Alberta Pork awards
Three Albertans were recognized for their contributions to the
province’s pork industry at Alberta Pork’s annual meeting in Calgary,
Dec. 4-5.
Jaco Poot of Barrhead received the environmental stewardship award for
environmentally friendly hog production.
He has reduced natural gas use on his farm and largely eliminated
contamination from manure while saving money and producing healthy pigs.
Ron Ball, swine specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Pork
Producers’ research chair in swine production at the University of
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Alberta, received the friend of the industry award for his work with
producers in marketing, production and nutrition.
In his research with pigs as models for human nutrition, he helped
redefine amino acids and made improvements in infant formulas and
intravenous feeding for human babies. This research led to an increase
in the amounts of protein and amino acids listed on the recommended
dietary intakes.
Bill Stone received a lifetime achievement award. In addition to
serving as swine veterinarian for Alberta Agriculture, he headed the
department’s epidemiology department before moving to Daco Laboratories
in Lethbridge and writing a handbook on herd health.
Alberta Pork represents more than 2,000 Alberta pork producers, who
produce 3.5 million hogs annually.
Arbourist training offered
The University of Manitoba’s school of agriculture will offer an
arbourist training and examination program Jan. 14 to April 8, 2003.
The program leads to accreditation required for obtaining a Manitoba
arbourist licence.
Course content includes tree biology, climbing safety and problem
diagnosis.
Certified arbourist Martha Barwinsky is the instructor.
Gift ideas
Gardening and horse care are among topics offered in a host of books
from Alberta Agriculture bound for Christmas stockings.
Alberta Yards and Gardens looks at what grows best in Alberta, from
ornamental trees to vegetables. It also offers tips on pruning,
wintering roses and attracting birds and butterflies. It sells for $15.
Garden-fresh Produce, a 56-page book selling for $4, gives advice on
picking, preserving and preparing fresh vegetables.
Horse Health presents an overview of parasites, pests, disease,
lameness and other common horse problems. Complete with photographs and
illustrations, it looks at presentation and treatment. It sells for $15.
Other recommended books include Weeds of the Prairies ($20), Beekeeping
in Western Canada ($25), Pulse Crops in Alberta ($25), Growing Native
Plants of Western Canada: Common Grasses and Wildflowers ($30) and How
Herbicides Work: Biology to Application ($35).
A CD-ROM Weed Identification Program ($10) is another useful resource
in identifying weeds and improving weed control.
