Archive for March, 2010
Italian Researchers Develop Bio-Antibiotic
New research by Italian scientists has uncovered a strain of antibiotics that can be safely used as a growth promoter without the sorts of side effects that most antibiotics carry.
At the Instituto di Ricerche Scioccheze in Milan, two scientists have used green algae – already commonly used for the production of bio-chemicals, such as bio-fuel, [...]
European Starlings Decimating B.C. Crops
In British Columbia, producers are losing fruit and cattle feed to flocks of European starlings. As many as ten to twenty thousand of the birds have been known to descend on an orchard and vineyard, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage, producers say.
At dairy operations and at feedlots, the birds’ presence [...]
New Brunswick Potato Farmers Await Their Contracts
For New Brunswick potato farmers, negotiating their 2010 contracts with food giant McCain Foods Ltd is trickier than ever. Earlier this month, the company announced that it will be reducing the amount of potatoes it buys from New Brunswick’s growers by 20 to 30 per cent. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with those fine [...]
Greening the Dairy Industry
Canada’s dairy industry has been hard at work trying to control the levels of greenhouse gases that are emitted at every stage of dairy production, but despite the hard work, there is still more that remains to be done.
At the recent Conference on Dairy Sustainable Development and Environment in Ottawa, about 110 dairy stakeholders showed [...]
Quebec Lamb Producers Skip Direct Farm Sales for Subsidies
It’s Easter time, but for Quebec’s sheep farmers, the most lucrative time of the year to be conducting direct farm sales is fraught with bureaucracy, forcing many producers to abandon the possibility of conducting direct farm sales.
Recently, changes made to Quebec’s Revenue Stabilization program have impacted the payments that producers receive. As a result, producers [...]
Tips for Going Green on the Farm
Save energy, save money and do the environment a favour by making greener choices on your farm. Here, we outline ten easy ways to go green, so that your farm is running even more efficiently than ever.
Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
1. Switch to organic.
The way you treat your acreage can have a profound effect on [...]
P.E.I. Announces New Energy Initiatives
Two new programs will help Prince Edward Island farmers reduce their energy costs while generating extra income through the production of renewable fuels. The programs were announced by the provincial government in collaboration with the federal government during an energy conference in Cornwall today.
The two governments had agreed to the investment of $9.9 [...]
Have a Plan to Protect Yourself from Fire
Fire is a real danger that can affect anyone at one time or another. In the event of a fire, you need a plan to ensure the safety of your farm and livestock. A small flame can turn into a raging fire in less than 30 seconds. Do you have a plan to manage your [...]
Canadian Researchers Sequence Bull Genomes
Canada has successfully sequenced its first genomes – a beef and a dairy bull, respectively. The procedure was successfully executed by University of Alberta scientists – a first in Canada.
By sequencing the genome of the two bulls, scientists will be able to identify genetic markers for traits like efficiency, yield and tenderness more accurately. That [...]
Canadian Beefs Gets Accolades
According to the Beef Information Centre, Canadian beef is growing in popularity with American consumers – and even processors.
American processors are reputedly to like Canadian beef’s consistent trim, as well as spec sizes. And among consumers, the taste gets the thumbs up. This is good news for Canadian beef producers, who may find their American [...]
