Premise ID Mess Drags Down Livestock Traceability

Agovernment -imposed 2011 deadline for livestock traceability in Canada looks increasingly unattainable because of “dysfunctional” premise identification. Provinces are all over the map on premise ID, which pinpoints the locations of livestock farms and is one of the three key elements in livestock traceability. Some provinces are making headway while others have hardly begun. “If

Women Are Ranching For Themselves

Don’t let the menfolk hear you say it, but women can ranch solo just as well as any bachelor. “I’ve done it a lot of years, and you know there isn’t anything that requires so much physical strength that a woman can’t do it,” said Myna Cryderman, who gave an overview of her 80-head operation


Snow Brings In Remaining Cattle From Pasture

Ca t t l e market s in Manitoba saw relat i vely steady numbers and prices during the week ended Nov. 19, as demand remains solid for the animals moving through the auction yards in the province. As feedlots fill up, that demand could start to subside, but the number of cattle on offer

Three Ranchers Face Court Over TB Testing

Ranchers at odds with Canadian Food Inspection Agency over testing for bovine tuberculosis are continuing to fight their cases in court. Clanwilliam-area rancher Nick Synchyshyn will face trial May 16 on three charges under the Health of Animals Act related to an incident that occurred on Nov. 17, 2009. Synchyshyn, who was fined $3,000 earlier


Sheep &Goat Sales – for Nov. 25, 2010

The biweekly sheep and goat sales Winnipeg Livestock Auction that started Sept. 2 have seen a fairly constant number of animals brought to market, ranging from a low of 453 head Oct. 21 to a high of 600 Oct. 7. There was a good selection in most categories. Specialty sheep such as Jacob ewes, which

U.K. Signs Deal To Export Breeding Pigs To China

Britain will start exporting breeding pigs to China in a five-year deal valued at US$73 million. “This agreement gives a valuable boost to the British pig industry and is already delivering results,” said business secretary Vince Cable. The pigs will begin to be flown out shortly, the first export of British breeding pigs to China


In Praise Of Skunks

Small-animal pets, particularly cats and dogs, are a staple of most farms and acreages and properly so. A life unshared, even with animals, can be bleak. For years I enjoyed the companionship of fine cats and dogs as they contributed immensely to the day-to-day pleasure of living, but as some like to say – “not

Australian Retailer Bans Pork From Sow Stalls

Canada’s pork producers are scrambling to learn more about a major Australian grocery chain’s decision to ban pork from countries that use sow gestation crates. Coles Supermarkets said last week all its imported pork products, including processed ham and bacon, will have to be from pigs raised without the use of sow stalls. Gary Stordy,


New Animal Welfare Laws Give Enforcement Officials New Power

Manitoba’s new Animal Care Act gives enforcement officers sweeping powers to investigate and prosecute cases of animal abuse whether they are in the city or on the farm, the province’s top animal welfare officer says. “We really have police powers. We can enter and collect evidence. You must cooperate with me when I ask you

Notre Dame Hog Case Headed To Court

A farm couple from the Rural Municipality of Lorne faces multiple charges of animal cruelty in what authorities call one of the worst cases of livestock abuse they have ever seen. Martin and Dolores Grenier have been accused of 23 counts under the provincial Animal Care Act after more than 2,000 pigs were found starving