With an expected Stats Can report maintain the status quo in the cow herd numbers next month, the current state of tight cattle inventory isn’t going away any time soon. Low cattle stocks, a sinking loonie and cheaper feed all spell opportunity for Canada’s beef industry, but it’s not all green grass and juicy steaks.... Read More
Category: Livestock
When new farm animal diseases rear their heads, one of the first questions asked is how they were discovered. Overwhelmingly, the sleuth turns out to be a rural veterinarian, summoned by the farm’s concerned owner or operator. Although our society is becoming much more urbanized, rural veterinarians play a critical role. In Ontario, the Ontario... Read More
If there's one crop that's been generating buzz this month, it's oats, followed closely by flax. A plugged supply chain for our export markets has several farmers exploring other viable crop options for the 2014 growing seasons. Hot on the heels of this, the federal government recently announced funding for the oat market to re-build... Read More
Where is US ag policy headed? I guess that's the question of the day....or more accurately, that's the question that's been asked since 2010. Where is US ag policy headed? We've had some bi-polar insights into that direction with initiatives like MCOOL, which, from what we've seen and heard, do not have majority industry support... Read More
By Bernard Tobin, Ontario field editor This story was originally published on January 28, 2014. For continually updated information click here. Ontario's second case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) has been confirmed at a Chatham-Kent region farm and a third farm is being investigated in the same area. (Editor's note: The number now sits... Read More
Chipotle Mexican Grill has launched a trailer for its four-part television series coming out in February. Branded as a satirical comedy, the series is an interesting (and extremely controversial) attempt at Hollywood-style advertising, boasting a scripted plot and professional directing. The show is a negative campaign aimed at conventional farming practices and revolves around the... Read More
Artificial insemination (AI) is accepted by most producers in the purebred business, and increasingly by commercial producers as well. AI can offer the opportunity to use high quality, proven genetics at a price which is often more affordable than buying and keeping the natural sire. But the traditional method of heat detection has given producers... Read More
A new livestock price insurance program will be available this spring to help cattle and hog producers in Western provinces manage price risks faced by the industry, says Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz was joined by Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia's agriculture representatives to unveil the new price insurance program today.... Read More
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) confirmed today that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) was found on a farm in the southwest of the province. 1st confirmed case of PED in Ontario announced. OP working with OMAF on next steps. — Ontario Pork (@OntarioPork) January 23, 2014 First detected in the United States... Read More
Saskatoon, SK - Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart and Member of Parliament Kelly Block announced a nearly $4.2M investment into 27 livestock and forage related research projects today, on behalf of the federal government. “Our government is committed to supporting agriculture research,” Stewart said. “The funding provided through the Agriculture Development Fund results in innovations... Read More