(Dave Bedard photo)

Cargill labour disputes settled

Calgary case-ready plant avoids strike, Guelph plant strike ends after 41 days

In the second week of July, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401, which represents workers at Cargill’s case-ready plant in Calgary, said they had come to an agreement with the company. Union members voted on a final offer July 8-9, with 74 per cent in favour of the proposed agreement.



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Meat from cloned animals sparks debate

Is a cloned cow any different from a conventionally conceived cow when it comes to meat? Canadian officials suggest not

Health Canada says meat from healthy cloned animals is no different than that from sexually reproduced animals and there are no health concerns with consuming meat from a cloned animal. It also says a main aspect of cloning animals is to “enhance the propagation of unique, high-value animals.”



 Photo: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File

Explainer: How U.S. states are testing for bird flu

States in the U.S. are playing a key role in the nation's response to a growing outbreak of avian flu among dairy cattle that has also infected a small number of humans. The states are chiefly responsible for testing cows and people for the virus, but they take different approaches. Scientists tracking bird flu are increasingly concerned that current surveillance efforts are not sufficient.



 Photo: Canada Beef

Klassen: Buyers tasting feeder cattle prices for fall run

For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.