Hot summer drives and cold winter hauls affect pigs, but not as much as where they’re standing in the trailer. That confounds the common sense assumptions that researchers made when they started studying the effects of transport on market hogs, researcher Jennifer Brown told the Manitoba Swine Seminar Feb. 5. “We certainly expected to see […] Read more
News
Pigs affected most by location in trailer: study
Antibiotic misuse has consequences
Veterinarian warns producers that over-prescribing could lead to regulation
Antibiotics could be taken away from livestock producers if they aren’t treated more responsibly, warns a Saskatchewan veterinarian and expert in antibiotic use. The danger isn’t just losing specific uses of some drugs but having those drugs entirely removed from livestock production. “We cannot afford to let this get worse,” Leigh Rosengren of Rosengren Epidemiology […] Read moreProducer security program pleases feed mill operator
Grain commission plans to include feed mills in the producer payment security program
A buyer for one of the largest feed mill operations in Western Canada is pleased the Canadian Grain Commission intends to expand its producer payment security program to include mills. Ken Richmond, purchasing manager for Masterfeeds, thinks it will make it easier to source grain. “We tend to buy as much grain as we can […] Read moreGroups oppose method of pasture transfer to producers
Four Saskatchewan organizations are calling on the province to change the way it is handling the transition of former federal pastures. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, the Community Pasture Patrons Association of Saskatchewan, Public Pastures — Public Interest and Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation paid for Dave Phillips of Frogworks Consultants to conduct a study, which […] Read more
Age of Alberta cow key to determining form of BSE
The most important piece of information to be learned during the investigation into Canada’s latest BSE case is not where the cow was found. “The important thing is when was it born: before the extended feed ban, which was 2007, or was it born after the extended feed ban? Then I think one has to […] Read more
Strategy outlines bird protection plan
The sage grouse recovery strategy, which made public at the end of 2014, follows the emergency protection order issued by the federal government that went into effect last February. The order applied only to public land. The recovery strategy is a planning document with general recommendations on how to proceed if sage grouse numbers and […] Read more
Have those ‘difficult conversations’ to find solutions, harmony
For all their strengths, farms are notorious as places where things get left unsaid, and that’s a shame. Take, for example, the topic of control. Just mention that issue and watch Dad’s jaw muscles tighten and that look come into his eye. The “work comes first” attitude is another. How many spouses say silent prayers […] Read more
Use antimicrobials responsibly, say veterinarians
Officials urge livestock industry to seek alternative treatments when possible to ward off criticism from the public
OLDS, Alta. — Bacteria showing resistance to antimicrobials is a complex and unpredictable problem. It is also a natural phenomenon, but growing public pressure is forcing veterinarians and livestock producers to reconsider their use of antimicrobials. Besides passing resistant bacteria into the food chain, many consumers worry about drug residues in meat. Drug residues may […] Read moreEnd-point royalties don’t dampen support for greater plant breeders’ rights
Most agricultural groups continue to support the federal government’s push for greater plant breeders’ rights, despite the spectre of end-point royalties. The bill, which will see the adoption of the UPOV 91 international standard, will give seed developers and plant breeders greater control over seed. The move has stirred a debate over farmers’ privilege and […] Read more
AG Notes
UFA announces contest winner Cassils, Alta., has won the third $50,000 prize from UFA’s Get ’n’ Give contest to support community projects across the province. The money is expected to be spent on a new 275-seat community centre, which will replace the existing one built in 1923. The Get ‘n’ Give contest invites rural communities […] Read more
