Glacier FarmMedia – The discovery by scientists of a record-breaking hailstone in Alberta this summer is part of an initiative to better understand severe weather in Canada during an era of climate change, potentially improving forecasts that could help producers. “These are the questions that this project is trying to determine — essentially, is climate change causing […] Read more
Climate change-severe weather link being studied
Western University launches five-year initiative to study hail and climate
Beef sector faces genomic roadblocks
Researcher urges industry to make the most of new technology, but producers say it must be worth the time it will require
Glacier FarmMedia – Producers must keep better records in order for the cow-calf industry to use the full potential of genomics to select cattle for desirable traits, says a scientist. “If you’re going to take advantage of any of the new technologies, having a comprehensive individual cow record-keeping system is essential,” said John Basarab, a […] Read more
Supplementing probiotics to calves helps with a healthy start
Research shows protective benefits to calves that had also received colostrum
Glacier FarmMedia – A scientist has found that feeding a special probiotic supplement to newborn dairy calves gives them a head start by protecting their health during their vulnerable first weeks of life. “I guess my biggest thing is calves are the future of the farm,” said Maddison Degenshein, who conducted the research for her […] Read more
‘Slow death by 1,000 regulations’ for agricultural trade
Regulations created to protect human, plant, animal and environmental health in each country becoming detrimental
Glacier FarmMedia – Farmers’ access to foreign markets is slowly being strangled by an increasingly complex thicket of diverging rules enacted by countries around the world, says a University of Saskatchewan economist. Why it matters: A new policy paper says global food security is being threatened by protectionist trade rules in many exporting countries. “It’s […] Read more
Canada losing ground in ability to export, analyst warns
The country has dropped from having the world’s 10th best trade infrastructure system to 32nd in the last 12 years
Glacier FarmMedia – Foreign customers are losing confidence in Canada’s ability to move its products to market, an expert on international trade told an agricultural conference in Alberta. “Over the past 12 years, Canada has gone from having the 10th best trade infrastructure globally to currently being ranked — any guesses — 32,” said Carlo […] Read more
Mental health campaign encourages farmers to ask for help
Radio segments, podcasts and social media will be used to help producers start conversations about their mental health
Glacier FarmMedia – A new awareness campaign is aimed at helping farmers overcome their reluctance to talk about their mental health. Embracing the Awkward is about starting conversations that can be challenging for many producers because it’s not something they grew up doing, said Megz Reynolds, executive director of the Do More Agriculture Foundation. Why […] Read more
Farmers advised to do spring assessment of safety risks
Statistics show farming is dangerous so safety precautions can play a role in injury prevention
Glacier FarmMedia – Just as some people clean their houses from top to bottom each spring, producers should examine their farms and ranches for safety hazards at this time of year, says a national advocate. “Everybody gets complacent, right?” said Robin Anderson, communications co-ordinator for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA). Why it matters: Taking […] Read more
Agriculture emissions reduction a complicated task
New report says agriculture produced 10 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gases in 2018 but there is no simple solution
Glacier FarmMedia – There is no simple solution that will allow Canadian farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to grow food to help feed a hungry world, says an environmental soil scientist. Why it matters: Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing GHG emissions from agriculture will not work, according to a new report. […] Read more
Dairy farmers struggle for consumer loyalty
Producers told to come to grips with milk alternatives and increased production scrutiny
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada’s dairy producers no longer enjoy a privileged relationship with consumers whose support is unquestioned, says an industry leader. People have a wider range of choices but they also want to “know more about what’s in their food and how it’s produced,” said Jacques Lefebvre, chief executive officer of the Dairy Farmers […] Read more
Project creates one-stop cattle genetics database
Unified approach will make it easier for producers to access digital information
Glacier FarmMedia – A partnership led by the Canadian Beef Improvement Network plans to create a unified digital platform for the genetic data of cattle, allowing producers to more easily get information they need to improve their herds. “We know that other industries have done this and are doing it very well, and the beef […] Read more
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