Reading Time: 4 minutes Is Alberta’s sheep industry ready for expansion? That’s the debate circulating in livestock circles this fall. On the one hand, there is the bold development of Sungold Meats. On the other is a somewhat cautious group of producers. The Alberta processor is betting two major projects along with pricing incentives will boost production in the […] Read more
A big bet on Alberta’s lamb sector
The Alberta processor has spent $8.5 million on a new feedlot and plant expansion
Feds back livestock genetics marketing push
A bid to boost sales of Canadian dairy, sheep and goat genetics in export markets has picked up seven-figure federal funding. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz on Wednesday announced $1.6 million for the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA), mainly to help the association achieve its target of increasing sales and exports of dairy genetics by 10 […] Read more
Shaun, when shorn, may be world’s woolliest sheep
Sydney | Reuters — Two Australian farmers say they may have found the world’s woolliest sheep, whose estimated 25 kg (55-lb.) coat, if confirmed, could shatter the world record currently held in neighbouring New Zealand. Shaun the sheep was found on Sunday wandering in a country area near the town of Oatlands, 84 km from […] Read more
Photogenic Alberta trio irresistible
Miniature dairy goats take top prize in photo contest
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s not hard to see why this cute trio captured the hearts of the judges for a national photo contest put on by the Farm & Food Care Foundation. The picture of three of Chris Grab’s Nigerian Dwarf goats won first place, and a $600 prize, in the All About Animals category of the contest. […] Read more
Ex-CFIA doc pleads guilty over stray brucellosis
Canada’s first chance to prosecute a breach of its laws against traffic in dangerous pathogens has ended in a guilty plea from a previously well-regarded researcher over stray vials of brucellosis-causing bacteria. Dr. Klaus Nielsen, who had worked at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Fallowfield lab southwest of Ottawa, was first arrested in October 2012 on […] Read more
Trade mission to Turkey opens doors
Need to upgrade cattle, sheep and goat genetics offers opportunities for Alberta companies
Reading Time: 2 minutes A provincial trade mission to Turkey has identified significant opportunities for Alberta in the areas of sheep and goat genetics, live cattle and cattle genetics, pulses, pet food, and agriculture-focused post-secondary education and training. The Alberta delegation included OC Flock Management (a Bowden-based company specializing in small ruminants’ reproductive technologies and genetics), ITS Global (a […] Read more
No kidding – there’s a great future for Alberta’s goat industry
Whether it’s milk, meat, or for multi-species grazing, the demand for goats far outstrips the available supply
Reading Time: 4 minutes Demand is not a problem facing Alberta’s goat industry these days — but supply certainly is. With a growing number of Albertans hailing from countries where goat is a staple, producers simply can’t keep up with demand, said Laurie Fries, president of Alberta Goat Breeders. “Our numbers are the lowest they’ve ever been,” the Edgerton […] Read more
Panel’s report likely to tie farm antibiotics to human resistance
Reuters — A White House advisory committee is expected to acknowledge the link between antimicrobial resistance in humans and livestock being fed antibiotics when it issues its report in the next few weeks, according to the transcript of a committee meeting held earlier this month. But how much of the public health problem can be […] Read more
Excess moisture costs Man. producers pasture, hayland
CNS Canada — Flooding and excess moisture causing crop damage across southern Manitoba are also creating extreme obstacles for livestock producers now scrambling to find pasture land. The damage is “pretty well widespread across the whole province,” said Heinz Reimer, president of Manitoba Beef Producers. “In some places guys have totally lost all the pastures, […] Read more
New carcass evaluation system key to moving lamb industry forward
An accurate evaluation system would be a basis for providing economic incentives for high quality
Reading Time: 2 minutes A key issue with Canadian lamb is the lack of homogeneity among lamb carcasses, resulting in inconsistent size of meat cuts. This is a challenge for retailers and restaurants as they strive to offer a consistent quality product to their customers. This challenge could be solved, in part, with an improved carcass evaluation system, something […] Read more
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