LivestockHigher protein Researchers think hulless oats could make up 70-80 per cent of the ration
Reading Time: 2 minutes Scientists with Ohio State University have received a four-year, $896,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to study the feasibility of incorporating “naked oats” into organic farming rotations as a way to cut the cost of producing organic chicken. The oats, which have a unique protein and amino acid balance, will be tested in the diets […] Read moreCan naked oats cut organic chicken production costs?
Options for group sow housing — part two
Management Group-housing systems have been successful elsewhere, but require more time and management
Reading Time: 4 minutes Second of two articles on group sow housing There are a number of group sow-housing systems that can be used in converted buildings or new barns. Each of them has particular features and limitations that need to be understood in order to make an informed decision about which system to choose. While there are certainly […] Read moreCattlemen’s Young Leaders 2012 recipients selected
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Development Program has announced its 2012 national mentorship recipients. The 16 recipients were selected following the final selection round at the CYL Spring Forum in Saskatoon, where a total of 24 finalists vied for a spot in the national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). The 2012 CYL […] Read more
Potato producer and feedlot take organic approach
NATURE’S WAY Potato producer says compost made from feedlot manure is an economical way to make crop production part of a natural cycle
Reading Time: 2 minutes The Kasko Cattle Company feedlot is proof that integrating cows and crops can protect the environment while boosting the bottom line. The 14,000-head feedlot near Taber is surrounded by 10 quarter sections owned by Ryan Kasko, and Harold and Chris Perry. While Kasko owns and operates the feedlot, the Perry family’s expertise is in producing […] Read moreWheat breeding and pasture programs cut in federal budget
Reading Time: 3 minutes A major wheat-breeding centre, community pastures, co-operatives and a shelterbelt program are among major casualties from cuts to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in the federal budget earlier this month. The Cereal Research Centre in Winnipeg, which has been home to some of AAFC’s largest wheat- and oat-breeding programs, will be closed by 2014. According to […] Read more
Ritz says budget cuts won’t affect consumers
Reading Time: < 1 minute Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is brushing off accusations that cuts at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will eliminate the jobs of 100 veterinarians and inspectors. Reductions will be predominantly “backroom changes,” said Ritz. “Anyone who says this will affect food safety is off the mark,” he said. But the president of the agriculture division of […] Read more
Dairy producers urged to join the war on Johne’s disease
WIDESPREAD PROBLEM Up to three-quarters of Alberta dairy herds may have animals carrying the mycobacterium that causes Johne’s
Reading Time: 3 minutes Why wouldn’t you participate in a program that is free, and benefits both your cattle and the dairy industry? More than half of western Canadian cattle operations, beef and dairy, have animals infected with the mycobacterium that causes Johne’s disease. That prompted the creation of the Alberta Johne’s Disease Initiative in 2010. The free program […] Read moreP.E.I. to limit funding for Atlantic Beef losses
Prince Edward Island’s new budget caps the province’s exposure to any more losses coming out of the Atlantic Beef Products plant. Finance Minister Wes Sheridan’s budget, released Wednesday, notes the province has put over $40 million in both capital and operating subsidies into the Albany plant since it was set up in partnership with local […] Read more
Prairies’ community pastures all to stay open in 2012
Plans to move Prairie community pastures out of federal management over the next six years won’t affect any operations this season, the federal government has pledged. "No pastures will be affected this grazing season and we will work in collaboration with our provincial partners and with all stakeholders to make sure the transition away from […] Read more
Man. plans farm fuel tax, manure system tax credit
CORRECTED, April 18, 2012 — A new three-cent-per-litre tax on marked gasoline, and a new tax credit for manure management systems, are in the first budget by Manitoba’s former agriculture minister. Line items in provincial Finance Minister Stan Struthers’ budget, delivered Tuesday, included ongoing support for Manitoba Hydro projects, such as Bipole III, and an […] Read more
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