Livestock Management
Ticks are being found in increasing frequency in our food-producing animals and domestic pets. They cause concerns because some species carry transmissible diseases that can affect humans, such as Lyme disease. Others cause blood-loss irritation and others cause paralysis. The most commonly found tick on cattle in Western Canada is the Rocky Mountain wood tick […] Read more
Livestock Management
Ranchers sue beef packers over prices
(Reuters) — Four of the largest U.S. beef-packing companies have been accused in a recent lawsuit of violating federal antitrust law by conspiring to drive down prices they paid ranchers for cattle, even as retail beef prices hovered near record levels. Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., the JBS USA unit of Brazil’s JBS SA and […] Read more
Genetics show path to greater dairy production, profits
WESTLOCK, Alta. — Tremendous progress has been made in accelerated milk production and cow performance using selective breeding and genomics, but more work is needed. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization predicts a 100 percent increase in demand for food by 2050. Probably 70 percent of that extra food production will come from technology, […] Read more
Charges dropped against animal rights activist
May 1 was a good day for animal rights activists in Canada. And a frightening day for livestock producers in the country. Ontario farm groups are frustrated with a decision to drop charges against an anti-meat campaigner who broke into a hog barn and took two animals from the barn. “(This) court decision negatively impacts […] Read more
USDA expects smaller ASF impact on China
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a far more conservative estimate of the carnage that African swine fever has caused to China’s hog herd than most agricultural analysts and economists. In a March 11 report, the U.S. agricultural attache to China forecasted a 13 percent reduction in the country’s swine herd to 374 million animals […] Read more
African swine fever cancels World Pork Expo
The National Pork Producers Council in the United States has cancelled the World Pork Expo planned for June in Des Moines, Iowa, because of fears of spreading African swine fever. The council’s board of directors took the unprecedented move in recognition that ASF continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia, as well […] Read more
Never too young for the show ring
The Chinook Junior Livestock Show in Claresholm, Alta., provides young people a unique opportunity to hone their skills
CLARESHOLM, Alta. — Put 175 kids and 196 head of cattle into one big building and what do you get? Controlled chaos and a wide array of learning experiences for today’s young people. That is the scenario at the Chinook Junior Livestock Show, which held its 24th annual event April 24 at the Claresholm Agriplex. […] Read more
Concerns linger over dry pastures on Prairies
Most cattle producers are going to need moisture during the growing season if their fields are to be replenished
Many producers across the Prairies are dealing with dry pasture conditions, hoping moisture will soon come to replenish their fields. Areas from Calgary to Winnipeg are either abnormally dry or facing drought conditions, according to Agriculture Canada’s Canadian Drought Monitor, causing slight anxiety over pasture quality for the upcoming growing season. “There are certainly some […] Read more
Alberta dairy farm makes switch to Jerseys
Unique Valleystream Genetics is Canada’s largest purebred Jersey operation but doesn’t shy away from trying other breeds
ROCHESTER, Alta. — Unique Valleystream Genetics is Canada’s largest purebred Jersey operation with a focus on family. Owned by Dave and Tracy Morey and their adult children, Casey and Lee, the farm, an hour north of Edmonton, is a diverse operation of cropland and large dairy where about 300 registered Jersey cows are milked. Dave […] Read more
Jersey registration in Canada is highest since 1963
WESTLOCK, Alta. — This may be the year of the Jersey cow. Last year more than 11,800 head were registered with Jersey Canada and growth for the breed is poised to continue. This is the highest number of Jerseys registered since 1963. Membership in the Jersey association has been growing each year. In 2000, there […] Read more
