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Bovine bird flu reports still at zero in Canada

Results of a national testing program conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released June 18 showed no evidence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country’s milk supply. "Commercially sold milk and milk products remain safe to consume," said a release from the CFIA and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). It was also noted that even if traces of the virus were found, the pasteurization process would have rendered them harmless.




cattle in a feedlot during winter

Compacted concrete makes for drier, easier-to-manage feedlots

It’s a big investment, but return on investment can be about six years

When Rimrock Feeders purchased the former Western Feedlots site outside of High River, Alta., there were decisions to be made about the site, which had been empty for about three years. The pen partitions were wooden and decaying and there were drainage issues on the site, which sits on a high point, with a view […] Read more



Photo: Thinkstock

Funding to help make cattle data gathering easier

Partnership between Angus and Holstein association will look at sharing trait information and how to automate data management

New funding for the Canadian Angus Association and Holstein Canada will allow them to improve the data that goes into genetic evaluations and expand into new areas including carcass quality and traits that help limit the environmental impact of beef.


Block’s Ranching Ltd. won the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) on Monday, June 10 at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association convention in Swift Current. Neil Block says one of the most important things they do on their operation is taking care of the grass. He says they always are trying to improve the range and leave more time for rest.

Block’s Ranching receives stewardship award

Glacier FarmMedia – When Neil Block won the Saskatchewan environmental stewardship award on June 10 at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association convention in Swift Current, he talked about his love for his work. Block’s Ranching Ltd. is near Abbey, Sask., and consists of approximately 60,000 acres. The family runs cow-calf pairs and yearlings and grazes […] Read more

Even though so far the bird flu virus outbreak has been limited to dairy cattle, columnist Steve Kay suspects the beef industry will have a slight influenza cloud over it for a while.

Beef is safe from bird flu

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

Who would have thought that wild birds would roil the U.S. cattle markets? That’s what happened in late March after reports that the highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in several dairy herds and had been introduced by wild birds. Any kind of animal-related disease sends tremors through the markets and raises concerns about everything […] Read more