Farmwest Blog | Farmwest

Anthrax confirmed in Peace-area livestock

A diagnosis of naturally acquired anthrax has been confirmed in the death of 13 livestock on a farm near Fort St. John.

The animals are thought to have contracted the disease from exposure to dormant anthrax spores in the soil of a feeding site, which is no longer being used. No further losses on the farm, which has a herd of more than 150 animals, have been reported.

Manure Spreading Advisory #4 for 2018: South Coast Region

The Manure Spreading Advisory Committee (consisting of industry and government representatives) is advising against manure applications due to lower air temperatures, the increased potential of significant rain events, and lack of vegetative cover and/or reduced nutrient uptake of cover crops. The committee will monitor weather and soil conditions and will issue further advisories as conditions change. Principal environmental risks associated with manure application:

OCTOBER Update to Manure Spreading Advisory #3 of 2018: South Coast Region

For the past two years, significant rainfall started by mid-October in the Fraser Valley, above the long term average (see Figure 1 below). Forecasts may provide some indication as to what can be expected this year, better to plan and be prepared in advance of the rainy season when manure applications are not recommended.

Video of a cow using a mechanical brush

This video shows a cow pushing open a weighted gate to get access to a mechanical brush during an experiment conducted at the UBC Dairy Eduction and Research Centre in Agassiz, Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAAvnPFAEz0