Commercial cattle producers are starting to consider using a breeding technique that has been commonplace among purebred producers for decades. More of them are using artificial insemination in their operations to improve the bottom line. “For a commercial person interested in (artificial insemination), an estrus synchronization program would be the best way to go about […] Read more
Stories by Rebeca Kuropatwa
Simple tests limit calf mortality
Trials look at factors affecting a calf’s suckle reflex and its ability to consume colostrum immediately after birth
A University of Calgary professor is working to develop a scoring system that can predict a calf’s ability to consume colostrum on its own. Adequate immunity acquired through colostrum is the most im-portant factor affecting pre-weaning health of beef calves, said Elizabeth Homerosky, a veterinarian and Simpson Ranch Fellow at the U of C. One-third […] Read moreTech incubator helps entrepreneurs
A Winnipeg business incubator is teaching entrepreneurs how to take their dream to the next level. “The Eureka Project mandate is to help what I like to call ‘passionate creators of technology or widgets commercializing their inventions,’ ” said Gary Brownstone, who until recently led the project. Some of the companies the project has helped […] Read more
Turkey farmer uses social media to keep public informed
Brent Royce of Listowel, Ont., grew up around dairy cows, but 20 years ago he decided to make the switch to turkeys
Brent Royce makes a point of snapping photos as he goes about his daily checks on his Ontario turkey farm. When he has another moment, he posts the photos on Twitter along with some information. He does the same thing during the cropping season. “Keeping an eye out, I try to keep a broad spectrum […] Read moreOn-farm trials take time, but save money
A lack of know-how can be a major hurdle that prevents producers from conducting their own on-farm trials. However, Ross McKenzie of McKenzie Ag Consulting says farmers don’t need to know much, and the benefits can be worth the time. For example, fungicides can cost $15 to $20 per acre. “If you have 1,000 acres […] Read more
Communication a focus of family farm operation
All three farm partners meet regularly to talk business and farming
Many farms operate with one or two people in charge and others helping. The Woodside farm partnership northeast of Langbank, Sask., is following a different path by getting everyone involved in the discussion about their farm operation. This third-generation farm is owned and operated by Geoff Hewson, 32, his sister, Margaret Hansen, 40, and their […] Read more
Take steps to control dangerous blue green algae: water expert
Farmers with dugouts need to be mindful of the potential problem with blue green algae. Melissa Orr-Langner, an agricultural water specialist with Alberta Agriculture, said cyanobacteria “can behave very similarly to algae, growing and multiplying very quickly in the summer months.” She said it can be difficult to identify, and algae blooms are unpredictable. “We […] Read more
4-Her donates to hospital
A 10-year-old Hanley 4-H Beef Club member who sold his steer to help others has found countless others now helping him. Cadence Haaland is part of a ranch family in Hanley, Sask., that works for a custom cow-calf operation for Blair.Ag Cattle Company. The family includes parents Chad and Carissa, and Cadence’s siblings Cassidy and […] Read more
Winnipeg catering firm uses 65 percent local produce
Commitment required | Chef says it is not always easy to do the right thing
An increasing number of companies are jumping on the local food bandwagon, buying ingredients from their surrounding area when they can. However, this effort rarely exceeds 30 percent of their total inventory. Diversity Food Services, a University of Winnipeg-based catering service company, serving the university’s cafeterias and community events has gone beyond that. Two food […] Read moreAsparagus goes from fork to tea cup
Most people think of asparagus as either fresh or canned. An Ontario farmer is working to change this, and in a big way. “We started trying out putting asparagus into different forms, starting with pickled asparagus and then asparagus soup,” said Tim Barrie, who operates Barrie’s Asparagus near Kitchener, Ont., with his wife, Libby, and […] Read more
