The bird flu strain that has infected dairy cattle herds in nine U.S. states has been detected in alpacas, says the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Other livestock
Bird flu found in U.S. alpacas
Challenges for 2024 cash crop economics
Cash flows must be managed carefully against rising costs and falling commodity prices
As we embark on a new production year, there are several new challenges. A recent Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) report says “the cost of critical farm inputs such as fuel, fertilizer, feed, machinery, pesticides, land and labour has increased dramatically. “When coupled with high inflation, interest rates and a price on carbon for essential […] Read more
Who will carry on AFAC’s work in Alberta?
The organization provided valuable services, including emergency livestock trailers
It is with sadness I heard about Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) closing its doors in Alberta after 30 years, which I would say is after 30 years of extreme good. The great thing was that it was animal welfare-based through and through and had all the production animal groups on its board. They all […] Read more
Editor’s Rant: Fluency in flu
When this issue hits your mailbox (on or around May 7), we’ll be at about the peak of one of the best meteor showers Earth sees this year. Wishing on shooting stars is silly at best, but if I see one — other than my standing wish for seven bucks and the winning 6/49 ticket […] Read more
Editor’s Rant: Product placement
It’s been many, many years since I was foolish enough to think I might have all the answers. In this space, be prepared to see me asking questions. At the very least — though I’ve also long since given up the idea of ever appearing on Jeopardy! — my responses will often be in the […] Read more
Veterinary association calls on federal government to address workforce shortage
National testing centre is needed to onboard internationally-trained vets, CVMA says
An organization representing Canadian veterinarians is calling for the federal government to intervene as it faces what it calls a severe workforce shortage.
Sask. livestock drought program extended
Ten RMs added to area eligible for per-head payment, application deadline lengthened
Governments have expanded and extended the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program available to the province's livestock producers. Ten rural municipalities have been added to the area eligible for the initial $150 per head payment, and the application deadline has been extended to March 15.
Vet product licensing process needs improvement
Canada can miss out on products that take too long or cost too much to register
Having been both a licensed veterinary practitioner and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for several years, I have seen a few things about how the product-licensing process affects the production animal industry in Canada. While every situation is unique, the process can indirectly affect cost of production in some cases, while in others access is […] Read more
Urban school farm opens world of opportunity to British teens
Students from the underprivileged community have won acclaim at ag fairs, and some have gone on to be farmers, vets
The rural life of rearing rare breed sheep and nurturing alpacas is a world away for many urban teenagers. Yet a British school near Liverpool has opened its pupils to a wealth of jobs in agriculture and the benefits of nature with its own farm.
Weather Network predicts mild winter, with caveats
Colder scenario expected for East
MarketsFarm — Strong El Niño conditions that have developed in the Pacific Ocean would typically lead to a milder winter across Canada — but other factors this year could challenge that outlook, according to the winter forecast from The Weather Network, released Wednesday. The winter forecast features a mild start to the season, with a […] Read more