It's a diagnosis no cattle producer wants to hear, and it's likely much more prevalent than we realize. Caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), Johne's causes chronic enteritis (inflammation of the intestine), diarrhea and progressive weight loss in cattle. Despite the seemingly obvious symptoms in infected animals, the disease has characteristics that can make... Read More
Category: Western Canada
There are many potential stressors for cattle during transport, as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein pointed out at the recent Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association conference and annual general meeting. Animals have to contend with handling (often by unfamiliar people), a unique environment, mixing with new animals, feed and water restrictions and the energy/focus required... Read More
SeedMaster is bringing some of its seeding technology to the application of granular herbicides and fertilizer. The Emerald Park, Saskatchewan-based company debuted its 70' Nova Flex granular applicator bar at Canada's Farm Progress Show '16 in Regina. As research manager Owen Kinch explains in this video, the unit connects to SeedMaster's Nova cart, either tow... Read More
Dry conditions at seeding followed by plenty of rain left some canola growers in Western Canada wondering if their canola had enough nitrogen to reach its yield potential. As a result, there was increased interest in top-dressing N on canola this growing season. As Jack Payne, regional agronomist with Farmers Edge, explains in this Canola…Read More
As with other aspects of farming, automation is finding its way into the process of managing mortalities. Dutch Industries, based at Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan, has designed what looks like a big top-heavy green box that it calls the "BioMulcher." The unit heats, grinds and mixes, composting up to 2,500 pounds of material per batch. "After... Read More
Proposed amendments to Canada's Food and Drug Regulations were outlined in more detail this week, after a brief announcement by Health Canada on June 30, 2016. The potential changes look to "strengthen rules governing the importation, sale and use of antimicrobial drugs in livestock." "Health Canada's proposal to strengthen the rules around the use of... Read More
Just ten days after Mexico announced it will drop its remaining import restrictions on Canadian beef, Taiwan has lifted its temporary ban on Canadian beef, effective July 8. The ban was issued following the February 2015 case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Alberta. "The Government of Canada welcomes the news of another restored market,"... Read More
While western Canadian crops look to be in good shape overall, drought is taking its toll in Ontario. On the heels of the UK's Brexit vote, there’ve been some new developments in the Canada-Europe trade deal and environmental groups are taking the Canadian government to court over neonics, despite honey bee colony numbers in Canada... Read More
Farming Smarter hosted its field school in Lethbridge, AB this week. RealAgriculture's Jason Stroeve was there and took the opportunity to speak to Farming Smarter's assistant manager Jamie Puchinger. In the below interview, Puchinger describes this year's agenda, which included morning sessions on herbicides and weather considerations for spraying. The afternoon offered participants the opportunity... Read More
What impact can fungicide have on corn that’s suffering through the dry Ontario summer? It all depends on your crop’s yield potential, explains BASF technical development specialist Rob Miller. Quite simply, fungicide applications are designed to protect yield potential throughout the grain fill period. Maintaining healthy plants that stay green allows for a greater amount…Read More