Manitoba pork producers are calling for authority to police their own industry after a court last week convicted a Notre Dame hog farmer of animal cruelty. Livestock abuse cases could be resolved more quickly and effectively if the industry regulated itself instead of having the judicial system do it, Manitoba Pork Council officials said. “We
Pork Council Asks For Self-Regulation After Animal Cruelty Case
Wto Backs Canada On COOL
Canada appears to have won at least a partial victory in challenging a U.S. country-of-origin rule for labelling meat sold in grocery stores. Media reports last week said a World Trade Organization dispute panel ruling favours a trade challenge by Canada and Mexico against the COOL regulation. If so, it would overturn key portions of
CFIA Issues Anthrax Alert For Summer
Widespread spring flooding throughout Manitoba has raised concerns about a renewed outbreak of anthrax in livestock this year. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is urging producers to guard against anthrax in their herds, especially since the disease appears to be making a comeback in Western Canada. “Recent weather conditions and previous outbreaks have increased the
Climate Change Already Reducing Crop Yields: Study
Scientists warn that climate change resulting from global warming could reduce the world’s ability to grow food just when an increasing population needs it most. Now, new research indicates it may already be happening. A recent paper published in Sciencemagazine says two of the world’s four major crops show declining yields over the last 30
Western Milk Pool To Explore New Dairy Markets
Canada’s four western provinces have engaged a market specialist to develop new opportunities for dairy products by tapping into growing ethnic populations. The western milk pool has hired Nissim Avraham to help develop ethnic and niche markets through partnerships with dairy processors, distributors and retailers. Avraham is a Dairy Farmers of Ontario employee in charge
Sweeping Flood Aid Announced For Livestock Producers
Although the details are still being worked out, the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is welcoming the compensation the province is offering livestock producers affected by flooding and blizzards this spring as a “meaningful recovery package.” “MBP commends the province for the leadership it is providing at the provincial level with the announcement of special aid
EFC Funds Research Chair In Poultry Welfare
Canada’s egg producers are funding a poultry welfare chair at the University of Guelph to help them develop new housing systems for their birds. Egg Farmers of Canada will contribute $110,000 a year for the next seven years to research alternative housing for layer hens. The research will be headed by Tina Widowski, a University
Cattle Evacuation Continues Around Lake Manitoba
Art Jonasson is a farmer by long distance this year, thanks to unprecedented spring flooding on Lake Manitoba. The Vogar-area farmer’s cattle are scattered across the province because of an emergency evacuation of livestock in the region ahead of water spreading inland from the swollen lake. He has no idea when they’ll be able to
Manure Swapping May Help Ease Phosphorus Requirements
What can you do with too much manure from pigs? Give it to the cows. A new study currently underway is considering ways to use surplus pig manure as a soil fertilizer on Manitoba dairy farms. The study by the University of Mani toba’s Nat ional Centre for Livestock and the Environment looks at reducing
“B
readbasket of the World Under Siege” blared the headline on an opening slide in Dilantha Fernando’s PowerPoint presentation. It was a dramatic way to start a workshop on fusarium head blight. But was it exaggerated? “It all depends on which year we are talking about,” said Fernando, a University of Manitoba plant pathologist. It was
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
