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
McDonald’s Canada is just days away from rolling out a pilot project in Ontario that involves the Beyond Meat plant-based meat replacement product. On Monday, September 30, 28 restaurants in the southwestern region will offer the P.L.T. for a limited time. The acronym stands for plant, lettuce, and tomato, and the patty itself was crafted… Read More
For a short time, A&W will be offering bison burgers exclusively in Saskatchewan. The company explains after a successful trial in its Manitoba locations during the spring, the burgers will be brought to the prairie province until supplies last. The product itself is from Canadian Rangeland Bison & Elk located near Lacombe, Alta. “Saskatchewan is… 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
There comes a time when you’re scrolling through the Internet and find someone saying something a little out of line. Who am I kidding, this happens probably every hour on Twitter alone. This past week I came across one of those posts, but instead of it being an internet troll that hides behind their computer… Read More
Canada’s sheep industry is full of opportunity, with strong demand and decent prices, but producer retention past the five-year mark has been identified as one of the challenges of growing the industry. Several factors play a role in new entrant and existing producer success, and Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) have focused on risk management program… Read More
The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) and Les Producteurs de bovins du Québec (PBQ) are calling on federal party leaders to include, as a first priority in the mandate of the Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food, a beef cattle investment and assistance program to help farmers in Ontario and Quebec mitigate the harm of recent… Read More
Beef markets are struggling for reasons beyond the usual annual low, as they search for information on when Tyson’s Kansas plant will be back up and running. South of the border, markets have continued lower for the last six weeks, with cut-outs backing off (but still way over a year ago), due to perceived disruption… Read More
Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler is reminding livestock producers there is water access and management support through Ag Action Manitoba. “We recognize that many producers are feeling the effects of our dry summer and that they may require additional assistance to secure a safe and reliable water supply for their livestock,” says Eichler. “Properly functioning… Read More
“We depend on nature, and we really have to live in symbiosis with it,” says Mickenzie Plemel-Stronk of Ducks Unlimited in the trailer for a new short film “Guardians of the Grasslands.” The film is meant to be an education tool to showcase the benefits of agriculture and how not everything you read about farming… 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
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
Producers can begin preparing for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) proposed regulation changes to livestock identification and traceability, despite the uncertainty around the rules’ implementation. But first, they might consider taking a look at the regulations as they stand, and how to access the information they need going forward. “Current regulations require producers to… Read More