Read moreStories by Mary MacArthur
Northern producers struggle with elk problems
Feed losses costly | There are also reports of elk killing horses and ruining bales in farmers’ yards.
SPIRIT RIVER, Alta. — Tony and Pat Evans say herds of rampaging elk have left them with no options but to sell their horses. The couple from northwestern Alberta say they have fought off elk that eat their hay, smash their fences and kill their animals for more than 12 years. “We’re going to have […] Read moreEvery up and coming food product needs a taste tester
EDMONTON — The hard work of developing a new food product may be for naught if it tastes lousy. Having the products taste tested by consumer testers is one more step to ensuring the product will be a success, said Nicole Gaudette, a senior sensory scientist with Alberta Agriculture. The department uses more than 2,000 […] Read more
Open Farm Days planned for Alberta this weekend
Alberta farmers and ranchers are inviting everyone to take a peek at their business this weekend in Alberta’s first Open Farm Days. On Saturday, chefs and local producers team up to create farm-to-plate meals. Details and tickets for the chef events are at albertafarmdays.com. On Sunday, more than 40 farms will open their doors to […] Read more
Volunteer research team on the hunt for turkey vultures
Wing tagging | Initiative aims to gain insight into birds’ mating habits, lifespan and predators
DONALDA, Alta. — Despite their distinctive appearance and cameo appearances on animated cartoon shows, little is known about turkey vultures, especially in Alberta. During August and September, Wayne and Alora Nelson drive thousands of kilometres through northeastern Alberta searching out the turkey vulture’s locations and banding their wings in hopes of learning more about the […] Read moreRetest not possible after blood of Stampede’s disqualified steer destroyed
A blood sample taken from the winning steer at the Calgary Stampede has been destroyed before it could be retested, said one of its owners. Royden Anderson said a letter from the Calgary Stampede lawyers said the sample was disposed of. “We were going to send the sample to be retested,” said Anderson. The Calgary […] Read more
Stampede winning steer’s blood sample destroyed before second test
A blood sample taken from the winning steer at the Calgary Stampede has been destroyed before it could be retested, said one of its owners. Royden Anderson said a letter from the Calgary Stampede lawyers said the sample was disposed of. “We were going to send the sample to be retested,” said Anderson. The Calgary […] Read more
Stampede disqualification to be appealed
Steer owners claim no wrongdoing | Prize steer received pain medication on vet’s approval
Owners of the winning steer disqualified for drug use from the Calgary Stampede Steer Classic competition plan to appeal. Riley Chalack and Royden Anderson said they followed the rules and a Calgary Stampede accredited veterinarian’s recommendations to use the painkiller Banamine on their show steer and shouldn’t be penalized. “If the vet said it’s OK […] Read moreDo you know how to recognize blackleg?
Control essential | Disease often confused with sclerotinia or root rot
VIKING, Alta. — Only farmers with grey hair or little hair likely remember the devastating impacts of blackleg on canola, but all farmers should be concerned about the fungal disease, said an Alberta plant pathologist. “We’ve forgotten all about it. I’m here to tell you it’s back,” Ralph Lange told farmers during a crop tour. […] Read moreOwners of steer disqualified from Stampede for illegal drug use plan appeal
Owners of the winning steer disqualified for drug use from the Calgary Stampede Steer Classic competition plan to appeal. Riley Chalack and Royden Anderson said they followed the rules and a Calgary Stampede accredited veterinarian’s recommendations to use the painkiller Banamine on their show steer and shouldn’t be penalized. “If the vet said it’s OK […] Read more
