Tag Archives RFID tags
Canadian company offers new tech to identify illness and minimize labour
This Calgary-based company wants to bring technology to the ranch that cuts labour and costs, while improving animal health
Jack Behan combined his company, Alpha Phenomics, with HerdWhistle in 2023, for a clear reason. “When we put the businesses together, we only had one thing in mind, which was global domination,” he says. HerdWhistle was started in 2019 to monitor the feeding and drinking of an entire feedlot, 24/7. Using ultra high-frequency (UHF) and […] Read more
Buying and using technology on the farm the right way
There’s an ever-growing plethora of technology available, but what makes sense for your operation?
Getting the most out of precision livestock technology can be daunting. Betty-Jo Almond says the best approach is to do the research, know what you want to accomplish and ensure whatever you choose fits your operation. “The goal of these technologies is to make data capture easy so that you are better informed to help […] Read more
Cattle sector weighs in on new traceability regulations
While some changes are seen as practical and positive, industry officials are concerned about others that could add complications and cost
It’s 2003, and a crisis is descending on the Canadian cattle herd. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has just been found in a black Angus cow in Alberta. Chaos follows: borders slam shut and the government pledges millions in aid. The border to the United States will remain shuttered until 2005, when it opens for young […] Read more
Satellite ear tags for livestock coming to Canada
Canadian producers involved in international trial of Australian-based direct-to-satellite smart ear tag
When Heather Mundt sought an alternative to branding, a new livestock ear tag in development on the other side of the world opened the door for new management decision possibilities. Heather and her husband Brenton, who run a cow-calf operation and grain farm at Oyen, Alta., were interested in GPS ear tags for identification and […] Read more
Questions remain around blockchain and beef traceability in Canada
Will the technology sustain enough interest for the concept to reach its full potential?
Blockchain is a buzz-worthy concept in various industries, and companies around the world are investigating how this technology can improve traceability in the agri-food industry. However, there are numerous questions to be answered before the Canadian beef industry can determine if blockchain is feasible for traceability. A blockchain is a web-based record-keeping system used to […] Read more
Identification: Full traceability… we have a plan for that!
News Roundup from the February 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Full traceability for cattle is once again set to move full-steam ahead as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) renews its push to develop regulations that require mandatory premises identification and animal movement reporting. These two components, together with mandatory animal identification, in place for cattle since July 1, 2001, constitute an internationally recognized traceability […] Read more
RFID tagging best done in warm weather — PAMI
Research at the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) into why radio frequency ID (RFID) tags sometimes just won’t stay put found cold temperatures have a “profound effect” on tag strength. RFID tags certified by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) have been tested for retention under cold temperatures, readability and their ability to withstand tampering. […] Read more