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
Category: Animal Health
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
Those who trespass on Alberta farms will potentially face stiffer fines, as Premier Jason Kenney has announced upcoming changes to the provincial petty-trespass act in the upcoming fall session. “Alberta’s farmers and ranchers treat their animals well, and they have a right to run their operations without illegal harassment from militant trespassers. I’ve asked Minister… Read More
We are less than six months away from new federal livestock transportation regulations coming into force, and significant clarification is still needed surrounding the implementation of the rules. The existing rules for livestock transport within Canada have been overhauled from all sides, including: the angle of loading ramps, hours allowed in transit, restrictions on movement… Read More
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) has appointed Dr. Deb Stark as its first-ever independent board advisor. The role is designed to strengthen the board’s governance structure, address sector-wide issues, and expedite fair, just and equitable resolution of issues regarding board and/or member conduct, according to the organization. The addition of Stark to the role follows an… Read More
The Canadian Angus Association (CAA) has recently taken breeding to a whole new level by incorporating genomic technology in addition to the regular testing of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Kajal Devani, director of science and technology at the CAA says because of all the data and pedigree information they collect, they’ve put it to good… Read More
It was purely an economic decision when rancher, Stephen Hughes decided to try grazing his herd year-round in southwestern Alberta back in 1996. He had no idea the move would also significantly impact herd health and shift the need for antimicrobials. “We chose to change our management strategy from winter feeding to grazing year-round, and… Read More