Another day, another petition pushing for a ban of biotechnology in a region. The latest that crossed my desk is one out of Prince Edward Island, seeking support to convert the entire island-province to organic production, banning GMOs and non-organic-approved pesticides. There's choosing not to consume GMOs (genetically modified organisms) or support conventional agriculture —... Read More
Category: Western Canada
A plant disease caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, ergot, is nothing new, nor is its affect on animals who consume it. In fact, humans who ingested the fungus in the middle ages were said to have a problem known as "St. Anthony's fire," whereby narrowing of blood vessels would occur, and would often lead... Read More
In this episode of Ruminating with RealAg, I speak to Brad Johnson, a professor and chair in meat and muscle biology at Texas Tech University. Johnson has been heavily involved in research around steroidal implants and beta adrenergic agonists, and attended the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference in January as a speaker. The conversation starts off... Read More
We're about to embark on our third adventure in Brazil with Rob Saik, host of Agri-Treks and founder of Agri-Trend. We've explored Brazil's Carnaval celebrations in São Paulo and Rio De Jainero, the favelas in Rio and now, we will experience the Port of Paranaguá. Located in the state of Paraná, the Port of Paranaguá... Read More
Chipotle Mexican Grill — you know them from such controversial advertisements as: "The Scarecrow" and "Farmed and Dangerous" — has been urging American farmers to supply more beef that meets their standards. In fact, similar to A&W in Canada (check out Andrew Campbell's opinion piece on that decision), Chipotle has decided to cross the globe... Read More
JoAnne Buth has been named as the new CEO of Cigi (the Canadian International Grains Institute). She takes over from Earl Geddes who is retiring on September 8, 2014. Buth is well known in the domestic and international grain industry, having spent most of her professional life in agriculture. She was with the Canola Council... Read More
In November 2013, CropLife Canada announced Ted Menzies, a long-time Alberta farmer and former Member of Parliament, was set to take the role of CEO and president of the organization on January 1, 2014. Menzies owned and operated a 5000-acre farm and was heavily involved in agricultural groups, including the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Grain... Read More
You are probably reading a lot right now about the challenges with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Sheila Pratt with the Edmonton Journal has been focused on the issue as it applies to allegedly reducing labor costs and the mistreatment of workers. Keep in mind that that the temporary foreign worker program is accessed by... Read More
Lynda Raffard is responsible for the health and well being of four children, 30-plus dairy cows, two dogs, two horses, a few barn cats, several chickens and a handful of goats. She is not, however, responsible enough to "adopt" a dog from a shelter. Why? Because the dog will not sleep "with the family." Rural... Read More