Cow-calf producers may miss out on marketing opportunities if they’re not able to harness genetic data to improve and sell their cattle. Big data is the future of beef, industry and tech leaders said at a recent webinar hosted by the Beef Cattle Research Council, and it’s a future that some ranchers are tapping for
Big genetic data and the future of beef marketing
While a genetic data-sharing system is in the works, some fear the cow-calf sector isn’t ready to buy in
Public got busy squealing on pigs
Wild pig sightings went up as awareness grew, industry group says
The public has proven to be pretty good at squealing on pigs, shown by a reported increase in invasive wild hogs spotted and killed in the last year. “The more folks we have working on it, the greater success we will have,” said Jenelle Hamblin, manager of swine health at the Manitoba Pork Council. At
Merit’s fall may create small setback in Manitoba pea market
The sale of the cash-strapped processor won’t be finalized until the end of May, at least
Manitoba farmers may see reduced opportunity to sell peas this year, as the fate of protein ingredient processor Merit Functional Foods remains undetermined until at least the end of the month. “Then the question is, do I continue to grow peas or do I switch to another crop. That’s a decision that the growers have probably made by now,”
Calf housing, stocking rate changes likely to affect Manitoba dairy farms
Producers, animal welfare groups praised a new NFACC dairy cattle code of conduct, though some drawbacks were noted
A phase-out of tie-stalls in dairy barns may have minimal impact on Manitoba farms, but other portions of a new code of practice may require farmers to make changes. “My own farm, I would experience very few changes here, but it ranges from farm to farm depending on the kind of facilities they have,” said
Demand exists for more Manitoba veggies
Peak of the Market imports a significant amount of vegetables to cover supply gaps, director says
Manitoba could be growing more vegetables, according to a director of Peak of the Market. “We need a lot of stuff,” said Wayne Rempel, speaking at the Manitoba Organic Alliance annual meeting on April 4. As well as his position with Peak of the Market, Rempel is president and CEO of Kroeker Farms. Peak of
Cow, calf records offer valuable insight
When looking to improve calving and herd records, online resources and other producers are sources of aid
Most cattle producers keep some form of calving and herd records but there’s always room for improvement. In fact, there’s almost no limit to how much one can ‘geek out’ on herd data collection. “To try to track everything is overwhelming and just about a full-time job in itself,” said Andrea Bertholet, a provincial livestock
A match made in heaven
Faces of Ag: Conservation and organic farming go hand in hand for Rossburn couple
A Rossburn-area couple says a decision to conserve 50 acres of land flows naturally from their organic farming mindset. “You should be trying to align yourself with nature rather than working against it,” Colin Bialkoski said. He and his wife, Cheryl, farm organic grains with his parents and their family. In fall 2022, they signed
Feather groups prepped for spring bird flu
Last year saw 21 infected sites and more than 280,000 chickens killed
With migratory birds set to return soon, Manitoba poultry groups are bracing for an increased threat of bird flu. “We’re hoping for the best but we’re preparing for another challenge like we had in the fall,” said Cory Rybuck, general manager of Manitoba Egg Farmers. Migratory birds are considered the most common source of Highly
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
Change in water culture necessary, experts say
Water shortages can cause tension between farmers, governments and other competing needs
An abundance of water has made Canadians “water hogs” and cultural change will be needed if citizens are to become more efficient in a warmer, dryer climate, experts say. “Canada has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to sources of fresh water, and water is provided at a very low cost to households and
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
