Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns by Melissa Downing, Alberta’s Provincial Coordinator with VBP+. This post focuses on VBP+ as a whole, while subsequent articles will address specific aspects of beef production through the VBP+ lens. Verified Beef Production (VBP) has been around for awhile now and, like many…
Producers are urged to take precautions this summer because of how dry it has been; vaccinations are recommended By Heather Smith Thomas, published in Western Producer Anthrax is one of the oldest killers of humans and livestock, mentioned in some of the earliest recorded history. It has been called splenic fever, charbon, milztrand and woolsorter’s disease…
From semen quality to conception rates, prolonged heat stress can take an incredible toll on cattle, and acute heat stress can even be life-threatening. “These several days in a row is really what adds to the heat stress,” says Dr. Roy Lewis, semi-retired veterinarian and regular contributor to various ag publications. “Long-term affects can add…
More than three decades after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Dr. Gillian Muir (DVM, PhD) is set to become the college’s dean on July 1. By WCVM Today Muir, who served as the college’s interim dean for the past 12 months, was appointed by the University of Saskatchewan (USask) for a…
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) executive members and Canada Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Alberta board members participated in virtual fly-ins with Conservative Members of Parliament during the month of June. Over the course of 10 meetings, the producer representatives discussed issues ranging from the need to safeguard our food systems to Canada’s negligible risk status for BSE….
In the past couple of weeks, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has had the distinct pleasure to share stories and perspectives with both mainstream and beef production audiences through various channels. From explaining what drought means to ranchers to considering some favorite cuts for barbecue season, here are some of our latest guest appearances: Hoping for…
Canfax fed steer and heifer prices closed last week around $162.25/cwt, $2/cwt lower than the previous week. The last time fed prices averaged over $160/cwt in June was back in 2015, other than 2015 this stands as the second strongest price for June on record. Last week dressed sales were reported from $270-272/cwt FOB the…
By Anne Wasko, National Newswatch You have heard it on the news, seen it in the headlines and clicked it on social media: we should reduce meat consumption to decrease our individual carbon footprint and protect the environment. Recently, restaurants and food websites have removed beef from their menus and recipes in claims to be doing…
You’ve likely already noticed grasshopper nymphs at your feet, but are you keeping a close eye on your fields and pastures? If not, start packing your scouting essentials. “This is the week. If you haven’t scouted for grasshoppers yet, please absolutely do,” says Jennifer Otani, pest management specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Grasshoppers in…
Have a brilliant idea for an innovation, program or improvement, but need help getting it off the ground? Alberta’s Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is accepting applications to six programs, including two for primary producers, two for processors, and several for specific groups or organizations. Agriculture and Food Sustainability Assurance Initiatives – This program will provide…
“Having a 1,000-head cattle ranch as part of our facility at the University has been a game changer, providing students with a connection to the land and the cattle and making the University of Calgary’s already exceptional Faculty of Veterinary Medicine become one of the most sought-after programs on the continent.” Dr. Ed Pajor, Professor of Animal…
In an effort to encourage Albertans to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, the Alberta Government is holding an Open for Summer Lottery, with three draws for $1 million, travel prizes from Air Canada and WestJet, and now Calgary Stampede admissions. “Offering Albertans the chance to win admission to one of the province’s iconic events shows we…