For more than 84 years, the big, old barn on the Fluet farm just east of Mosside, Alta., has been part of the scenery. It has stood out as a landmark that many people may not give more than a glance. But there is a lot of history to it, some still being learned, and […] Read more
News
Delivery time? Moocall knows tell-tale sign
A new calving tool monitors expectant mothers while freeing up ranchers to do other things. Like sleep. The Moocall calving alert sensor straps to a cow’s tail and can accurately predict when the cow is in labour. The device sends a text message to the rancher’s phone, forewarning that the calf is on its way. […] Read more
Producers have role in antibiotic resistance issue
Cow-calf producers must keep better records on individual animal health treatment in light of concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Cheryl Waldner, professor of large animal science at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, said increasing oversight by Health Canada means producers should document animal treatment. There is little information available about who uses antimicrobials, […] Read more
Canola drops one percent with falling soy, USDA acreage forecast
Soybean and soy oil futures fell about one percent Thursday helping to pressure canola lower as well. The most-traded contract, May, ran into technical weakness, falling below its 50- and 100-day moving averages. May closed at $517.20 per tonne, down $6.30. New crop November closed down $7.40 at $496.30. It was the first time it […] Read more
Vaccinations not a cure-all, but important in prevention
In calves, to control:
Cattle producers may think vaccination prevents disease and that’s accurate only to a point. Dr. Nathan Erickson, a veterinarian and instructor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, prefers to think of it as control of an illness rather than complete prevention. “Prevention creates in our mind the idea that we’re going to […] Read more
Sask. crop insurance premiums to rise by 8.5 percent
Crop insurance premiums in Saskatchewan will rise on average by 8.5 percent in 2017. Saskatchewan agriculture minister Lyle Stewart announced the rate increase Feb 23, along with officials from the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp. The increase will translate into average crop insurance premiums of $8.51 per acre in 2017, up from $7.84 in 2016. Actual […] Read more
Cash-rich Maple Leaf Foods sees abundant U.S. deal opportunities
By Rod Nickel Feb 22 (Reuters) – Canadian meat packing company Maple Leaf Foods is hunting for acquisitions in the United States, after years spent upgrading old factories and shedding business lines, its chief executive officer said on Wednesday. Maple Leaf, which reported on Wednesday its profits doubled in the fourth quarter, sees growth opportunities […] Read more
IGC raises forecast for 2016-17 global grains crop
LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) – The International Grains Council on Thursday raised its forecast for the global grains crop in 2016-17 partly due to improved outlooks for corn crops in Brazil and Mexico and wheat production in Australia. The IGC, in a monthly report, put total grains production at 2.102 billion tonnes, up eight million […] Read more
USDA sees farmers planting more soybeans, fewer corn acres
ARLINGTON, Va., Feb 23 (Reuters) – U.S. farmers will plant 88 million acres of soybeans this spring, up from 83.4 million last year, while cutting corn plantings to 90 million acres from 94 million in 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture projected on Thursday. Farmers are expected to make the shift because soybeans have become […] Read more
Warm weather gets water flowing
On the Prairies, water flowing in a ditch is about as common as, well, ditches and water. But water flowing in a ditch in southern Manitoba in the third week of February is a long way from common. Open water was hard to miss Feb. 22, along the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg and Brandon because […] Read more
