GUELPH, Ont. – Where now? The question appeared to divide speakers at the Guelph Organic Conference earlier this year. Toronto author Margaret Webb advocated a revolutionary “small is beautiful” approach that would replace the current marketplace with a new economy of “co-operation, justice and fair play.” She said food can be democratized with distribution alternatives […] Read more
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Big or small: organics contemplates future model
Feedlot survey finds significant economic impact
RED DEER – A recent economic impact study of Alberta’s feedlot sector has revealed a multibillion-dollar industry responsible for thousands of jobs in rural communities and support to local businesses. Commissioned by the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, the study found that the industry contributed more than $1 billion in direct economic benefit to the provincial […] Read more
CWB allows durum growers out of contracts
The Canadian Wheat Board has offered producers a way to get out of the tanking durum market. Growers can reduce their undelivered 2009-10 contract tonnage without penalty in Series A contracts and GrainFlo periods 2, 3 and 4 delivery contracts. Producers wishing to do so must contact the wheat board by March 31. The board […] Read more
Livestock depleting fish stocks: expert
LINDELL BEACH, B.C. – Finding a way to reduce pressure on the planet’s dwindling fisheries depends greatly upon finding alternative livestock feed, say researchers at the University of British Columbia. “Thirty million tons, or 36 percent, of the world’s total fisheries catch each year is currently ground up into fishmeal and oil to feed farmed […] Read more
Genome mapping becomes quicker, more affordable
Scientists at the University of Alberta have successfully mapped the genomes of two bulls, a first for Canada. The feat marks a rapid increase in efficiency with the technology. Last year, researchers completed a four year effort to map the genes of a cow at a cost of $53 million. In this latest project, however, […] Read more
Canadian flax finds new home in China
Big shipments of prairie flax are sailing for China, a country that rarely buys the crop. That has many speculating that China has become the backdoor route for Canadian flax oil to get into the closed European market. “You’ve got to assume something’s going on, but no one knows,” said Lach Coburn, Cargill’s export terminal […] Read more
Keep limits on barn population
RED DEER – Farmers might be tempted to pack as many broiler chickens into a barn as possible to try and generate higher profits. While that might be possible, said University of Alberta poultry researcher Martin Zuidhof, ethically and physically there is a limit to what should be grown in a small space. Higher density […] Read more
Historical sale sets pace for upcoming season
Maintaining the heritage of the world’s oldest continuous consignment bull sale is a serious responsibility for each generation of Alberta purebred beef producers. The 110-year-old Calgary Bull Sale, held March 3-4, sets the pace for the rest of the bull buying season. “It is a tradition for us to bring our best bulls to the […] Read more
CWB sets price pace in new PRO
There’s a new number for farmers to ponder in the Canadian Wheat Board’s monthly pool return outlook. It’s called the price pace and it indicates how much of the wheat crop has been priced, including both grain actually sold and the board’s futures position. For example, in the most recent PRO for 2009-10, the board […] Read more
when can we go?
Canadian inspectors sent to Mexico MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) – Canada has agreed to send a team of meat inspectors to five Mexican meat packing plants in June, which could allow Mexico to begin exporting beef to Canada. Canada will also join talks between Mexico and the United States aimed at formulating rules that would […] Read more
