Reading Time: 3 minutes Those that have watched with some consternation the evolution of organic food marketing have been aware of a glaring discrepancy that advocates try to cover up. It has to do with a plain and simple question: how does one really know if organic food is really organic? The reality with organic food is that on […] Read more
A Real Inconvenient Truth Is Exposed
Bison Producers Enjoying The Best Of Times
Reading Time: 3 minutes The atmosphere was positively electric at the Bison Producers of Alberta (BPA) annual general meeting (AGM) and conference in Ponoka. Producers were enjoying the effects of the best bison meat prices ever and the mood of the event had everyone dreaming of a bigger and better industry. Meat prices have surpassed the pre- BSE level […] Read more
Provincial Government Bites Back At Critics
Reading Time: 3 minutes It was a long time in coming, but the Alberta government finally acknowledged that maybe – just maybe – there were some misunderstandings with Bill 36, the Alberta Land Stewardship Act. They have introduced Bill 10, which amends the original legislation. Sustainable Resource Development Minister Mel Knight was not admitting that they had made any […] Read more
Alberta Government To Amend Land Use Legislation
Reading Time: 2 minutes The Alberta government has taken steps to amend the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (Bill 36) in an effort to subdue landowner worry over property rights. Sustainable Resource Development Minister Mel Knight has introduced Bill 10, a 12-page document that amends the original bill. The government says the changes are to “clarify the intent” of the […] Read more
ALMA May Not Yet Be Ready For A Report Card
Reading Time: 3 minutes Last year I questioned the rationale, cost, and the very existence of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALM A). A year later I can report that basically nothing has changed much as to ALMA’s role in the livestock industry. Having said that, there have been some positive changes, which has seen a change of […] Read more
ABP Chairman Reflects On Past Year
Reading Time: 3 minutes Chuck MacLean was elected chairman of the Alberta Beef Producers in late 2009. He and his family operate a 7,000-head feedlot, farm about 4,000 acres, and own an order-buying and cattle-marketing business near Bow Island. In this interview he reflects on the past year as ABP chairman and some of the issues facing the cattle […] Read more
Rural Alberta Big Part Of Premier’s Downfall
Reading Time: 3 minutes It was an announcement that caught Albertans by surprise, but upon reflection it was probably expected sooner or later. The urban media speculated on the alleged palace revolt that led to Premier Stelmach’s sudden “intend to resign” announcement. Be that as it may there is always more to the story. What those observers missed was […] Read more
Merger Will Be Good For Canadian Beef Promotion
Reading Time: 3 minutes It was an inevitable process that just took some time to accept and act upon, but the merger of the Canada Beef Export Federation (CBEF) and the Beef Information Centre (BIC) into the new Canada Beef agency looks like a done deal, save for the legalities. The merger would also include the National Checkoff Agency. […] Read more
Property Rights Growing Into Political Headache
Reading Time: 3 minutes It doesn’t take a political scientist to figure it out, but there is a rapidly growing issue in the countryside that could have big political ramifications. It’s an issue that could possibly knock the present PC government on its collective butt in rural ridings in the next election. It all has to do with that […] Read more
National Beef Promotion Agencies To Be Merged?
Reading Time: 3 minutes The much-anticipated report on the merger of Canada’s beef promotion agencies was released Jan. 6 at a news conference in Calgary by the Canada Beef Working Group (CBWG). The move would see the Beef Information Centre, the Canada Beef Export Federation and the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency rolled into one […] Read more
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