The implications of a grass fire are rightfully terrifying in most situations. When it’s started purposefully, however, with meticulous planning and high safety standards, fire can act as a beneficial conservation and pasture management practice. “I think we need to relook at how we perceive fire and look at fire not as a destructive force […] Read more
Working with fire for grassland conservation
Prescribed fire can be a useful management tool but must be handled carefully, says Canada’s first prescribed fire exchange group
Agriclimat project preparing Quebec farmers for changing climate
Quebec forage producers a part of developing farmer-focused climate change adaptation plans
Heatwaves are anticipated to become more frequent in Quebec’s Montérégie region, spelling potential trouble for future forage production. Climate change data for this agricultural region predicts an increase in days with night temperatures above 20 C, which could negatively impact the respiration of plants that rely on cooler nights to survive hot summers. Using regional […] Read more
Check-off refunds top the agenda for upcoming Alberta Beef Producers meetings
Along with the check-off shortfall, veterinarian shortage to be discussed at ABP meetings
This is the second in a two-part series on the issues currently of interest to Alberta Beef Producers ahead of its producer meetings. Read the first story here. The number of cattle producers in Alberta choosing to keep the refundable portion of their check-off has put Alberta Beef Producers in a difficult spot financially. As a result, the organization has […] Read more
Alberta Beef Producers zero in on risk management ahead of producer meetings
More responsive programs would make a difference for drought-stricken producers, says ABP chair
This is the first in a two-part series on the issues currently of interest to Alberta Beef Producers ahead of its producer meetings. Read the second story here. With much of Alberta plagued by drought conditions in 2021, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is prioritizing the creation of more effective business risk management options. The organization is discussing improvements to […] Read more
On with the show
The new director of Edmonton’s Farmfair International looks to the future after the much-loved cattle show’s relaunch
When Leah Jones took the opportunity to lead the revitalization of one of Canada’s top livestock shows, she returned to an institution that played an earlier role in her impressive career. In addition to previously working as the agriculture director for Edmonton’s Northlands, Jones was a dedicated volunteer with the organization for many years and […] Read more
Highway 21 Feeders turns up the bull power to drive feedlot performance
Custom feedlot develops bull program and new sale to bridge the gap between seedstock and feeder sectors
At Highway 21 Feeders, the Miller family knows exactly the type of calves they want in their pens. In their quest to source higher-performing feeder cattle, improving feed efficiency at the seedstock level is moving them towards this target. “The goal has always been to try and help drive a better product to come into […] Read more
Growing opportunities for veterinary telemedicine
A veterinarian shares when and how to use technology for virtual consultations
After almost two years of relying on virtual meetings, many people cringe at the thought of another Zoom call. For veterinarians and their clients, however, the value and popularity of virtual consultations are only growing. While veterinary telemedicine isn’t new, the practice is evolving from clients sending photos and videos via text to the use […] Read more
Moving from planning to action on corporate sustainability
Officials from non-profits, animal health, foodservice and the processing industry discuss the challenges of setting and implementing corporate sustainability goals
When World Wildlife Fund plans to act on its sustainability goals for the Northern Great Plains, partnering with stakeholders in the beef value chain pushes these initiatives further. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers the Northern Great Plains to be a critical ecosystem, and to meet its place-based conservation goals, working with beef producers on the […] Read more
Translating beef cattle genetic data into profit
The new leader of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council aims to create greater value by capturing and sharing genetic information throughout the supply chain
Sandy Russell is skilled at seeing possibilities and turning them into profit. Her career thus far has allowed her to assist different facets of the Canadian beef industry in finding greater value. Now she’s poised to lead a major initiative to capitalize on untapped opportunities to capture value from genetic data across the entire beef […] Read more
Protecting farmland through rural land planning
Thoughtful municipal land use policy, producer involvement needed to save agricultural land from urban development
With 20,000 to 25,000 hectares of Canada’s agricultural land lost annually to urban development, rural land planning that prioritizes agriculture is a necessity, says one expert. “Protecting farmland is also about protecting the farmer, and through that process, we end up protecting food and food production capacity as well,” says Wayne Caldwell, professor of rural […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
