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
News
Genome mapping becomes quicker, more affordable
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
Feed pellets can offer advantages
Pellets are a better feed for pigs than straight mash from a mixer, researchers generally agree. However, producers paying for expensive pellets may not be getting the gains they expect, an American expert told the recent Manitoba Swine Seminar. “You really need to focus on pellet quality,” Kansas State University animal nutrition specialist Joe Hancock […] Read more
U.S. grows too many table potatoes
Idaho farmers grew a fantastic crop of potatoes last year, producing 131 million hundredweight, up 12 percent from the 116 million cwt. grown in 2008. However, the massive crop has provoked a controversy among North American potato growers because fresh potato prices have plummeted in the United States in the last year. “In general, they […] Read more
Gluten-free demand opens new markets
The expanding North American market for gluten-free food is presenting new opportunities for farmers and food processors, said a Regina author and nutritionist. Shelley Case, speaking at the Prairie Grain Development Committee meetings in Saskatoon last week, said Canada has a lucrative but largely untapped market at its fingertips. With proper research and investment by […] Read more
Sask. DDG maker eyes Asia
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – Asian livestock could soon be getting their meals from Saskatchewan. Terra Grain Fuels of Belle Plaine is looking at shipping dried distillers grain to offshore customers. Dale Williamson, manager of supply and logistics for the company, told farmers at a market outlook conference hosted by the Canadian Wheat Board that the […] Read more
