Agripod

I’m away this week.  Here’s something to hold you over until I get back. Farmers and ranchers are wanted to participate in a mental health project. Saskatchewan Polytechnic wants to identify exactly what is needed for a mental health support system for the agriculture sector. Michelle Pavloff is the research chair for rural health and principal investigator with Sask Polytech. She will explain wha...

Canadian farmers have at their disposal new options for gopher control after strychnine was deregistered. However, farmers need to use the same care in the use and where they store these new products, according to Dr. Vanessa Cowan with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She says there have been cases this year of livestock that have come into contact wit...

International travelers entering North America are reminded to report visits to farms in regions infected by transboundary diseases such as African Swine Fever to customs. Those travellers are also asked to notify the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) of incidents where visitors to foreign farms were not diverted for secondary screening. SHIC Executive Director Dr. Paul Sundberg says it's all...

North America is a role model when it comes to reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production. Dr. Frank Mitloehner is a professor with the University of California Davis. He told delegates at the recent Saskatchewan Swine Symposium the public needs to recognize the contributions of livestock agriculture to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He said the most pressing need is...

I’m away this week.  Here is an episode from our archives to tide you over until I get back. The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association continues its effort to fight Ottawa's proposed fertilizer emission reduction policy. The federal government wants to reduce those emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030. Wheat Growers President Gunter Jochum believes it could result in a food shortage   Ove...

Researchers with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization expect to be ready to begin field trials of new bovine tuberculosis vaccines within the next couple of years. Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection, primarily of livestock but it also affects other mammals like wildlife species, and it can spread from mammals to humans. Dr. Jeffrey Chen, a Research Scientist with VI...

Founded in 1968, the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) is a North American organization dedicated to advancing and coordinating all segments of the beef industry. From the start, the BIF sought to connect science and industry to improve beef cattle genetics. At its annual research symposium in Calgary, two Canadians received a continuing service award. We talk to one of the recipients Bruce Holmqu...

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan, has completed the construction and commissioning of its new on-site pilot scale vaccine manufacturing facility. VIDO Director and CEO Dr. Volker Gerdts says it's one of the most versatile vaccine manufacturing facilities in the world. He explains having access to inhouse manufacturing will speed up th...

The Canola Council of Canada is supporting the federal government as it joins the dispute settlement consultation with Mexico on agricultural biotechnology. The consultation was initiated by the United States under the Canada-United States-Mexico-Agreement, and Canada joined as a third party. Chris Davison is the Vice President of Stakeholder and Industry Relations for the Canola Council of Canada...

Hiring new agriculture researchers ensures progress continues. New scientists also bring new knowledge, skills, perspectives, and energy.   But having a PhD doesn’t automatically make someone a good researcher, just like a Class 1 license doesn’t automatically make someone a good trucker, or an agriculture degree doesn’t necessarily make a good farmer.   It’s often better if a new, fresh-faced rec...

Identifying forage efficient cattle was the focus of a study conducted by Dr. Greg Penner at the University of Saskatchewan. The study focused its work on individual operations to compare cattle within a herd instead of across herds. it involves a comparison in their owned herds by weighing the cattle, assessing the body condition, and recording the day of calving. Dr. Penner shares some of things...

I’m away this week.  Here is one of my favourite episodes to hold you over until I get back. The farming industry is constantly changing. New innovations are being developed to make farms more efficient. A research project involving at Naicam, a Saskatchewan consulting company and the University of Regina is looking for a way to reduce environmental impact and save money. Cory Willness of CropPro...

California Proposition 12 is an initiative that sets new standards for space allowance for raising of animals that produce the pork sold in that state. It has raised concerns in Canada because not only will this apply to farmers in California but to all farmers in North America who sell pork into that state. Manitoba Pork general manager Cam Dahl says the issue is now being brought to the attentio...

Hundreds of Canadian scientists and researchers were in Saskatchewan for a conference marking the conclusion of the seven-year Global Water Futures program. Global Water Futures was established with a $78 million grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. The University of Saskatchewan was one of four leading institutions with the others including Waterloo, Wilfred Laurier, and McMaster...

Healthy feet and hooves are extremely important for bulls, especially heading into breeding season. Dr. Chris Clark at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan talks about what to look for to prevent hoof problems in bulls and cows and the ground-breaking equipment being used at the Vet College to trim cattle hooves and treat foot problems. The Do More Agricultu...

The first revision of the Prairie Nutrient Removal Calculator in more than 20 years is now available online for producers and agronomists. The updated version covers more crops, 15 in total, as well micro-nutrients boron, zinc, and copper. It was a three-year process covering 2020, 2021 and 2022 Dr. Fran Walley, along with Dr. Rich Farrell are the research scientists with the University of Saskatc...

Wild pigs are an invasive species that damage crops, and the environment. As well they are at high risk for the spread of disease. That's why the Governments of Canada and Manitoba, in collaboration with Manitoba’s agricultural sector, launched the Squeal on Pigs campaign to inform the public about the damage caused by wild pigs and what to watch for in order to report sightings. The coordinator f...

More than ever consumers are curious about how and where their food is produced. Amy te Plate-Church is the Director of the U.S. based Center for Food Integrity. She says consumer trends and developments in consumer perceptions have far reaching implications for farmers. She says some of the factor’s consumers consider when making purchasing decisions are changing. The General Manager of Manitoba...

A former president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers says the agriculture industry has been hurt by international activist and protest organizations. Tim McMillian, who was also a Saskatchewan cabinet minister in Brad Wall's government, is concerned these same groups are, more then ever before, turning their attention to the farming community. Farmland values continued to...

Live cattle prices are at their highest point in eight years. Brenna Grant, the executive director of Canfax in Calgary, says the first quarter of 2023 has been a good one for both cow/calf producers and feedlots. A smaller supply of live cattle in North America has forced processors to pay more for feeder cattle and slaughter cows. Brenna will discuss prospects for the rest of the year. The aging...

Farmers across the prairies are ready for the snow to disappear so they can start Plant 2023.   Three farmers from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba talk to me about their seeding preparations and some of the issues they are concerned about facing the ag sector. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian Western Agribition’s Next Gen Mentorship Program was created to support the next generation of agriculture leaders. The program matches eight young leaders in the agriculture industry with professionals for an 18-month mentorship where they gain skills and experiences to advance their careers. David McTaggart is one of the mentees in the fourth cohort. He has been partnered with Protein I...

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC) is nearing completion of a document that highlights the sustainable practices used on Canadian farms. The goal is to develop a tool that can be used to convey these messages around sustainability and quality to domestic and international buyers, as well as the Canadian public and government. Jason Lenz is the CRSC chair and a farmer from Alberta...

Later this year, the first three students will graduate from the Distance Delivery Option of the Registered Veterinary Technologist Program at SaskPolyTech in Saskatoon, Sask.   These three students were able to take most of their classes online, as well as gaining experience at a local veterinary clinic that provides large animal care services.   Rural areas of Western Canada are not only experie...

4-H Canada Leadership Excellence Awards of Distinction (LEAD) recognize outstanding members who show 4-H values in the way they live their lives. The awards honour youth who have become exceptional leaders through their 4-H experience, and who share the best of themselves with their community. Kate Axton from Saskatchewan is one of the recipients of the $20,000 scholarship for her post secondary e...