The breeding plan really sets the tone for what a cattle operation is, says Blake Balog. “I think that’s really an operation’s objective for herd management. It’s all about knowing who you are, what kind of operation you are, what unique micro-involved environment you deal with,” he said during a Rural Roots Virtual Ag Day […] Read more
William DeKay
Stories by William DeKay
Alberta farm show decides to go ahead despite COVID-19
The Agri-Trade Equipment Expo is moving forward as scheduled — under a canopy of safety. As with past years and in spite of COVID-19, the crop production equipment show will take place at Westerner Park in Red Deer Nov. 11-13. It’s all because of the guidelines set forth by Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy, said organizers. “The […] Read more
Working from home gains traction
It’s not clear what will happen to the restaurant industry if this trend becomes permanent once the pandemic is over
A new report shows many Canadians like the taste of telecommuting and want to continue working from home after the pandemic. However, the change in lifestyle is expected to affect the restaurant industry to the tune of $20 billion in the next year. The Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, in partnership with the Caddle […] Read more
Canadian domestic pig breed lands on endangered list
Tony, Moira and Maxine are Lacombe pigs, a critically endangered breed that was the first strain of pigs developed in Canada. The three “not so little” pigs were fondly named by Leah Predy from Ponoka, Alta., who decided to raise Lacombes after she moved back to the family farm, Halbern Farms, a few years ago. […] Read more
No real fix to soil salinity but options exist
With more than five million acres at risk to salinity in Western Canada, farmers could do a better job of managing their acres, say some advisers. “It’s a very big deal,” said Lyle Cowell, manager of agronomic services at Nutrien Ag Solutions in northeast Saskatchewan. He and colleague Brianna Lummerding discussed salinity during a presentation […] Read more
Vaccinations must work with biosecurity, monitoring
Stress and the immune system are not friends. That’s why an understanding of major swine stress factors is key during the vaccination process, said Alejandro Ramirez from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. Ramirez, along with Chris Chase, professor of veterinary medicine at South Dakota State University, spoke about vaccinology during a […] Read more
Hailstorms more severe this year
Fast and furious characterizes July hailstorms across the Prairies. “Almost one storm every day,” said Rick Omelchenko, president of the Canadian Crop Hail Association. “The hailstorms are smaller in size but more severe in the centre and then taper off really quickly,” he said July 29. “Some crops are smashed to pieces. There’s been some […] Read more
Field vs. feedlot backgrounding researched
Study is looking at how animals differ in gain, morbidity, mortality, antibiotic use, yardage and manure costs
Backgrounding calves in the field rather than the feedlot might be a viable option, and researchers are now studying the concept. The first year in a three-year study has been completed at the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence near Clavet, Sask. It compared winter backgrounding of steers in an extensive field […] Read more
Little known about little red bug found in prairie fields
A small, bright-red insect that can devour crops and is native to North America has been lurking in Saskatchewan soils for a long time. However, little is known about it. “It’s a curiosity for most of the ag community, unless you’re actually experiencing an outbreak and then it’s a nightmare,” said James Tansey, provincial insect […] Read more
B.C. ranchers declared sustainability winners
Environmental stewardship award recognizes the conservation work done at Ricky and Chad Seelhof’s Woodjam Ranch
Ricky and Chad Seelhof of Woodjam Ranch found it difficult to keep it secret. Since January, the husband and wife remained quiet about being chosen as the winners of this year’s British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Sustainability Award. However, their suspense ended following a July 7 virtual award ceremony, which officially recognized the family’s achievements […] Read more
