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…
Dressed sales last week ranged from $274-277/cwt delivered and most of the cattle that traded were being scheduled for the week of July 12th delivery. Premiums were noted on export eligible cattle that have not been fed ractopamine. Historically when Western Canadian fed prices are at such a premium to the US market, Canadian packers…
From health to the environment, we’ve all heard arguments for and against cutting meat consumption. This week, we’re reading a few articles that relate to the push to eat more plant protein, and less meat. Why Global Prosperity Does Not Require Eating Less Meat by Dr. Kees Blokland – Founder & Managing Director of Agriterra Whether…
Designed to bridge the gap between landowners and hunting and recreational users, the Canadian Land Access Systems (CLAS) virtual platform gives producers and other landowners the ability to specify rules and limit liability for land access, all through an online interface. “The story of CLAS begins with two guys talking over coffee at the end of a long…
A joint review panel for the Alberta Energy Regulator has issued its report denying the provincial application for the Grassy Mountain coal project. The report, submitted to the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, concluded that the project would likely result in “significant adverse environmental effects.” The panel made specific mention of the potential…
The University of Calgary’s Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) held the meeting of its inaugural Livestock Stakeholder Advisory Committee this spring, and Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is pleased that Karin Schmid, Lead, Beef Production and Extension, ABP, has since been elected as Community Chair. Background In 2020, the governments of Canada and Alberta finalized $3.44 million…
Test stock water and reduce worry By Beef Cattle Research Council When stock water appears abundant and water quality has been consistent in previous years, it’s easy to focus on other things — but don’t overlook water testing. Poor-quality stock water can lead to reproductive inefficiency, poor gains, disease and in extreme circumstances, death. Even when water…
Looking back, 2020 was quite a year for the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA), just as it was for everyone. In early March of 2020, we began responding to the COVID situation; where we were influential in the approval of both the ‘Fed Cattle Feed Assistance’ program and the ‘Set Aside’ program. Looking forward, as we head…