With the rise of the omicron variant, we're watching COVID-19 once again disrupt the supply chain. Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livstock Exchange says the markets are looking a bit defensive this week — especially the futures market. "We can see some of the slaughter disruptions that are going on with the absenteeism from COVID.... Read More
Category: Western Canada
China and the Philippines have joined South Korea in temporarily suspending imports of Canadian beef following the discovery of an atypical case of BSE in an Alberta cow in mid-December. The Chinese customs administration has stopped issuing certificates for beef and beef products from Canada, while hides are still eligible for export, according to a... Read More
A Stanley Cup. The most wins as a coach in Detroit Red Wings history. Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in Vancouver and Sochi. Mike Babcock's coaching resume is among the best, as he has been behind the winning bench for some of the greatest teams and the biggest hockey moments of the last few... Read More
There have been major disruptions to school schedules since March 2020 when the first wave of COVID-19 hit the shores of North America. Students of all ages, from elementary through university, have now faced several stops and starts, the full impacts of which are not even fully understood yet. As provinces such as Alberta and... Read More
Dairy and beef farmer Jennifer Hayes has been appointed as the first woman chairperson of the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) for a four-year term. Hayes was first appointed to the CDC in January 2017 in the role of commissioner and has held the position for four years. She took the role of chairperson on December... Read More
It's the Tuesday after Christmas holidays. As I sit by my fireplace looking at my still-standing Christmas tree and Christmas decorations — and know that I unfortunately have to take them down, and soon — I can't help but feel the dread that comes with January. I try to be positive (new year, new me,... Read More
In looking back at the top stories of 2021, a few themes emerge: the year was one of uncertainty, friction, and rising costs. Yes, there were some high points, such as the dream of a snack-fetching drone and announcements of planned domestic processing, but for most of the year, labour issues, supply chain disruption, and... Read More
You're out in a piece of new machinery and something in the computer system breaks down. Are you equipped to fix it? Do you have the right to repair it? Geoff Backman, manager of business development and markets at the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, says farmers' frustrations continue to grow as they don't have... Read More
In light of new public health orders implemented by the Manitoba government, the management and board of directors of Manitoba Ag Days have decided to postpone the large indoor farm show to a later date. The province announced new restrictions on Dec. 27 limiting indoor event attendance to 50% venue capacity with a maximum of... Read More
The Successors is a RealAgriculture podcast series hosted by Kara Oosterhuis focusing on agriculture from the perspective of the up-and-coming generation. How can you provide mentorship to those around you? What can you do to get that succession conversation going on the farm? Why do you sometimes need to take a step back and evaluate... Read More