BEEF by Willie Vogt When discussing greenhouse gases, a critical measure is methane. The gas has greater impact than carbon dioxide on climate science, and often livestock are considered the key culprit. A Dutch company may have found the answer for cattle contributions with a feed additive that cuts methane emissions from livestock by as…
And today, it also lends credibility to the value of the calf for the cattle feeder and to the packer as a carcass. The end product is always beef and in the future advanced genetic improvements may also be predictable and palatable to the plate. Phenotype or the visibly physical characteristics of the bull were…
“Across the country, college and university chefs feed thousands and thousands of students every day. For chefs and students, it is all about nutrition, affordability and taste—students say the reputation of an institution’s foodservice influences their decision to apply for admission. This has resulted in institutions hiring some of the most skilled chefs around,” according to…
Alberta Farmer Express by Alexis Kienlen It was a response to a crisis that threatened to overwhelm Alberta’s cattle sector — but seven months later the cattle set-aside program has come to an end. And it’s clear it’s been a success, says the chair of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association. “I think the program did…
No question, the beef industry has been changed and challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our strategic approach has been all about responding, recovering and resetting, as the pandemic continues to disrupt business as usual, creating the next normal. Retail and food service operators are all responding by experimenting and innovating, recognizing that there are opportunities…
The Western Producer by Mary MacArthur It took farmer, inventor and recycler Danny Farkash about 2 1/2 years to figure out how to build a machine that turns used agricultural plastic into fence posts. Using old oilfield pipe, an anhydrous ammonia tank, a straw chopper, parts of a swather and other bits and pieces, Farkash…
AgriLand by Rachel Martin Computing giant Microsoft has launched a new partnership with Australian farm Wilmot Cattle Company to use grazing cattle to offset Microsoft’s carbon footprint. It’s understood Microsoft will buy half a million dollars worth of carbon credits from the New South Wales firm as part of the deal. It’s said to be one of…
Shaun Haney from Real Agriculture recently spoke at Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers national virtual event. He reports on the latest industry news and speaks with farmers and ag specialists about all facets of agriculture. Here’s a recap of the top trends he sees in agriculture. 1. Rural vs Urban The divide between rural and urban…
The Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed last week around $150.75/cwt, fully steady with the previous week. Fed prices are $6-7/cwt lower than last year. Last week dressed sales were reported from $252.25-253.50/cwt FOB the lot. Cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for the week of February 15th and 22nd delivery. Last…
Finally! Ag-tech advancements capitalizing on GPS technology will soon appear in a pasture near you. After watching crop production technology advance for years, the livestock sector is about to see some fresh high-tech products that make herd management easier through location tracking, virtual fencing, and data collection. The potential possibilities are exciting. From pasture rotation…
Country Guide by Lorraine Stevenson The sun is barely up but VRP Farms Ltd., a half hour north of Lethbridge, is already humming. Pen riders saddle their horses and barn labourers are shipping, sorting and processing. Feed drivers put their trucks in gear, operators of high hoes and manure trucks shuttle about the site, and…
BNN Bloomberg by Sandrine Rastello The virus brought BRP Inc. an unexpected windfall, with throngs of first-time customers riding out the pandemic on Sea-Doos, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. It’s betting that greener machines can help sustain the growth. The Canadian powersports manufacturer plans to introduce a broad lineup of electric-powered products within the next three…