As I make my way across Canada and the U.S. in the first part of 2023, I am very struck by the hatred that farmers have for the word sustainability. It seems that the word spawns real contempt for an urban consumer that misunderstands the activities on the farm. Sustainability is everywhere. It always has... Read More
Category: Livestock
Cold weather calving is tricky and that can be compounded by rapidly changing weather conditions. Bringing cattle in to a new environment because of cold or wet weather can introduce a new management issue: pathogen spread. Gerald Stokka, the extension veterinarian at North Dakota State University, says that increased snowfall or wet weather means that... Read More
Lobbying is one way to shape public policy. Lobbying is also a long-game — where building relationships, meeting, and continuing dialogue all play a role in whose issue of the day gets put on the front burner. A government has to decide its priorities across industries, based on its own goals and ideals, and also... Read More
Changes are coming to the top of the civil service within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Friday that Chris Forbes, a veteran in federal agriculture policy circles, having served as deputy minister of the agriculture department since 2017, will be moving to... Read More
Canada is an exporting nation, of that there can be no doubt. While some countries struggle to produce enough to feed its people, Canada produces more than double what it needs. That creates a clear opportunity, and some would say responsibility, to export food and food ingredients world-wide. Ted Bilyea, distinguished fellow with the Canadian... Read More
North American pork supply is predicted to be tight in the first quarter of 2023, with uncertainty around consumption levels, but there is hope for increased trade opportunities. Cost pressure is increasing across the board from feed, to labour, to fuel. The value chain is feeling this inflationary pressure, says Christine McCracken, senior analyst of... Read More
A private member's bill that aims to prevent further market access concessions for supply managed commodities in Canada was approved at second reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday, and was referred to the Standing Committee on International Trade. Bill C-282, sponsored by Bloc MP Luc Thériault, would amend existing legislation to prevent Canada's... Read More
As provinces and states across North America look to capitalize on the potential of the agri-processing industry, Alberta will build on the province's competitive advantages by launching a new tax credit program in spring 2023. The program will ensure Alberta maintains a competitive edge over other jurisdictions and is able to maximize the number of... Read More
Nathan Phinney of New Brunswick has stepped into the role as the president to the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). This appointment comes after the sudden passing of previous president in December, Reg Schellenberg. Phinney — the first president of the CCA from the Maritimes in 90 years — previously sat in the role as vice... Read More
The expansion in canola crush capacity in Western Canada over the next few years is expected to create opportunities to not only maximize the amount of canola meal in domestic animal feed rations, but also to unlock new demand for feeding livestock and fish in the Indo-Pacific region. "We're probably seeing about another three million... Read More