LINDELL BEACH, B.C. — Researchers trying to find ways to increase antibody levels in piglets have learned that protection against Cystoisospora suis is transferred to piglets via the sow’s very first milk. C. suis, which is also known as Isospora suis, or I. suis, causes serious gastrointestinal disease in piglets. “C. suis is a parasite […] Read more
News
Sow milk antibodies undergo research
Report identifies concerns in agricultural research
Study says agronomic research could suffer due to reduced funding and staffing at public institutions
The Western Grains Research Foundation is developing a plan aimed at improving agronomic research in Western Canada. The foundation recently commissioned a study that assesses agronomic research capacity in the West. The study, completed by the consulting firm Toma and Bouma of Edmonton, suggested that universities, colleges, applied research associations, provincial agriculture departments and Agriculture […] Read moreCollege adds virtual welding classroom
Welding can involve sparks and compressed gases and rods and helmets. Virtual welding doesn’t. Instead, it uses smart screen televisions and other audio-visual components to provide simulated training at Lethbridge College — or it will soon. In a Feb. 2 news release, the college said its virtual welding room will be made possible through a […] Read more
U.S. pork processing program criticized for line speeds
American meat inspector says pilot program gives too much control to private industry and raises food safety concerns
(Reuters) — Processing lines at some U.S. hog slaughterhouses are moving too fast for inspectors to adequately address contamination and food safety concerns, says a whistle-blower protection organization. The Government Accountability Project said it has obtained affidavits from four government meat inspectors. They say the documents detail experiences inside pork-processing plants participating in a pilot […] Read moreMore to bee health than neonicotinoids
An Alberta beekeeper says he is concerned that controversy over neonicotinoids could reduce attention on other pressing bee health issues. Calvin Witdouck, who operates Witdouck Farms with his brothers — Brian and Dale, near Iron Springs — told an agronomy update in Lethbridge last month that research must continue on issues such as varroa mites […] Read more
Input sought on payment protection plan
Farmers who sell grain to Canadian feed mills are a step closer to having their pay cheques protected under a federally administered producer payment protection plan. The Canadian Grain Commission announced Feb. 9 that it has begun consultations on a proposal to extend the CGC’s producer payment security program to cover farmers who sell grain […] Read more
WTO expected to side with Canada on COOL
U.S. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association official believes World Trade Organization will condemn U.S. policy
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The World Trade Organization will examine the U.S. appeal of the latest challenge to its country-of-origin labelling law Feb.16-17. The appeal body is expected to rule in Canada and Mexico’s favour for a fourth time, declaring the law in violation of international trade agreements by discriminating against livestock exporters. “We do […] Read moreCattle group unsure about farmland oversight
Saskatchewan cattle producers are divided on the thorny issue of large land purchases by investor groups and pension funds. A resolution was tabled at the Sask-atchewan Stock Growers Association semi-annual meeting in January after producers could not agree on whether to support it. It called on the board to lobby the provincial government to review […] Read more
Containers revolutionized shipping
EDMONTON — It’s hard to remember when shipping containers were not the way most goods were shipped. Before containers, everything travelled in the hold of a ship and had to be carried out of the ship and into trucks, trains or warehouses, said Marc Levinson, author of The Box, a history of the shipping container. […] Read more
Hours in the field grow with organics
GUELPH, Ont. — Farmers who are considering switching to organic crop production may want to invest in a cushy tractor chair because it requires an immense amount of time behind the wheel. Roger Rivest, who farms organically near Tilbury, Ont., said he or someone on his farm is on a tractor nearly every day from […] Read more
