Livestock Management
Some producers say they will make it through winter with the supplies that they have, while others aren’t so lucky
As producers gathered to market and show their cattle at Farmfair International in Edmonton earlier this month, one issue on top of many people’s minds was the lack of feed. Shortages are affecting everyone differently. Some say they will manage to get through the winter while others are in a tough spot. Do they sell […] Read more
Livestock Management
Rodents on farms pose health risk to livestock, people
We all know intuitively that rats and mice on farms are a bad thing. With their continually erupting teeth, these rodents can chew and nibble their way through important infrastructure. They can destroy walls, pipes and equipment. Barn fires have often been attributed to damaged electrical wires, and rodent arsons are usually prime suspects. Rodents […] Read more
Exhibitors say Farmfair felt quieter this year
The Edmonton show hosted 920 head of cattle this year, which is a decrease of 155 head from the 1,075 that attended last year
The barns at Farmfair International seemed quieter than normal this year as exhibitors began showing and marketing their cattle. This is the first year Farmfair was without the Canadian Finals Rodeo, a major event that drew in large crowds to the Edmonton Expo Centre. The rodeo was held in Red Deer this year after the […] Read moreThree Flewelling generations bond over cows in the barns
EDMONTON — Showing cattle might be the ultimate male bonding experience for three generations of Flewelling men. Craig Flewelling, his son, Curtis, and 12 year-old grandson, Nathan, work together preparing their polled Herefords for events such as the Olds Fall Classic and Farmfair International. Their herd at Bowden, Alta., may be small at 25 cows, […] Read more
China starting to hold cards on U.S. dispute
Traders aren’t expecting much to move the corn and soybean markets in the upcoming weeks, as the United States moves into holiday mode. “These markets are going to just be very choppy and of course we’re going into December and nobody likes to work (during the holiday season). There’s more parties, Washington goes on Christmas […] Read more
CFIA investigating bovine TB found in B.C. cow
A case of bovine tuberculosis has been found in a cow that originated in British Columbia’s southern interior. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the single positive case Nov. 9 and released the news Nov. 19. In a news release, the CFIA said the mature beef cow was sent for slaughter Oct. 26 to a […] Read more
Weekly Manitoba cattle report
The fall run remained in full swing at Manitoba cattle auction marts during the week ended Nov. 16, with large volumes and reasonably steady feeder prices at most yards. About 16,500 cattle moved through the rings across the province during the week, with demand coming from all of the usual sources. Feeder steers 600 pounds […] Read more
Prof downplays carbon tax’s farm impact
U of S researcher says most agricultural emissions are nitrous oxide and methane, which are exempt from the new tax
Farmers are worrying more about the carbon tax than they should, says an agricultural economist, especially since they get a huge exemption that isn’t often discussed. Tristan Skolrud from the University of Saskatchewan has been studying the issue for a couple of years and said farmers are right to be concerned about carbon, but they […] Read more
Alta. family keeps Salers dream alive
The Eigners’ mature cow won grand champion female in the All Other Breeds show held at Farmfair International
EDMONTON — Years ago the Salers breed was fully represented at Farmfair International, but in recent years that has dwindled to a single family. Russ Eigner of Care Farms at Thorhild, Alta., won the grand champion female with a mature cow in the All Other Breeds show. Working with his daughters, Sarah Eigner and Lani […] Read more
Speckle Park breeders set their sights high for the future
EDMONTON — The Speckle Park Association has a new manager with a mandate to push these unique Canadian cattle to new heights. Whitney De Decker of Roslin, Ont., has been running the association from her home province since September, taking over from long-time manager Rod Remin. She added Speckle Parks to her Simmental farm in […] Read more
