A large area of southern Alberta is under flood watch as steady rain continues and is forecast to keep coming until sometime tomorrow. A flood watch indicates river and stream levels are rising and will approach or exceed the banks, with possible adjacent flooding. Southern Alberta communities and residents along the Castle, Crowsnest, Belly and […] Read more
News
Dairy farm at centre of abuse charges defends animal welfare record
The British Columbia dairy farm that was the source of an undercover video showing animal abuse responded today to news that dairy processor and distributor Saputo is not accepting its milk. Chilliwack Cattle Sales co-owner Jeff Kooyman extended an open invitation to Saputo personnel to visit the farm and judge for themselves the level of […] Read more
USDA approves vaccine to help fight deadly pig virus
CHICAGO (Reuters) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the first vaccine that can be sold directly to farmers to help fight a virus that has wiped out an estimated 10 percent of U.S. pigs, it said on Monday. The USDA said preliminary studies of the vaccine developed by Harrisvaccines “have been promising” in […] Read more
Australia raises beef export forecast as dry conditions bite
SYDNEY (Reuters) — Australia raised its forecast for beef exports in the 2014-15 marketing year by nearly eight percent on Tuesday as dry conditions across the east coast mean farmers are slaughtering livestock at a near-record pace. Shipments from Australia, the world’s third largest exporter, are expected to total 1.12 million tonnes this season, the […] Read more
U.S. says science should settle farm debates in trade deal with EU
BRUSSELS (Reuters) — A planned EU-U.S. trade deal needs to sweep away “non-scientific barriers” that prevent U.S. farmers from selling many genetically modified crops and some chemically treated meats in Europe, the U.S. agriculture secretary said on Tuesday. The two sides aim to create the world’s largest free-trade pact, whose advocates say it could boost […] Read more
Dairy operation installs cameras following abuse footage
Canada’s largest dairy has installed video cameras after an undercover video revealed cows beaten and abused by milking parlour workers. Eight employees of Chilliwack Cattle Sales were fired days after Mercy for Animals Canada released video footage taken at the farm during the month of May. Now the dairy operation has installed cameras in each […] Read more
Canadian meat packers slow production due to worker shortage
WINNIPEG (Reuters) — Canadian meat packers are short hundreds of workers, forcing plants to run at well below full capacity, the industry group Canadian Meat Council said on Monday. Plants are operating at 77 percent of capacity on average, based on a survey by the council, resulting in more Canadian cattle and hogs are being […] Read more
U of S researcher honoured
A University of Saskatchewan researcher has received the Agricultural Institute of Canada’s highest honour. The award is a nod to Ernie Barber’s career as a researcher, professor and university administrator. Barber, first hired as a professor of agricultural engineering at the U of S in 1981, worked with ventilation, heating and air quality in intensive […] Read more
Hoffort appointed new FCC president, CEO
Michael Hoffort is poised to take the helm of Farm Credit Canada after 26 years with the organization. Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz announced Hoffort’s appointment as FCC president and chief executive officer June 16. His five-year term begins July 1. Hoffart, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan who also holds Professional Agrologist Designation, has […] Read more
Weekend rain ends seeding in southwestern Manitoba
Following more rainfall over the weekend, any chance of additional seeding is now over for many producers in southwestern Manitoba, says a provincial rep in the region. Rainfall amounts in the area weren’t severe, with 10 to 20 millimetres of precipitation June 13-15, but it was enough to finish off fields that were already drenched. […] Read more
