John Beardsley's Blog – September 2009 Archive (1)

CFIA placing import restrictions on some U.S. livestock

New World screwworm was confirmed in a Texas calf

Ag in the House: June 1 – 5

Minister MacDonald highlighted ag investments on June 1

Canola Crisis and Cattle Threat Shake Global Commodity Markets

Heavy rains in Canada and cattle disease in the US are impacting crop production and livestock markets, creating uncertainty. Experts warn of supply issues and possible price changes in coming weeks.

Water Based Nanotech Improves Pesticide Use on Crops

University researchers developed a water based nanotech solution that helps pesticides stick better to crop leaves reducing waste improving pest control and supporting sustainable farms worldwide

10% of the Cows, Half the Beef Exported: How Canada Punches Above Its Weight

With just under 3.5 million beef cows and a fed kill shy of 3 million head, Canada raises a fraction of North America’s cattle — but exports roughly half of what it produces as live cattle or beef. Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) General Manager Ryder Lee says Alberta–Saskatchewan cow country, Ontario and Alberta feeding hubs, and U.S. packing plants in Washington, Utah and Pennsylvania are tightly interlinked, making border access and science-based trade rules non-negotiable for producers on both sides. Raised on a commercial cow-calf operation in southern Saskatchewan — just 20 miles north of Montana — Lee grew up in what he describes as “cattle country.” After earning an animal science degree, he spent six years in agricultural sales with Dow AgroSciences before stumbling into cattle industry association work. He spent a decade in Ottawa doing policy lobbying, then served seven years as CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association before joining CCA as General Manager three y