Reading Time: 4 minutes One only has to take a step back to see the advances the cattle industry is making. This article is a small overview of some of the major ones I have seen. Canada is unique because the different seasons require different management strategies and our distances are great when it comes to stress of transportation. […] Read more
There have been many gains on many fronts in the cattle sector
We’re reducing stress, using early disease detection, and improving animal welfare
Animal welfare advocates honoured
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farmer columnist Brenda Schoepp and beef producer Stacey Simpson are the recipients of the Alberta Farm Animal Care’s awards of distinction for 2019. The awards recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions in the field of livestock welfare, and who champion best practices and innovative ideas. Schoepp received the award for communication […] Read more
Awards for leaders in animal welfare
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farm Animal Care is seeking nominations for a trio of awards that recognize individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to livestock welfare. Three awards are given out annually. The Award of Distinction for Communication honours those who take an active role in effectively telling the story about livestock issues, and informing the […] Read more
Loose housing is a winning approach, says Canadian pork giant
Open sow housing is better for pigs, people, and profits, says Maple Leaf Foods executive
Reading Time: 4 minutes Many questioned whether it would work, but Maple Leaf Foods says open housing is a superior way to raise sows — and will have that system in all of its barns years before it becomes mandatory. “This is part of our vision to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth — part of that […] Read more
Chicken welfare program enhanced
Reading Time: < 1 minute Chicken farmers across Canada are rolling out the latest changes to the Raised by a Canadian Farmer Animal Care Program. The program will enhance environmental care and bird monitoring and handling as well as health-care practices, and emergency management and preparedness. “Our Animal Care Program is a clear demonstration of farmers’ commitment to animal care,” […] Read more
Give your view on livestock welfare
Survey, focus group participation open until Oct. 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute The second phase of the Livestock Welfare Engagement Project is getting underway. There has been strong participation in an online survey, said Alberta Farm Animal Care, which is facilitating the initiative requested by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. The province wants a better understanding of the “animal welfare landscape.” The second phase will involve five focus […] Read more
Swiss government urges voters to reject more state help for farmers
Zurich | Reuters — The Swiss government urged voters on Tuesday to reject more help for farmers and other proposals for agriculture in a referendum next month, saying they would send food prices rocketing and hurt the economy. Switzerland will two hold referendums on Sept. 23 — one on giving more state support to farmers […] Read more
How is Alberta doing in terms of animal welfare?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Farm Animal Care is seeking input from livestock producers, their farm organizations, and others in the sector to assess the state of animal welfare in the province. “Livestock welfare is important to all industry stakeholders, as well as the bodies that regulate the sector, and practices continue to change and evolve,” said Annemarie Pedersen, […] Read more
Resources for pain management in beef cattle
Reading Time: < 1 minute As of Jan. 1, producers must use pain control when castrating bulls older than six months. The change followed a move in Jan. 1, 2016 requiring pain control when dehorning calves that have horn buds attached (that is, ones older than two to three months). The Beef Cattle Research Council has information on mitigating pain […] Read more
Cora Scheele elected new AFAC chair
Reading Time: < 1 minute Cora Scheele of Linden is the new chair of the Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) board of directors. “Alberta Farm Animal Care plays an important role in the province, representing all livestock sectors by communicating the industry’s best practices to producers and sharing our story with the public,” said Scheele, a hatching egg producer. James […] Read more
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