Livestock Management
The United States and the European Union have reached a tentative agreement to end a 25 year dispute over beef trade, but Canada is expected to see little benefit. The EU has refused for decades to accept beef from Canada or the U.S. because of the use of six growth promoting hormones, saying the products […] Read more
Livestock Management
EU opens door to U.S. beef
Refundable beef checkoff upsets Alta. cattle group
The Alberta government’s decision to allow producers to request refunds on the beef checkoff threatens a national checkoff for imported cattle, says the president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. Brad Wildeman said all provincial beef organizations must approve a plan to charge a checkoff on imported cattle that would raise $3 million a year. The […] Read more
Canada takes COOL to WTO
Canada officially launched a World Trade Organization challenge of American country-of-origin labelling last week, insisting it is more about protectionism than food safety. “We’re at the place now where we cannot wait any longer,” trade minister Stockwell Day said May 7. “We are giving formal notice now of launching this WTO process, which will involve […] Read more
COOL creates cattle chaos
As the American packing sector continues to adjust to mandatory country-of-origin labelling requirements, Canadian producers are advised to confirm arrangements even with long-standing buyers. At least 10 of the larger U.S. beef packers are not accepting Canadian cattle, while others are taking feeders but not cattle for immediate slaughter. Some are taking slaughter animals but […] Read more
Check-off plan irks Alta. commodity groups
Cowboy politics have hogtied Alberta’s pig, lamb and potato producers. In an attempt to solve infighting within the province’s beef industry, Alberta agriculture minister George Groeneveld introduced legislation April 28 that would make several groups’ checkoffs refundable. Alberta Pork chair Herman Simons said his group is disappointed with the process. Hog producers were not consulted […] Read more
Semen, embryo imports easier
Changes to the paperwork required to import fresh horse semen and embryos from the United States are expected to make the process easier for Canadian horse breeders. Canadian Quarter Horse Association president Marnie Somers said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency implemented strict rules after an equine venereal disease was discovered in American horses in December. […] Read more
Legendary rodeo bull honoured
MINBURN, Alta. – One of rodeo’s toughest bulls will be permanently remembered with a $2 million bronze statue in downtown Calgary. Outlaw was ridden only once in 71 trips out of the chute. “It’s a rare achievement for a bull to have that much success, or lack of success for the cowboys,” said Doug Fraser […] Read more
Numbers up at dairy show
An old event now has a new facility packed with firsts. The Western Canadian Livestock Expo held its 26th annual show April 22-23 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. It was the first year for the dairy cattle event in Prairieland’s new Ag Centre, which opened in November. “This year we have people from coast to […] Read more
Hard work price of horse ownership
Neophyte horse owners may harbour dreams of joining Canada’s equestrian team, but they have a lot to learn to reach that level. A team of seasoned horse professionals recently explained how horse owners can enjoy their animals rather than viewing them as walking hay burners. Becoming a happy horse owner requires research that must start […] Read more
Quality bulls at Lacombe’s 100th gala
LACOMBE, Alta. – Riley and Kayla Sharp made history recently when they led their bulls into the show ring at the Lacombe Bull Sale. The sisters were the fifth generation of the Sharp family to show at the sale since the family helped start it 100 years ago. “The central Alberta area was the place […] Read more
