Wildlife conservation officers Devon Wadden and Tim Locke keep an eye on sheep while SPCA officers feed a flock during wildfire evacuations in Shelburne County, N.S. on June 3, 2023. (Photo: Communications Nova Scotia/Handout via Reuters)

Canada on track for worst-ever wildfire season

Unusual to see fires nationwide at one time

Ottawa | Reuters — Canada is on track for its worst-ever year of wildfire destruction as warm and dry conditions are forecast to persist through to the end of the summer after an unprecedented start to the fire season, officials said on Monday. Blazes are burning in nearly all Canadian provinces and territories, and federal

Members of the Third Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3PPCLI) take part in wildfire prevention operations near Grande Prairie, Alta. on May 12, 2023. (Photo: MCpl, Cass Moon/Canadian Forces/Handout via Reuters)

Air quality deteriorates as wildfires rage in Western Canada

Evacuations continue in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan

Reuters — Calgary received a special weather alert on Tuesday, warning residents of poor air quality and reduced visibility as tinder-dry weather and shifting winds elevated the risk of spreading wildfires in Alberta’s north and west. As of Tuesday evening 89 wildfires are active in Alberta, with 25 out of control, according to the provincial


File photo of goats on display at the Hanover Agricultural Fair in Grunthal, Man. in August 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

Fairs, exhibitions concerned over new traceability proposals

Event volunteers may lack skills needed, association says

The Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) says proposed federal regulations regarding livestock traceability are putting animal events across the country at risk. Their concerns centre around new directives centred around moving and tagging which they say would affect Canada’s 5,000 fairs, rodeos and other events. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has proposed that

Anna Hunter raises sheep and runs a small wool mill with her family in eastern Manitoba.

Sheep, shepherds have a lot left to give

Book project bares stories of wool producers fighting for the longevity of their sector

[UPDATED: Apr. 18, 2023] Did you know that in Canada, many species of sheep are endangered species? “I remember being shocked the first time I heard [that],” writes Anna Hunter. “I truly believed that was a status reserved for exotic animals like Bengal tigers.” Hunter raises sheep and runs a small wool mill with her


Salmonella infections are becoming more common in dairy calves and we occasionally see outbreaks in beef calves too.

Livestock producers must watch for zoonotic diseases

Cryptosporidia, giardia and salmonella are among diseases which can be easily passed from animals to humans

Cryptosporidia and giardia are two intestinal parasites that can cause diarrhea in people and calves. These parasites are single-celled organisms and Cryptosporidium is a common cause of diarrhea in both beef and dairy calves under one month old. Young children, pregnant woman and immune-compromised adults who are infected can have severe diarrhea and abdominal pain.

File photo of goats on display at the Hanover Agricultural Fair in Grunthal, Man. in August 2019. (Dave Bedard photo)

CFIA seeks feedback on traceability, animal ID amendments

Producers have until June 16 to comment on proposals

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is now seeking comment on its proposed amendments to livestock identification and traceability regulations. The regulatory proposal would address what the agency calls “gaps” in the current system, including: adding goats and cervids as animal species that share diseases with other regulated livestock, and therefore subject to traceability requirements, shortening


When used properly, heat lamps can help newborn livestock stay warm during harsh weather.

Take precautions when using heat lamps for newborn livestock

The use of heat lamps increases the risk of fire, but with proper safety precautions they can be a helpful tool

As spring approaches, many ranchers prepare a clean, dry and warm place for newborn animals. Frigid temperatures make it a challenge to keep newborn livestock warm and protected from harsh winter elements. One option is to provide supplemental heat from heat lamps but severe risks can accompany their use inside a barn. “As livestock producers,

(Montpak.ca)

Préval closes deal for Alberta lamb processor, feedlot

Quebec firm picks up defunct NALCO's Alberta assets

Quebec agrifood firm Préval Ag has wrapped up its deal to buy the Alberta processing and production assets of the defunct North American Lamb Co., marking Préval’s first move into the lamb sector outside its home province. As per Alberta Farmer’s report last week, Préval confirmed Monday its divisions Westfine Meats and West Excelamb are



Veterinarian Heidi Dube (left) performs laparoscopic artificial insemination on a Shetland ewe alongside owner Kylie Wasiuta.

Shetland sheep breeders banking on AI

Producers hope U.K. genetics will diversify lines and provide better quality wool

A group of Manitoba Shetland breeders hopes the next round of lambs will mark a new era for flock genetics. Three farms joined forces to give their operations a shot of U.K.-based bloodlines. Ewes underwent laparoscopic artificial insemination with imported semen in mid-December. A fourth farm is slated to receive lambs should the procedures prove