Update, as of Nov. 9: Maple Leaf Foods says it is implementing workarounds to maintain operations at its plants while a team of cybersecurity experts continues to work on resolving the “comprehensive” outage caused by a cyberattack. CEO Michael McCain told investors in a quarterly earnings call on Nov. 8 that all the company’s plants… Read More
Category: Livestock
A new tool is being developed by the Association des médecins vétérinaires praticiens du Québec to develop a digital tool to anticipate and reduce the risks associated with metabolic diseases in dairy cows. As Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced, the Government of Canada is contributing nearly $1 million to the… Read More
The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) has released a new study that looked at the impact of the province’s risk management program (RMP and self-directed risk management program (SDRM) have on Ontario farms, farm production, and the Ontario economy. OASC is comprised of the Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association, Grain… Read More
It’s spooky season, and Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange is ready with her witch’s hat (to be worn with the grandkids, of course). As we approach Halloween, it’s no surprise for the west of the country to experience snow (after all, what would be Halloween in Canada without snowsuits under costumes), and Wasko’s… Read More
Artificial intelligence is making it easier for farmers and ranchers to keep an eye on their livestock. At the recent Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show at Woodstock, Ont., OneCup AI showcased how its AI technology uses computer vision technology to identify and monitor livestock. In this video, the company’s CEO, Mokah Shmigelsky gives us a snapshot… Read More
Environment and Climate Change Canada launched the national methane emissions reduction proposal in September, titled “Faster and Further: Canada’s Methane Strategy.” In it, the federal government outlines the expected reduction of methane emissions from agriculture based on 2020 levels. The total reduction — one per cent — is a pretty small portion, but it’s the… Read More
We all know how many different facets of the agriculture industry there are. Whether it be cropping, livestock, retail, communications, education, or mechanics…the list goes on and on. When it comes to our careers, we all have to make choices, and sometimes we wonder about the other ones out there. So this week, on the… Read More
4-H Canada has announced the recipients of its Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (L.E.A.D). L.E.A.D., which is supported by CN Rail, is 4-H Canada’s most prestigious honour, recognizing outstanding youth members who demonstrate 4-H values in their everyday lives. The awards recognize youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share… Read More
The highly-pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus that has swept North America in 2022 will likely remain a threat in 2023, but there have been some lessons learned in the past seven months by producers, veterinarians, and poultry industry stakeholders when it comes to responding to the often-devastating disease. As of October 17, the Canadian Food… Read More
A successful dairy farm requires incredible investment — from cows and quota to crops, to land base and labour, the list of key inputs is huge. One of the key pieces that drives a dairy operation forward is silage quality. On this episode of the The Sharp Edge, Maizex Seeds agronomist Greg Stewart visits custom… Read More
Not for the first time this year, the Canadian and U.S. cattle market are out of sync. As Anne Wasko explains in this week’s episode of the Beef Market Update, it’s becoming a bit of a frustrating topic, as she had hoped we wouldn’t still be talking about it in October. Check out the full… Read More
Keeping hooves drier, harder, and cleaner is better for cows, dairy farmers, and the environment. Animal comfort specialist Bioret Agri believes it’s checked all these boxes with its new Magellan self-draining rubber flooring, which is designed to improve drainage, provide greater traction for cows, and reduce ammonia production. Adam Steward, business development manager for Bioret… Read More
The “how” of countries around the world working to address climate action through legislation is taking various shapes — from aspirational goals and carbon pricing here in Canada, to fertilizer scrutiny and restrictions in the Netherlands, to taxing cow and sheep burps in New Zealand. New Zealand’s government has aggressive climate action goals, including going… Read More
A well-known rancher from Washington, who owned cattle in Alberta in the past, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison and ordered to pay more than US$244 million in restitution for running a “ghost cattle” scam. Cody Easterday, 51, of Mesa, Washington, was sentenced on October 4 for defrauding Tyson Foods and another unnamed… Read More
Every year around this time, I start thinking it’s time to reflect. Reflect on the last year, the good, the not-so-great, and most of all — what I’m thankful for. I have started this more than a handful of times over the course of the last couple of days. So, I’ve turned on my favourite… Read More