SaskTel and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) have announced a partnership to launch a “living laboratory” at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE), south of Clavet, Sask., to test, develop, and demonstrate agricultural technologies. Through a memorandum of understanding, the two organizations will focus on smart farming research and innovation to “accelerate transformation… Read More
Are we anywhere near managing for African swine fever? On this edition of RealAg LIVE!, host Shaun Haney is joined by Dr. Egan Brockhoff of Prairie Swine Health Services, to talk about this devastating disease and what Canada and its trading partners are doing to keep the virus out of North America. Don’t miss the… Read More
Later this week, it will be an offence under Ontario law to “stop, obstruct, hinder or otherwise interfere with a motor vehicle transporting farm animals.” Ontario’s government has proclaimed Section 6(1) and three other related sections of Bill 156, the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020. These proclamations will ensure the safety… Read More
Elanco Animal Health has received regulatory approval of its acquisition of Bayer Animal Health after agreeing to several anti-trust related conditions. The US$7.6 billion deal was announced in August 2019. As part of its review, Canada’s Competition Bureau found Elanco and Bayer Animal Health are each other’s closest competitors in several markets, specifically in poultry insecticides… Read More
The Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) has presented two members with leadership awards as recognition for their work in the livestock health industry. Jean Szkotnicki received the Industry Leadership Award for her many years of service to the Canadian animal health industry. As an early supporter of a harmonized global approach to the technical requirements… Read More
While the full implementation of the rules will happen over the next 24 months, Canada’s new livestock transport rules came into effect February 20, 2020. Anyone who transports livestock — including producers — need to make sure they are familiar with notable changes to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Health of Animals Regulations (Part… Read More
Provincially inspected abattoirs have until the end of April to apply for part of a $2 million Ontario fund aimed at improving food safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity measures at their operations. Available through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), eligible projects may include: capital upgrades for enhanced food safety, improvements in the safe handling and… Read More
A University of Saskatchewan lab is now home to the deadly virus wreaking havoc in Asia and parts of Europe, all to support Canada’s preparedness strategy for African swine fever. In partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) located in the U of S will… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented a “transition period” for the feed, water, and rest requirements for all livestock sectors, in addition to the previously announced grace period extended to beef and dairy animals. CFIA says it will use the first two years of the new regulation period, beginning February 2020, to “focus… Read More
Dairy calves experience many challenges in early life, and producers need to be diligent in the hours and days after birth to ensure calf health and reduce mortality. Overall, research shows that eight percent of calves die within 48 hours of birth — this includes those born dead or those that die within the first… Read More
Ontario has introduced its draft legislation to increase security on farms — the Security From Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2019. The focus, certainly, is on the biosecurity and food risk associated with non-authorized people traipsing through farms and interfering with animals on their way to slaughter. The act, likely to be passed in… Read More
Full details are still in the works, but it appears that the cattle industry — dairy included — will get a two-year delay on enforcement of new transport regulations set to come into force in early February. The federal minister of agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced at a parliamentary reception this week that the grace period… Read More
A sheep in full wool can look plump and well-fed, even when they’re quite thin. The only real way to assess body condition is by getting your hands on the animal, even once sheared. But what are you feeling for, exactly? How can you tell a body condition score (BCS) of 3 from a 2?… Read More
Ontario’s government has released its proposed animal welfare model to replace the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Act. Earlier this year, the OSPCA informed the province it would no longer carry out animal welfare enforcement in the province, necessitating a revamp of the current animal welfare enforcement model and rules…. Read More
Imagine rejuvenating a tired pasture (without the need to break it up and start from scratch), while simultaneously reducing the risk of bloat in future grazings. Recent studies conducted on the Prairies have shown that including sainfoin in an alfalfa stand at just 20-30 per cent can significantly decrease or even eliminate the risk of… Read More
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