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Explainer: Avian flu in dairy cows warrants close attention

Farmers should identify unusual signs of disease in cattle and have them examined by a veterinarian

An emerging disease syndrome was originally identified in dairy cows in Texas. These cows were identified by animal care workers and veterinarians as having the main clinical signs of reduced milk production and decreased feed intake. Approximately 10 per cent of the cows seem to show clinical signs on affected farms. No deaths occurred and cows seemed to recover with supportive care within two to three weeks. However, loss of milk production was significant. These same farms reported deceased wild birds on their properties.






In early December, the Saskatchewan River was at its second lowest level in the past 23 years.   Photo: Alex McCuaig

Can high water use affect consumer food choices?

Not yet, but ag should be prepared if it someday does, says Alberta agricultural economist

Reading Time: 4 minutes The agriculture industry in Alberta uses a lot of water. According to provincial licence data interpreted by CBC, Albertans can expect 68 per cent of all water allocations in 2024 to be dedicated to agriculture; far ahead of industrial (22 per cent) and municipal (seven per cent) categories. For the time being, Alberta consumers seem […] Read more



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Ontario court strikes down portions of ‘ag-gag’ anti-trespass law

Decision a "decisive victory," animal rights proponents say

Some sections of Ontario’s so-called ag gag law have been struck down by the province’s Superior Court. The court ruled April 2 that certain provisions within the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act 2020 violate the right of freedom of expression under the Charter of Rights, declaring them to have no force or effect.  




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Klassen: Feeder market resumes the climb

For the week ending March 30, Western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $4 to $6 higher on average. Fleshier backgrounded yearlings were relatively unchanged. Buyers were fairly cautious on backgrounded heifers with some packages actually softer than seven days earlier. Larger strings of quality genetic, low flesh steers were up $6 to as much as $10 in some cases. Weaned, premium, calves were up a solid $5 to $6 on average.