Every once in a while it’s good to get your hands dirty, literally. Getting a good look at the medium that makes you a living can give you a new perspective on what’s going on in your field. That’s exactly what Lyndsey Smith got to do at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show as OMAFRA Land Resource… Read More
Category: Western Canada
The fallout from the XL Foods meat recall continues as the latest development has the CFIA shutting down the Brooks facility until corrective actions can be taken. In the meantime, consumer confidence continues to wane as the urban sector tries to wrap it’s head around what is happening. See all of all of the RealAgriculture.com… Read More
As reported last night, CFIA has decided to suspend the license of XL Foods temporarily until the plant implements some corrective actions to mitigate the risk of E. coli. According to the CFIA Statement: The detection of E. coli in slaughter facilities is not uncommon, and plants are expected to have adequate measures in place to monitor… Read More
One of the great things about the information age is that it’s easier than ever to tell your story. The downside of that is that it’s also easier than ever for someone else to tell your story. That’s the uphill battle that agriculture has been facing, and it has taken its toll. Undercover video incidents… Read More
It has been a very special week for RealAgriculture.com. Not only did we win the Canadian Farm Writers Award for best website but its also our four year birthday. On September 24, 2012, Shaun Haney posted the first blog on the site. Amazingly, 1327 posts and 947 videos later, the site is still going strong… Read More
According to the Calgary Herald, CFIA has suspended operations at the XL Foods Lakeside Cattle Slaughter Facility in Brooks. As we reported earlier this week, this story seems to be mushrooming as the days go by. CFIA has apparently given XL foods some corrective actions to implement before the plant will be re-opened. Corrective actions… Read More
Shopping around for farm equipment can be a little daunting. Every manufacturer makes claims that their equipment is the best and the best fit for you. While you may have an idea what you want, the actual performance of that equipment can only be seen once you’re in the field. That can leave farmers with… Read More
As harvest wraps up, farmers thoughts turn to fall field work and planning for next year’s crop. Soil sampling is one way to get a handle on where soil nutrient levels are at or how they’ve changed over time. The trick is to ensure soil samples are taken properly, at the right time and with… Read More
Although Alberta seed producers have done an excellent job of managing the risks associated with diseases, several of our Lethbridge clients have been concerned about Fusarium graminearum in their cereals this season and have been requesting more disease testing. One-third of the cereal samples tested this fall have tested positive for the fungus, with infection… Read More
FNA is looking for farmer commitment and seed money for a new western Canadian fertilizer plant it has dubbed “ProjectN.” The organization is not looking to be an owner of this plant; FNA is acting only as facilitator to round up interest and fund the FNA Fertilizer Limited Partnership. “It needs to be clear that… Read More
With the XL Foods beef recall getting some major attention nightly on the news some producer issues are coming to the surface. AFSC has temporarily decided to suspend the fed cattle CPIP program. In the short term, feedyards will be unable to participate in the government-run risk management program. Jennifer Wood, Livestock Price Insurance Coordinator, AFSC, stated… Read More
It’s the beef recall nightmare that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. The XL Foods voluntary re-call regarding possible E. coli-contaminated ground beef began last week; the list of possibly contaminated products has been expanded seven times. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of human E. coli infections linked to this… Read More
It was the great Kenny Rogers that said “There’ll be time enough for countin, when the dealin’s done”. Well, Kenny Rogers never grew corn….at least not to my knowledge. The truth is, there is a benefit of having an idea where your crop will yield before it’s off the field. The trick comes in estimating… Read More
Dairy is a big deal at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. Not only is the show home to two robotic milkers and 70 cows on display, but there are several other equipment providers, feed dealers, genetic companies and more all showcasing the latest and greatest for the dairy farmer. SEE MORE COFS12 COVERAGE. We caught up… Read More
Once again, there is talk of a cosmetic pesticide ban for Manitoba. This isn’t the first time this has been discussed; Manitoba is also not the first province to entertain such a ban — one exists in whole or in part in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and PEI. Ontario introduced its ban even while expanding… Read More