Unionized workers at Cargill’s cattle slaughter and processing plant at High River, Alta. will start strike action next month unless a deal can be reached with the company, their union said Wednesday. A strike would begin at High River no sooner than Dec. 6 at 12:01 a.m. if a new collective bargaining agreement isn’t reached […] Read more

Cargill beef plant workers serve strike notice
Without a deal, High River workers will walk Dec. 6

B.C. calling halt to mink farming
Live mink on farms to be banned in 2023
British Columbia’s remaining mink farmers are “devastated” by the province’s proposal to phase out their industry over risks related to COVID-19. The province announced Friday it’s starting the process toward a permanent ban on mink farming — beginning with a ban on mink breeding, followed by a ban on live mink on farms by April […] Read more

APEC ministers call for curbs on farm, fuel, fishing subsidies
Washington/Wellington | Reuters — Pacific Rim trade and foreign ministers on Tuesday pledged to sustain the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic while pursuing talks to curb subsidies for fisheries and agriculture at a forthcoming World Trade Organization meeting. The ministers from the 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries said in a communique issued after […] Read more

Conservatives’ Barlow to return as federal ag critic
NDP, Bloc incumbent critics to return
A former agriculture critic for the federal opposition Conservatives will again handle the file when the House of Commons resumes sitting in two weeks. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole on Tuesday named John Barlow, MP for the southwestern Alberta riding of Foothills, as shadow minister for agriculture, agri-food and food security. As ag critic, Barlow replaces […] Read more

U.S. border reopens to Canadian land travelers
Travel business sees 'tremendous pent-up demand'
Toronto | Reuters — A steady stream of Canadian visitors, particularly retirees headed to U.S. sun spots, crossed the U.S. border by car on Monday for the first time in 20 months as Washington lifted travel restrictions. Traffic was heavy at times at some U.S. border posts such as Bluewater Bridge, Michigan near Sarnia, Ont., […] Read more

Pandemic had a silver lining for Canadian bison producers
Bison meat is now more widely available, but drought weighs on sector
Reading Time: 4 minutes There has never been more fresh or frozen Canadian bison meat available at supermarkets. It’s a silver lining that came about because of the chaos caused by COVID-19. “Those folks who are involved in federally inspected plants and slaughtering in the U.S. and bringing the product up here, they have been able to identify opportunities […] Read more

Coronavirus infections at U.S. meat plants far higher than previous estimates, House subcommittee hears
Cases and deaths from COVID-19 among workers at the leading U.S. meatpacking plants were three times as high as previously estimated, according to a report by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis seen by Reuters. The subcommittee surveyed major meatpackers Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, National Beef , and Smithfield Foods, which together control over 80 percent […] Read more

Lessons learned on the farm apply to the pandemic
Maintaining herd health has taught us about the same good practices being used to combat COVID
Reading Time: 3 minutes The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association designates the first week in October every year in order to increase awareness of veterinary involvement with all animals. Every year there is a theme and this year’s is most appropriate. It is Animal Health + Human Health + Planet Health = One Health. One Health really encompasses the entire […] Read more

ADM profit more than doubles on strong crush margins, vegoil demand
Global grain trader Archer-Daniels-Midland Co said on Tuesday its third-quarter profit more than doubled, as strong oilseed crushing margins and rising vegetable oil demand boosted its core agricultural services and oilseeds unit. The Chicago-based U.S. grains merchant is anticipating the favorable demand and margin environment to continue supporting results in the fourth quarter and foresees […] Read more

Farmfair offers exhibitors rapid COVID test, refund guarantee
Passing the test allows three days of attendance, but the offer doesn’t extend to the general public
Reading Time: 2 minutes In response to recent provincial restrictions, all Farmfair attendees will have to show proof of full vaccination before entering the event. It’s either that or offer proof of a medical exemption or a privately acquired COVID test. The move by event organizer Explore Edmonton is in response to provincial restrictions for indoor events and other […] Read more