Tests positive for Banamine | Reserve champion now wins top prize and $10,000
The Calgary Stampede has disqualified the winning animal in its steer competition after it tested positive for the painkiller Banamine. Testing positive for drugs is in “contravention of the competition’s rules,” said a Calgary Stampede news release. “We are committed to animal care and welfare and we will continue to enhance rules, regulations and policies […] Read moreStories by Mary MacArthur
Tiny discovery brings back memories of big-time pest
Warble fly | While insecticides have helped producers manage a pest that once caused millions in damages, grubs could be hiding on organic farms
Entomologist Gary Anweiler brought back a flood of memories for bug experts and cattle producers when he caught a fly in July near Edmonton and posted its picture online asking for identification. Anweiler had captured a warble fly, which at one time caused millions of dollars in damage to the Canadian cattle industry but has […] Read moreStampede steer champion disqualified after drug test
The Calgary Stampede has disqualified the winning animal in its steer competition after it tested positive for the painkiller Banamine. Testing positive for drugs is in “contravention of the competition’s rules,” said a Calgary Stampede news release. “We are committed to animal care and welfare and we will continue to enhance rules, regulations and policies […] Read more
Stampede steer champion disqualified after drug test
The Calgary Stampede has disqualified the winning animal in its steer competition after it tested positive for the painkiller Banamine. Testing positive for drugs is in “contravention of the competition’s rules,” said a Calgary Stampede news release. “We are committed to animal care and welfare and we will continue to enhance rules, regulations and policies […] Read more
Alberta crop report looks positive
PEACE Crop conditions continue to be favourable with frequent showers and warm temperatures. Crops are generally looking good, but farmers are encouraged to monitor for disease. Canola has finished flowering in most areas, but there are pockets of late seeded crops with canola still flowering. The Peace region canola survey wrapped up at the end […] Read more
Underground tiles seen as long-term investment
LACOMBE, Alta. — Tired of seeing his best land not produce his best crops, Craig Shaw has started to install underground tile drainage on his Alberta farm. “We were losing our best land,” said Shaw, who farms near Lacombe. “We’re trying to get better crops over the low parts of our fields.” Shaw and his […] Read more
Precision planter on canola shows savings
Lower seeding rate | Wider row spacing requires weed management
LACOMBE, Alta. — An Alberta canola grower hopes to dramatically reduce seeding costs by using a precision planter more commonly used in row crop production. Craig Shaw’s interest in the technology was prompted by his frustration over how difficult it was to accurately place canola with large broad acre seeding equipment. He hopes that research […] Read more
Clubroot control remains elusive
Boron or lime applications, bait crops, seed treatments and crop rotations don’t stop disease
EDMONTON — Scientists, agronomists and farmers have learned a lot about what does and doesn’t work in controlling clubroot in the six years since the canola disease was found in Alberta. The hardy microscopic spores hitch a ride in soil on machinery, wind, water and seed, and can last up to 20 years, said Clint […] Read more
Sisters buck tradition on cattle ranch
Venturing out on their own | Young farmer credits her success to help from family and neighbours
HOMESTEAD COULEE, Alta. — Michelle Peake is like the burrowing owls of southern Alberta: a rare species. Peake is a 22-year-old rancher. Except for her sisters, who are also ranchers, there are not many young ranchers, particularly young female ranchers, in her area east of Drumheller. “There is not a lot of young people around,” […] Read moreAlberta cattle group seeks economical rendering process
Renderers charge $100 per head to remove dead stock
EDMONTON — There is a saying in the livestock business: you have livestock, you have dead stock. Trying to figure out the best and most cost effective way to handle dead animals is the goal of a new Alberta Beef Producers’ working group. Howard Bekkering, chair of the dead stock group, said it is gathering […] Read more
