The confirmation of a dairy cow in southern Manitoba testing positive for bovine tuberculosis has prompted many questions about the disease, its prevalence, its spread, and the relative risk to human health. To answer some of the frequently asked questions, we asked Dr. Noel Ritson-Bennett, veterinary program manager for Western Canada for the Canadian Food... Read More
Category: Livestock
The World Trade Organization on Monday agreed to establish separate dispute settlement panels to investigate both sides of the Canada-China tariff tit-for-tat that is affecting Canadian agricultural exports. China argues Canada is not meeting its WTO obligations in regards to duties on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum that the Canadian government imposed last year... Read More
The Government of Canada has announced an increase to the maximum value for cattle under its animal compensation regulations to reflect current market values. The CFIA conducted a market analysis which demonstrated that the market value of cattle has increased since 2015, the last time the maximum amounts were updated. This aims to encourage the... Read More
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), the University of Manitoba (UM), along with the Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture, and Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives have announced the establishment of the BCRC Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability. The chair will be funded by a $1.5 million grant. “It’s important for our industry to understand... Read More
The swift passage of Bill C-202 through Parliament has drawn a polarized reaction from Canadian farm groups. While dairy, poultry, and egg farmers are welcoming the bill, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Grain Growers of Canada, and other national and provincial organizations representing export-dependent sectors say they are deeply concerned and disappointed. C-202, which aims... Read More
Anyone who’s worked with livestock knows just how many threats exist—diseases, toxic plants, and parasites can all put animal health at risk. It’s up to ranchers and feedlot operators to do everything they can to protect the animals in their care. One threat that had been nearly forgotten, until recently, is the New World Screwworm,... Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it is investigating a confirmed case of bovine tuberculosis in a dairy cow in southern Manitoba. The 7-year old animal came from a farm in the Pembina Valley region of the province and was slaughtered at a federally-registered facility in Manitoba. According to the CFIA, there have been five... Read More
In livestock management, small missteps can mean major headaches down the line. That’s the thinking behind the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s (CCIA) new awareness initiative called Retention Matters, aimed at reducing the number of lost ID tags from cattle ears and reinforcing best practices from the chute to the truck. In this interview, Shaun Haney... Read More
Persistent wildfire smoke is not only reducing visibility and air quality, but it’s also reshaping Western Canada’s summer weather outlook. Meteorologist Matt Makens, of Makens Weather, says sustained smoke and heat in the atmosphere create feedback loops that actively shape weather patterns. The presence of smoke in the atmosphere changes how rainfall develops, as water... Read More
On June 30, 2025, the Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) will officially close up shop after 15 years, passing its mandate to the Agricultural Research & Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA). Alan Hall, executive director of ARECA, says in an interview with RealAgriculture's Amber Bell that this transition is “a good fit” as ARECA is... Read More