Features

When JBS representative Chandler Keys addressed the Albert Beef Industry meeting in February, he brought news of the world’s largest beef processing company’s global vision. It didn’t include setting up operations in Canada. Brian Nilsson, co-owner and co-CEO of Canada’s largest Canadian-owned beef processor, XL Foods, has a different perspective. His company has one of […] Read more

When most producers speak of marketing, they are trying to sell commodities such as grain, hay or calves. When I think of marketing, I usually look at it a bit differently. A couple of years ago, we had an exchange student living with us. He asked me to list all the people that are in […] Read more

A more co-ordinated effort toward preserving important B.C. Interior wetlands while promoting the growth and viability of B.C.’s struggling beef cattle industry are the main objectives behind the recent signing of a five-year, memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) and Ducks Unlimited Canada. Ducks Unlimited has also signed an MOU with […] Read more

Things need to change, and soon, if Ontario is going to keeps what remains of its beef industry. At least that’s the opinion of Tom Vanrabaeys, one of the province’s larger feedlot operators. “I see a shortage of feeder cattle coming in the next five years,” Vanrabaeys says. “The cow-calf guys are shrinking and we […] Read more

If you have added value to your calves by age verifying and vaccinating them with a four-way, modified-live vaccine, and your herd is on an adequate mineral program year-round, Canadian Verified Ranch Direct can help you add value on the marketing side. Canadian Verified Ranch Direct partners, Darren Keown of Roblin, Man., and Jodie Griffin […] Read more

FARMERS’ MARKETS Farmers’ markets generated $1.03 billion in sales and $3.09 billion to the Canadian economy in 2008, according to a benchmark study conducted by Experience Renewal Solutions on behalf of the newly-formed Farmers’ Markets Canada. The study is based on interviews with 3,174 shoppers, 487 vendors and 282 market managers at 70 farmers’ markets […] Read more

An applied research project to test systems to meet national traceability requirements and re-instituting an enforcement committee were top topics at the Livestock Markets Association of Canada’s (LMAC) annual meeting in Brooks, Alta. at the end of May. “January, 2012, is a critical date. That’s when government has asked industry to be ready for full […] Read more

Kevin Barker is an energetic fellow. He and his father and brother run a large cow-calf operation near Woodville, Ont., a small town in the eastern part of the province, about 60 kilometres northwest of Peterborough. He is also the manager of the Kawartha Lakes Co-operative Auction Market in Woodville as well as running his […] Read more