Meristem: Top Stories

January 12, 2005: From the latest wheat king to the newest barley blockbuster, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) variety survey provides an interesting look at the most popular cereal varieties grown across the Prairies. The survey was started seven years ago to provide information to support CWB sales plans, says Andrea Hilderman, manager of the survey. But it has since proven of great interest to seed companies, farmers, and plant breeders, among others.

"It really assists the breeders with seeing how the genetics they're producing are being used – what kind of pickup and longevity they have, what areas they are popular in, that sort of thing,” says Hilderman. "Farmers are interested in which varieties are up and coming and which varieties seem to be on the way out."

Caring for Alberta’s horse herd

January 12, 2005: Complaints about improper horse care have for years been the number one founded complaint received by the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Alberta SPCA). Now, ensuring Alberta's more than 300,000 horses are cared for properly is the focus of a new educational initiative spearheaded by Alberta's livestock industry.

"The vast majority of horse owners practice responsible care of their animals, but there are a small number of owners who clearly need to do a better job,” says Susan Church of Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), a partnership representing Alberta's major livestock groups. "Horse neglect or improper animal care of any kind is simply unacceptable and does not meet the standards held by Alberta livestock producers and their industry."

Grass management benefits beef, environment

January 12, 2005: For beef producers, the concept is simple but important, says Curtis Snell, a water management specialist with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) in Westlock. "More grass translates into improved beef gains per acre."

Snell is helping deliver a three-year rotational grazing demonstration on a reclaimed mine site west of Edmonton, which shows Alberta livestock producers that better grass management can benefit both beef production and the environment.

The project, on a 100-acre parcel of TransAlta Utilities' Whitewood Mine property is comparing the productivity of season-long grazing with rotational grazing.

"Higher quality forage means improved feed efficiency and reduced methane gas production per pound of feed eaten, says Snell. Through improved pasture management these forage stands should remain productive longer, which increases the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil."

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What are the most popular wheat and barley varieties?

Caring for Alberta’s horse herd

Grass management benefits beef, environment