In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become abundantly clear to many that Canada’s livestock processing industry is incredibly concentrated to a handful of federal plants. Now, as these plants face partial or short-term closures, many farmers and consumers alike are lamenting the lack of small, local abattoirs. The trouble is, it’s not easy… Read More

Meat coolers are going to look a lot different as we navigate COVID-19, but according to the Canadian Meat Council, each step of the livestock processing chain is collaborating, communicating, and committed to keeping food moving to grocery stores. Chris White, president and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council, says the livestock processing sector is… Read More

The decision to close a processing plant as it relates to COVID-19 infection of staff is a complicated one. Food processing plants have strict protocols and clear guidance on food safety issues, but the advent of a human disease pandemic is a new territory for all — processors included. Ultimately, the decision to close a… 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

Ryan Greir, a sheep producer from Alberta, has been named as the chair for the National Sheep Network (NSN). Greir is currently the vice-chair of Alberta Lamb Producers, and farms just east of Strathmore with his wife Janna and young son. The NSN represents Canada’s top three lamb producing provinces —Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec —… 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

In the face of plant-based protein being all the rage, some may have also noticed a subtle but significant push for the continued celebration of meat. The rise of nose-to-tail feasts, carnivore-centric restaurants, and even a reality TV show that puts butchering skills to the test are a all a testament to humans’ continued love… Read More

For those looking for hand’s free, low-stress sheep and goat handling, the New Zealand designed, UK-manufactured Combi Clamp offers an efficient way to process many sheep and goats very quickly. The Combi Clamp, distributed by Huber Ag Equipment, uses an operator’s weight to clamp animals between panels, operated via a foot treadle plate. “It allows us… Read More

 

Register for a RealAgriculture account to manage your Shortcut menu instead of the default.

Register