Reading Time: 3 minutes Automated tracking of cattle may soon be a reality. During the coming year, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) will be experimenting throughout the province with data loggers installed at farms, feedlots, and auction markets to track cattle as they move through the value chain. “Movement is very difficult to track, especially when animals are […] Read more
Traceability poised for next step: Auto tracking of cattle
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is tapping into new technology to make traceability fast and easy
Fines now an option for pig traceability enforcement
Canadian hog producers who don’t follow the federal requirements for animal identification and tracking of animal movements could now be fined for non-compliance, though it’s expected such fines would be a “last resort.” The Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Wednesday announced new amendments to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations, allowing CFIA-designated officials […] Read more
Cattle traceability symposium coming to Calgary
Two-day event to be held, Nov. 2–3
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency will hold the inaugural Traceability Symposium 2016 in Calgary on Nov. 2-3. The two-day event will address traceability’s role; regulations and compliance; challenges and solutions; other assurance systems; and lessons learned. It is expected to draw attendees from Canada, United States, European Union, Australia and New Zealand. Well-known food expert […] Read more
Taking cattle tag reading to the next level
Forget reading one tag at a time, this technology can track every member of a herd going down an alley at once
Reading Time: 3 minutes Cattle producers could save themselves a fair bit of time and money — if they’re willing to make the shift from standard low-frequency RFID tags to a new ultra-high-frequency alternative. “The typical button tag has been around for a long time and works very well, but it’s in a low-frequency spectrum and the read range […] Read more
Cattle ID workshops coming in 2016
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Canadian Cattle Identification Program is putting on traceability workshops in seven Alberta communities for cow-calf producers, backgrounders, and feedlot operators. There will be presentations on the impact of age verification and how that impacts Canadian beef in international markets, discounts suffered by feedlots, determining age at packing plants, and the importance of premises ID. […] Read more
Tool puts traceability service providers on the map
Traceability Connects has more than 80 locations offering livestock traceability services in Alberta
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta livestock owners now have easier access to information and services for the livestock traceability system through a new interactive map called Traceability Connects. The map makes it easier for livestock producers to connect with traceability service providers, said Kelly Corbett, provincial traceability education co-ordinator “The tool identifies over 80 locations province-wide that offer a […] Read more
Capturing value through livestock innovation
Livestock Gentec Conference being held Oct. 13-14 in Edmonton
Reading Time: < 1 minute Playing the Long Game: Capturing Value in Livestock Innovation is the theme of this year’s Livestock Gentec Conference. Presentations include a look at what’s possible in genetic improvement in commercial beef cattle and the U.K. experience in increasing value in the beef chain. There will also be a panel on sustainable beef production along with […] Read more
Is your livestock premises identification profile up to date?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Premises identification became mandatory in 2009, and is required to complete transport documents such as manifests and permits, sell livestock at auction markets, apply for government grants, and buy over-the-counter medication at retail outlets. Premises identification is an important component of traceability, and is crucial during a disease outbreak or other emergency situation. Have you […] Read more
Antimicrobial use could be slashed, say experts
Simple management changes, like pre-weaning vaccinations, can greatly increase immunity in cattle
Reading Time: 4 minutes The livestock sector could significantly reduce and in some cases, eliminate, antimicrobial use with simple changes in management practices, say veterinarians. And that would reduce the threat of antimicrobial resistance and boost consumer confidence in the cattle industry. “The key is to have animals that are properly vaccinated,” said Craig Dorin of Veterinary Agri-Health Services. […] Read more
Want to earn a premium? Take a page from Rolex’s playbook
Heritage Angus Beef became one of Canada’s largest specialty beef producers by positioning itself as a luxury product
Reading Time: 3 minutes What do BMWs and bison have in common? More than you might think, says the CEO of Heritage Angus Beef. “Bison or high-end beef are no different than high-end Scotch or Grey Goose Vodka or a Rolex,” Christoph Weder said at the Wildrose Bison Convention earlier this month. “Bison are not a commodity. They’re a […] Read more
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