Here’s what I’ve been stewing about for the past few weeks. Why is it that organic farmers or producer organizations (and random celebrities, but that’s another post) vilify conventional agriculture? Ever notice that conventional-management farmers don’t do the same? Case in point: I’m sure by now you’ve heard or read about the completely de-bunked GMO/lab… Read more »
Category: Food
Where Does Urban Canada Get Its Information About Farming?
Do you remember the time before the world was saturated with information? Do you remember having to wait to get it? We have so many avenues to get our information by now that our biggest issue is where we get our information from. When we look at consumer attitudes toward agriculture, good or bad, we… Read more »
Ted Haney – The Realities of XL Foods Selling Beef after the Plant Re-Opens
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 »
Two (Imperfect) Tools in the Fight Against E. Coli
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 »
XL Foods: “We Take Full Responsibility for our Plant Operations”
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 »
XL Foods: Food Safety Remains the Focus of the Industry
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 »
Your Burger is Done at 71: Food Safety on the Homefront
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 »
What Does the Expiration of the U.S. Farm Bill Mean for Farmers?
I’ll be the first to admit that the U.S. political system with its two houses, governors and senators and congressmen sets my head spinning. I also find it fascinating, as wrangling rules and regulations for so many people just seems like an overly daunting task. It would appear that our friends to the south also… Read more »
McDonald’s Tackles the Toughest Questions About Its Food
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 »
The Nexera Thank you Train Makes a Stop to Help Fight Hunger
Last week the Nexera Thank You Train made a stop in Lethbridge, Alberta. The stop is one of many across the west and is a collaboration with Dow AgroSciences and the Grey Cup 100 train and aims to thank Dow’s Nexera Canola growers across the West. This year, in a partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains… Read more »
Beef Market Update – XL Foods Plant Shutdown Raises Major Concerns for Beef Producers
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 »
CFIA Releases Statement on XL Foods Plant Shutdown
As reported last night, CFIA has decided to suspend the license of XL Foods temporarily until the plant implements some corrective actions to mitigate the risk of E. coli. According to the CFIA Statement: The detection of E. coli in slaughter facilities is not uncommon, and plants are expected to have adequate measures in place to monitor… Read more »
CFIA Shuts Down Lakeside Packers in Brooks Due to E-coli Outbreak
According to the Calgary Herald, CFIA has suspended operations at the XL Foods Lakeside Cattle Slaughter Facility in Brooks. As we reported earlier this week, this story seems to be mushrooming as the days go by. CFIA has apparently given XL foods some corrective actions to implement before the plant will be re-opened. Corrective actions… Read more »
CPIP Temporarily Suspended Due to XL Foods Beef Recall
With the XL Foods beef recall getting some major attention nightly on the news some producer issues are coming to the surface. AFSC has temporarily decided to suspend the fed cattle CPIP program. In the short term, feedyards will be unable to participate in the government-run risk management program. Jennifer Wood, Livestock Price Insurance Coordinator, AFSC, stated… Read more »
U.S. Stops Importing Beef From XL Foods; Plant Closed for a Day
It’s the beef recall nightmare that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. The XL Foods voluntary re-call regarding possible E. coli-contaminated ground beef began last week; the list of possibly contaminated products has been expanded seven times. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of human E. coli infections linked to this… Read more »