Assuming that CFIA will eventually allow the Lakeside plant to re-open, many producers and industry insiders are discussing some of the challenges that XL Foods faces in re-establishing sales with customers around Canada, the United States and the rest of the world. There are few that know more than Ted Haney about selling beef around… Read More
The release of the iPhone 5 came, as usual, with a lot of fanfare and then a wake of criticism following behind it. The biggest criticism legitimately targeted Apple’s new mapping system which has been buggy from the word go. The backlash even coaxed a very rare apology out of Apple CEO Tim Cook. The… Read More
The cattle industry is facing some big challenges. Feed prices, exchange rates, beef recalls and a stalled cow herd size are pressuring the industry. We must not forget how good this industry has been to many and that volatility leads to opportunity for those that have foresight. On November 13 and 14th, Canfax will be… Read More
Did you know there is a cattle vaccine that “aids in the reduction of shedding of E. coli O157”? If your first thought is, “Then why do we still have E. coli contamination?” you’re not alone. The fact is, although Canadian beef producers have been instrumental in supporting work to find a solution to E…. Read More
The concept of controlled traffic farming — that is, running all equipment on set paths in a field to reduce compaction — is one RealAgriculture.com has explored before. In this video, Steve Laroque discusses what he’s learned in the second year of adopting the practice. Alberta is most certainly the leader of the practice in… Read More
XL Foods has broken their silence by releasing a statement today to address the E. Coli outbreak at it’s Brooks, Alberta packing plant. For many inside the industry this statement is about 7-10 days too late but nevertheless they have finally spoken. SEE MORE COVERAGE OF THE XL FOODS E. COLI OUTBREAK For some communications experts we… Read More
The XL Foods situation has left beef producers and consumers wading in unknowns and unanswered questions. The question is, who will buy this beef? Many of us are wondering what really happened at the XL Foods plant, who is more to blame between XL Foods and CFIA and when the plant will re-open. There are… Read More
I had a Twitter conversation yesterday, regarding E. coli contamination, that got me rather riled up. Because Twitter allows me to interact with so many people, it really does open my eyes to some of the major knowledge gaps the public has on food safety. As we discussed the XL Foods beef recall, some tweeted… Read More
The Ontario corn crop certainly started out with great potential. Then the rain petered out. Pockets of the corn growing region received showers, but by late July, we were already talking about how big a bite the drought was taking out of yield. We’ll know in a few week’s time as the corn harvest gears… Read More
The Tillage Radish has piqued the interest of both eastern and western farmers. While cover crops are far more common in the east, western Canadian farmers are warming up to the usefulness of oilseed radish and the Tillage Radish. It’s a versatile crop — the Tillage Radish creates massive roots that can break up hardpan,… Read More
In a month where E. coli has become the number one story on the nightly news and criticism is growing for how XL Foods has kept incredibly silent on the topic, a company is showcasing how to handle public relations. McDonald’s Canada has launched a website to address consumer questions about its food. The site tagline is “Our Food,… Read More
Whether it’s to fix nitrogen, protect against erosion or to do both these and provide grazing or green feed, cover crops are a key component of Ontario crop rotations. While many farmers are content with oats, red clover or ryegrass, the options for cover crops are seemingly endless. Christine Brown, cover crops specialist with OMAFRA,… Read More
Uniform seeding at a consistent depth is the first step to a banner wheat crop, but the first mistake many farmers make — seeding too deep — hurts them twice over. Wheat seeded too deep means fewer plants emerge and those that do are slower to grow and produce fewer tillers. It’s an issue for… Read More
Every once in a while it’s good to get your hands dirty, literally. Getting a good look at the medium that makes you a living can give you a new perspective on what’s going on in your field. That’s exactly what Lyndsey Smith got to do at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show as OMAFRA Land Resource… Read More
The fallout from the XL Foods meat recall continues as the latest development has the CFIA shutting down the Brooks facility until corrective actions can be taken. In the meantime, consumer confidence continues to wane as the urban sector tries to wrap it’s head around what is happening. See all of all of the RealAgriculture.com… Read More
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