Livestock Management
Efforts to increase the number of bison in Canadian pastures and feedlots have industry leaders looking across the fence line for potential new producers. Mark Silzer, president of the Saskatchewan Bison Association (SBA), said the bison industry is encouraging beef producers to consider opportunities in bison production. Beef prices are low, profit margins are thin […] Read more
Livestock Management
Bison seeks recruits from cattle ranks
Expansion hindered by lack of slaughter animals
Canadian bison markets continue to grow, but a limited supply of slaughter animals is a key hurdle to further expansion. Dean Andres, a founding partner with Alberta’s Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats, said markets for premium bison products could expand significantly, but packers and marketers are concerned by the industry’s ability to ensure a consistent supply. […] Read more
Forage industry plans national association
The Canadian forage industry will soon have a new national body to represent its interests at home and abroad. Forage producers, exporters, processors and provincial associations have joined forces after 16 months of planning to create the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association. “We’re incorporated and the association is moving ahead,” said Wayne Digby, executive director […] Read more
Penny pinching forces beef promotion off TV
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) – The high cost of advertising and a struggling U.S. beef industry have forced popular beef ads off television, and it does not appear they will be returning any time soon. Voiced over the years by actors Robert Mitchum, James Garner and Sam Elliott, the ads featured a catchy musical number […] Read more
Livestock depleting fish stocks: expert
LINDELL BEACH, B.C. – Finding a way to reduce pressure on the planet’s dwindling fisheries depends greatly upon finding alternative livestock feed, say researchers at the University of British Columbia. “Thirty million tons, or 36 percent, of the world’s total fisheries catch each year is currently ground up into fishmeal and oil to feed farmed […] Read more
Trainers ready to ride after devastating fire
KENDAL, Sask. – When Cain and Roberta Quam surveyed the aftermath of a fire that destroyed their horse training facility, they thought that life as they had known it for the last 11 years was over. “Initially I thought, ‘I’m done, I can’t do this again,’ ” said Cain Quam, one of Canada’s top horse […] Read more
Historical sale sets pace for upcoming season
Maintaining the heritage of the world’s oldest continuous consignment bull sale is a serious responsibility for each generation of Alberta purebred beef producers. The 110-year-old Calgary Bull Sale, held March 3-4, sets the pace for the rest of the bull buying season. “It is a tradition for us to bring our best bulls to the […] Read more
Attention to detail boosts pork exports to Japan
RED DEER – Orders were delivered in plain brown boxes when Sunterra Meats started shipping pork to Japan 18 years ago. The meat was fine, but Sunterra soon learned Japanese customers felt a plain brown box was indicative of what was inside. These days, the company carefully places every piece of pork in white boxes […] Read more
China attempts self-sufficiency in pork products
China is going to continue importing pork, but it may not be the kind of pork the world’s exporters want to sell. As well, although demand is expected to increase and require an extra 15 million tonnes of pork per year, the country may be able to supply most of the rising demand itself. “We […] Read more
Feed pellets can offer advantages
Pellets are a better feed for pigs than straight mash from a mixer, researchers generally agree. However, producers paying for expensive pellets may not be getting the gains they expect, an American expert told the recent Manitoba Swine Seminar. “You really need to focus on pellet quality,” Kansas State University animal nutrition specialist Joe Hancock […] Read more
