Veterinary drugs have been plagued with supply-chain issues but Canada has avoided rationing so far, according to the association representing animal pharmaceuticals and manufacturers. There have been close calls, said Catherine Filejski, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Animal Health Institute. An explosion in late 2020 at a drug manufacturing plant that makes […] Read more
Tag Archives COVID-19 virus
COVID-19 not kind to Canada’s wool industry
Clothing retailers were forced to close during pandemic, only to open in fits and starts as public health restrictions allowed
Wool might be a secondary market for the Canadian sheep industry, but the COVID-19 pandemic still cut deep into the business as the textile supply chain ground to a halt, according to the country’s wool co-op. Eric Bjergso, general manager of Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers, said 2020 was the most difficult year he’s seen. “For […] Read more
Producers say beef boom passing them by
Soaring beef prices endured by consumers don’t reflect what farmers and ranchers actually earn for their cattle, leading an industry leader to fear for the future. Although costs ranging from feed to fuel “are going through the roof,” producers aren’t seeing any increases in cattle prices, said Melanie Wowk, chair of Alberta Beef Producers. “There’s […] Read more
Strike possibility looms at Cargill
A contract dispute involving more than 2,000 workers at Cargill’s meat-packing plant in High River, Alta., marks a “watershed moment” for the Canadian beef sector, says a union leader. “Eighty percent of the workers tell us that they’re still frightened of acquiring COVID-19, notwithstanding the fact that the vaccination rate is pretty high in the […] Read more
Producers question B.C. ban on mink farming
Sector thinks provincial government decision is more about pressure from animal rights activists than risk from COVID-19
The British Columbia government plans to shutter the province’s mink farms over the next 18 months due to concerns over COVID infections in the fur-bearing animals. Those in the fur industry claim the move isn’t based on science and will devastate the families who farm mink in the province. The government decision follows months of […] Read more
Potential strike looms at Cargill meat plant
A contract dispute involving more than 2,000 workers at Cargill’s meatpacking plant in High River, Alta., marks a “watershed moment” for the Canadian beef sector, says a union leader. “Eighty percent of the workers tell us that they’re still frightened of acquiring COVID-19, notwithstanding the fact that the vaccination rate is pretty high in the […] Read more
In-person farm shows get underway
COVID-19 measures such as proof of vaccination or a negative test will be in place this autumn at prairie fall ag shows
The fall round of prairie agricultural shows has returned under provincial COVID-19 orders and restrictions. Manitoba Ag Ex was held last week, with a requirement that all exhibitors and visitors be fully vaccinated. The Lloydminster Stockade Roundup was slated for this week, while Red Deer’s Agri-Trade, Farm Fair in Edmonton and Canadian Western Agribition in […] Read more
Labour shortage big problem for smaller meat processors
Labour shortages are proving difficult to overcome for small- and mid-sized meat processors on the Prairies. For Pine View Farms co-owners Melanie and Kevin Boldt, that shortage has become desperate. “There is only one pre-requisite,” said Kevin of getting a job at the Osler, Sask., specialty meat processor. “If you have a pulse.” Next door […] Read more
Plenty of blame for biotech scepticism
Biotechnology began to be applied to crop agriculture in the early 1980s, with the first commercialized products coming to market in the mid-1990s. Biotech-developed crops, fruits and vegetables have been approved for production and consumption, following more than 4,400 risk assessments by government scientists in more than 70 countries. Over the past 25 years, no […] Read more
‘Desperate for tires’ – Components shortage roils U.S. harvest
CHICAGO, Oct 12 (Reuters) – Dale Hadden cannot find any spare tires for his combine harvester. So the Illinois farmer told his harvest crew to avoid driving on the sides of roads this autumn to avoid metal scraps that could shred tires. New Ag Supply in Kansas is pleading with customers to order parts now […] Read more
