The effects of selenium pollution in rivers near open-pit coal mines can be felt hundreds of kilometres downstream, says a conservation organization. In studying the impacts of open-pit coal mining in B.C.’s Elk Valley, Lars Sander-Green has seen how selenium leaching from four metallurgical coal mines contaminated the local drinking water supply and devastated fish […] Read more
Selenium from open-pit coal mining may pose downstream risk to ag
Potential of selenium pollution in Alberta’s major watersheds a threat to agriculture and others downstream, say livestock nutritionist and conservationist
Respect underpins successful career in cattle business
As the Canadian Angus Association’s longtime commercial fieldman retires, Brian Good looks back on those who shaped his path and what he learned about an industry that is all about people
When Brian Good became a field representative for Independent Breeders Service in the 1990s, a fellow fieldman offered some simple yet valuable advice that’s served him well through the years. Keith Coates, then a fieldman for the Canadian Hereford Association, took Good under his wing in his early days in this role. “One thing he […] Read more
Winning over millennials
Overall millennials see beef production less favourably than other generations, but sharing positive stories and making personal connections can win longtime fans
This is the final instalment in a three-part series on millennial consumers and the opportunities for Canadian beef producers to better understand this demographic. You can read Part 1 here, and Part 2 here. Junelle Dion is a fan of Canadian beef, and directly supporting a rancher makes purchasing beef even more satisfying. “I love […] Read more
People-focused approach pays off
Hands-on leadership and being open to continuous learning have made the difference for this feedlot management consultant
Although Joe Lofthouse has successfully managed tens of thousands of head of cattle, learning to manage an underappreciated aspect in feedlot production is what has made the greatest difference. The ability to work effectively with others has been one of the most valuable skills throughout his career in feedlot management. “I’ve always said it wasn’t […] Read more
Focusing on the future while facing a pandemic
CCA president Bob Lowe reflects on the trials and silver linings of a tumultuous year
When Bob Lowe was elected president of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) in March 2020, he couldn’t have anticipated everything the year ahead had in store. Mere days after CCA’s annual general meeting, Canada was in lockdown due to the pandemic, changing the trajectory of everyone’s year and presenting numerous challenges to the Canadian food […] Read more
Raising the right cow for the job
The McNary family focuses on efficient, low-input cattle and Longhorn genetics are one ingredient in their program’s success
When the Longhorn first arrived in southern Saskatchewan’s Great Sandhills, this resilient breed was considered the ideal cow for this semi-arid landscape. In the late 1880s, Sir John Lister Kaye brought 7,000 Longhorn females to this area from Wyoming, the majority of which stocked his newly established ranch at Crane Lake. He ran imported purebred […] Read more
Reinstatement of Coal Policy not enough, say Alberta ranchers
Local ranchers remain concerned as new plan for Alberta’s Coal Policy allows several controversial open-pit mining projects to continue
For Laura Laing and John Smith, news that the province of Alberta planned to reinstate the 1976 Coal Policy raised more questions than answers. Laing and Smith, who run Plateau Cattle Co. west of Nanton, Alta. were never contacted or consulted when the provincial government rescinded the Coal Policy last spring, despite the fact that […] Read more
A demographic ready for a connection
Millennials respond positively to messages about nutrition and convenience of beef, especially when they hear it from third parties
This is the second instalment in a three-part series on millennial consumers and the opportunities for the Canadian beef producers in better understanding this demographic. Look for Part Three in the March 2021 issue of Canadian Cattlemen. You can read Part One here. When it comes to purchasing and consuming Canadian beef, millennials make a […] Read more
Livestock shows pivot to survive hard times
Several Canadian exhibitions adapt their programming to deal with the COVID-19, pandemic, though the future of the agriculture events sector remains uncertain
In its almost century-long history, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair had only been cancelled once before in a moment of adversity. Toronto’s famed exhibition was put on hold during the Second World War as army barracks were created in the Royal Horse Palace. Canadian soldiers about to ship out to Europe readied themselves in stables […] Read more
What millennials want
Looking beyond the click-bait headlines into how millennials’ perspectives can offer opportunities to the Canadian beef industry
This is the first instalment in a three-part series delving into the priorities and concerns of millennials when purchasing beef. You’ve likely seen the cringe-worthy headlines on consumer trends relating to millennials. From an alleged fixation on avocado toast to supposedly causing the decline of the engagement ring industry, articles blaming millennials for the rise […] Read more
