Livestock Management
A University of Alberta program to preserve heritage chicken genetics is operating an adopt-a-chicken funding plan to provide eggs to participants. The university’s Faculty of Agriculture has been running its Rare Poultry Conservation Program since 1986. The university launched its adopt-a-chicken program in 2013 to help preserve seven different species ranging from Rhode Island red […] Read more
Livestock Management
Scours vaccine shortage complicates calf care
Producers who have trouble finding vaccines should shift their focus to improved biosecurity and cattle management
A potential shortage of scours vaccines may have producers and veterinarians seeking solutions during calving this winter. Pharmaceutical companies that produce bovine-specific medications have been fraught with shortages due to transportation and manufacturing issues. “We’ve seen a contraction of product lines and the shortages are really just a function of that,” said Cody Creelman, veterinarian […] Read more
The road to foot and mouth was long, but the path was short
The 1952 foot and mouth outbreak in Sask., started with one man from Germany in October, by February it was well-spread
In 1951, the world was recovering from the Second World War, financially and emotionally. People looked for new ways to get ahead. Willi Bruntjen, a 29-year-old farm worker, left his homeland of Germany on Oct. 15 and came to Canada seeking a new life. He wore his only clothes, a brown suit, and carried a […] Read more
Agribition economic impact grows
A new economic impact study of Canadian Western Agribition has found a total contribution of $96.5 million. The study, by Praxis Consulting Ltd., shows a 31 percent increase since the last assessment of the annual show in 2017. The show contributes $60.6 million to the provincial GDP. Key figures released by CWA on Jan. 31 […] Read more
Alberta Beef Producers, CCA reach tentative checkoff agreement
Alberta Beef Producers has reached an agreement in principle about its financial contribution to the Canadian Cattle Association. If the proposed three-year deal is ratified by the CCA at its annual general meeting March 22 to 24 in Ottawa, it will give the provincial organization more certainty over its funding by basing it on retained […] Read more
Newer transportation rules clash
Animal welfare should be recognized as emergency exception for transportation time limits for drivers, says CCA
New trucking regulations are causing headaches for the livestock industry following the federal government’s imposition of electronic logging devices that fail to account for specific issues. As of Jan. 1, new regulations require use of the electronic logging devices, which are activated once truckers begin their trips and continue until the trips are ended with […] Read more
Educational role urged for hog farmers
Pork producers must educate consumers about issues such as animal welfare and environmental sustainability, said an expert on global market research and forecasting at the Banff Pork Seminar. “We always say, ‘no, you’re wrong and here’s why, and we’re going to produce it (this) way,’ ” said Brett Stuart, president of Global AgriTrends based in […] Read more
Proposed biodigester reveals intentions
The project planned next to an Alberta feedlot has sparked fears it will harm property values due to odour and traffic
A proposed multimillion-dollar biodigester project in Alberta slated to create renewable natural gas from cattle feedlot manure has apologized for conducting advance work on the site. “I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize to anyone that (this) has caused concern,” said project manager John Del Mastro of Rimrock Renewables Ltd. “I’d like to reconfirm […] Read more
Future potential of psychedelics in animals
Headlines about psychedelics seem to be everywhere these days. There is even a Netflix documentary out called How to Change Your Mind. Growing research suggests that psychedelic substances could treat a variety of intractable and challenging mental health conditions in people, such as severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders. For individuals with […] Read more
Five Cs of successful calf management
Beef producers should consider the five Cs for successful calf management to maximize growth, health and profitability. Colostrum, calories, consistency, cleanliness and comfort are key elements of successful calf management, says a ruminant nutritionist and production management consultant. Of those five, colostrum is the most important, says Barry Yaremcio of Yaremcio Ag Consulting Ltd. in […] Read more
