Atlantic Beef, L. Spring 2009

Full articles below plus sneak peaks! Does the government buy local? Nova Scotia's new procurement policy won't be a windfall for beef suppliers by David Lindsay With the onset of the recession that is said to be sweeping across the globe like a plague, many politicians ­ notably new U.S. President Barack Obama ­ mused that a national strategy to stimulate the economy should include purchasing domestic rather . . . Who's making money from beef? Farmers union focuses on solutions for cattle producers You might think a farmer would be able to make a decent living when the retail value of a steer is approximately $8,000. However, of this amount the farmer receives only about $1,200 with packers and retailers receiving the lion's share of $6,700, "pushing up the price to the consumer and pushing . . . Sneak Peaks Signs of recovery by Sean Firth Seasonal spring strength in the feeder market is growing, while cull cow prices continue a steady march upward. Most producers have adequate forage to allow for normal marketing of feeders. A combined feeder/Thursday sale in Truro, N.S., on March 12 had strong feeder prices for quality. . . Bring on the bulls! The annual bull sale at Nappan Even though it's been a long, tiresome winter, a sure sign of spring is the 36th Annual Breeding Stock Sale, held at the Maritime Beef Cattle Test Station in Nappan, Nova Scotia. While bull numbers haven't been finalized as of press date, Betty McKee of the Test Station says they expect. . . Beef farmer takes charge Ernie Mutch is new P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture President by Andy Walker A second-generation beef farmer has taken over as the new President of the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture. Ernie Mutch, who has operated J.E.M. Farms in Earnscliffe with his wife Joanne since 1981, took over the top job at the. . . The impact of agriculture Retaining a strong, rural infrastructure by Patton MacDonald I met recently with a person who has tremendous stature in the region's agricultural industry. During our talk, he said, "Well, agriculture only represents two percent of our population, so government will probably focus stimulus funding on industries which have more impact." My. . . Sale day is on its way! by Betty McKee Once again it is time to start preparations for the annual bull sale here at the station. The sale will be held April 4 so mark this date on your calendars and plan to attend. We hope to see you there. The Igenity Test was performed on the. . . Looking forward to spring by Rinnie Bradley As we head into April, our thoughts shift to planting and the new life that comes with every spring. The beef industry is no exception. The extreme wet weather we experienced last summer leads us to hope that things will. . . Working towards greater market access by Natalie Arnieri Over the last five years the Canadian beef industry has faced a significant number of challenges, turmoil, and financial losses. In 2008, profitability was a challenge for the primary production sectors, with an appreciated Canadian. . . Wanted: forward-thinking beef producers by Guy LeBlanc For most of you this time of year is spent being preoccupied with calving, possibly looking for a new bull or, if you live in New Brunswick, pushing snow. The marketing of this year's calf crop is probably the last thing on your mind; however it should. . . How does your pasture grow? The right legume (tool) for the job can make a difference by John Duynisveld Next to water, we know nitrogen is the most important nutrient in plant growth. This spring while budgeting for some crop production I saw the current prices on fertilizer: more than $700 per ton for ammonium nitrate, and upwards. . . Are branded products the answer? by Les Halliday Although spring is supposed to be just around the corner, there does not appear to be much heat in the long-range forecast. Maybe this global warming theory needs a little more work. As an eternal optimist I have searched for as much good news as possible relating to. . . It's all about process Producers have beef with Strategic Plan by Joanne MacPherson How is a farmer to survive in a dying industry? That is the question cattle producers are trying to answer as they participate in a Strategic Planning process that appears to be dragging on and on. "We've had three years of promises from the Nova Scotia Cattle. . . Will that be Angus? ABP considers burger specialty Angus beef could be one specialty provided by the Atlantic Beef Products plant in Borden, P.E.I., once the new management team gets its feet on solid ground. It would be one among several ways being considered to increase the profitability of the plant, according to. . . Fetal sexing anyone? by Brian Trueman Wouldn't it be great if you could purchase a purebred or commercial bred female and know when you bought her that she was going to have a heifer calf? What a marketing and purchasing tool that could be. Wouldn't it influence what you. . .

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