Beef industry leaders from across the country shared a look into the future during the recent third annual Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC). They were assured there’s a place for them in that future. “People still crave meat,” said Sonya Roberts, president of Growth Ventures and Strategic Pricing for Kansas-based Cargill Proteins at the conference […] Read more
Beef producers hear they have a role in the future
With plant-based meat substitutes and lab-grown meat, traditional beef producers will still be needed to feed world’s growing population, says Cargill executive
Livestock transport regulations could drive change
Studies show national standards are mostly being met for cattle rest, but experts say humans involved need consideration too
Everyone involved in the process has responsibility for maintaining animal welfare when shipping beef cattle, especially animals trucked long distances. If anything goes wrong, then it needs to be communicated back down the shipping chain. Those were the key messages from Kincardine-area feedlot operator Steve Eby during a session on moving cattle long distances during […] Read more
Beef trade to Japan expected to rise
Last year saw exceptional sales, but they could be even better if the tariff on beef to Japan drops with CPTPP implementation
The Canadian beef industry just experienced its second-best year ever for exports into Japan, with the 2018 projection indicating a continuation of that trend. Attendees at the third annual Canadian Beef Industry Convention (CBIC) in London, Ont. were told to expect even greater growth once the federal government ratifies the trade deal known as the […] Read more
Gene editing to eliminate boar taint being explored
A research alliance is attempting to develop male pigs that are naturally castrated
Global swine and poultry breeding technology supplier Hendrix Genetics recently added its support to a U.S.-based research effort aimed at delaying or even eliminating maturity in piglets as a way of tackling the troublesome phenomenon of boar taint. However, a well-respected University of Guelph boar taint researcher says “the jury’s still out” on whether or […] Read more
Ultrasound can detect lung problems in dairy calves earlier
Dairy calves that experience respiratory ailments produce less milk later on
Thanks to the use of new ultrasound technology, there’s now solid evidence out of the University of Guelph indicating the level of non-clinical lung infections among dairy calves is on par with what has already been seen in the beef sector. Why it matters: A member of the team involved in the dairy calf study, […] Read more
Waterjet use on planters eliminates coulter-soil contact
Aquatill concept remains in testing phase, but may offer options for no-till farmers
The use of pressurized water as a cutting tool has come full circle. It was used extensively to power away earth during the 1850s California Gold Rush. Now, after being adapted and refined to carry out high-tech, precision cutting of metals and other industrial materials indoors, the technology has turned back to the ground. Why […] Read more
Film delves into urban-rural perspectives on food production
University student Dylan Sher spent time researching the origins of an entree served up in a popular Toronto restaurant
“My opinion is that the farmers don’t actually know the fight they’re in. They just know they’re in a fight.” That’s how soon-to-graduate University of Guelph ag business student Dylan Sher describes his goal in spending the past year writing and helping create the feature-length documentary film “Before the Plate,” which celebrated its premiere screening […] Read more
Information-sharing in the beef value chain still in its infancy
Many see the potential but few are seeing the rewards of beef traceability systems
Beef traceability systems have proven their worth during disease outbreaks but the benefits are far less tangible when it comes to meaningful connections between players in the value chain, a panel discussion during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference was told. “We’ve spent thousands of dollars putting those (Canadian Cattle Identification Agency) tags in ears, and […] Read more
Aphid Advisor crop-scouting app updated
The app now makes it easier for crowd-sourced data to help make decisions on whether to spray
There’s been an evolution over the past few years in the way Ontario’s soybean farmers view the sharing of data online, say developers of some just-released updates to the Ontario-based Aphid Advisor crop-scouting app. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Field Crops Entomologist Tracey Baute says there are now fully updated versions […] Read more
A different kind of added crop value
A film crew is using a Perth County field of miscanthus for a movie shoot
Farmers diversify into niche products for a variety of reasons, but it’s unlikely any would be to provide the setting for a full-length horror movie. But for miscanthus grower Scott Abercrombie, that’s exactly what happened when producers of a planned adaptation of a story by famous horror writer Stephen King were invited by the Ontario […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
