Reading Time: 3 minutes The animal welfare issue won’t derail a positive outlook for Canada’s pork industry, says an American agriculture economist. “There is a very optimistic sentiment today in the entire pork industry — I think we’re going to expand pork production throughout North America,” Glynn Tonsor of Kansas State University said at the recent 2015 Banff Pork […] Read more
The future continues to look bright for pork producers
While it’s not entirely smooth sailing, the ‘optimistic sentiment’ in the industry is well founded, two experts told the Banff Pork Seminar
Getting new workers off to a good start pays off for hog operation
The cost of a trainer and a five-week employee orientation is far less than having to continually replace workers, says HyLife official
Reading Time: 2 minutes Anyone running a hog operation of any scale today knows the value of labour. Richard Taillefer, director of sow and nursery production for HyLife, a large hog production operation headquartered in La Broquerie, Man., told delegates at the recent Banff Pork Seminar in actual dollar terms how much employee retention means to their company. HyLife, […] Read more
Two U of A students given young scientist awards
Reading Time: < 1 minute Two student scientists were announced as winners of the R.O. Ball Young Scientist award at the recent 2015 Banff Pork Seminar. The award, named after researcher and former seminar director Dr. Ron Ball, recognizes graduate students who provide a best overall combination of good and relevant science, a well-written abstract, and excellent presentation. The first […] Read more
Two-stage weaning reduces stress on calves
Plastic nose flap prevents nursing while allowing calves to stay with their mothers, which reduces stress
Reading Time: 3 minutes Two southern Alberta ranches are among those who have found a two-stage calf weaning program is less stressful for livestock and improves rate of gain. The two-stage weaning system involves processing calves about a week before the actual weaning day to apply a plastic guard, or nose flap, in the nose of each calf. The […] Read more
New York Hutterite Colony adopts leading-edge poultry housing
The ‘furnished housing’ style features nesting areas, scratch pads and perches, which allow the birds to engage in natural behaviour
Reading Time: 2 minutes Lethbridge egg farmer Levi Hofer has one eye on the present, the other on the future. Hofer is the manager of the layer flock at the New York Hutterite Colony, which is home to new state-of-the-art facilities called “furnished housing.” It’s a new style that provides a more natural open environment, with nesting areas, scratch […] Read more
Pain issue an opportunity for proactive industry response
Reading Time: 2 minutes Dr. Ed Pajor serves as part of the animal care team at Calgary Stampede. It seems every few months there are more case studies that emerge on why agriculture needs to become more proactive in managing animal welfare issues. The recent W5 investigative report, “Behind the barn door,” is one high-profile example that hits home […] Read more
Caution urged in shipping cull cows
Canada’s beef producers have built a strong track record in transporting beef cattle safely and effectively, but the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) says one part of the industry that needs more attention is cull cows. Reynold Bergen Science Director of the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) told the Canada Beef meeting in Calgary recently that […] Read more
Seven questions to consider in farm animal care
Key questions and concepts driving farm animal care progress for livestock producers and their industry
Reading Time: 2 minutes It may be the dog days of summer but in the world of farm animal care it’s also a time when new ideas and fresh progress are heating up. Here’s a rundown of several key questions and concepts to watch for in the months ahead. Who pays? It’s an unprecedented time of new standards and […] Read moreCalgary Co-op examines next steps on sourcing
Reading Time: 3 minutes Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America, with more than 44,000 members and annual sales of more than $1 billion. Under its co-operative structure, Co-op members can put forward non-binding resolutions at the AGM which if passed by a members’ vote are moved on to the company board of directors […] Read more
Time to consider solar energy for your farm?
Costs are down, equipment is dependable and long-term payback looks good, says ag engineer Kelly Lund
Reading Time: 4 minutes A group of about 60 Alberta producers has installed solar-electric generating units over the past year and so far the decision is looking like a good one. The installations were completed with support from the federal-provincial Growing Forward program. Quarterly performance feedback will provide the industry with important knowledge about how well these systems perform. […] Read moreCyber-Savvy Farmer
