beef « Food and Farming Canada

Keeping tabs on where the cows are

RFID tags are placed in an animal's ear

Many modern-day pet owners microchip their four-legged companions.

This is to help identify them should they become lost, injured or otherwise harmed in some way.

Farmers are doing a similar thing with their beef cattle.

They’re using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to keep track of their animals as they move from farm to farm at various points in their lives.

These tags, which are placed in the ear, store information about each animal, such as its farm of origin, age and identification numbers, to help farmers and processors maintain and promote food safety and traceability. Continue reading Keeping tabs on where the cows are

As cows live and eat

Here’s the third in a series of guest posts I’ve been writing for the Canadian Beef Blog.

Last month, I described some of the different cattle breeds and how to tell the difference between a dairy cow (one that gives milk) and a beef cow (one that is raised for meat).

Now we’re going to take a quick look at how and where cattle are raised and what they eat.

Beef cows and calves typically live outside on pasture in the spring, summer and fall months – which is why it’s not uncommon to see cows grazing in fields if you find yourself out enjoying the Canadian countryside. Continue reading As cows live and eat

Cows of many colours

Here’s another guest blog I wrote for Canadian Beef Blog recently:

A cow is a cow is a cow, right? Not exactly.

Yes, they’re all the same type of animal but there are many different breeds. For example, even though they’re both dogs, there aren’t a lot of similarities between a small white Bichon Frise and a large German Sheppard! The same principles apply to cattle.

To complicate things further, did you know that different breeds are used for different things on the farm? Continue reading Cows of many colours

Discovering Luxembourg wine country

It was the day of wines – bubbly wines, white wines, pink wines and even red wines. The Moselle wine area of Luxembourg is a gem and one I didn’t even know existed.

We started off the day at Wormeldange cellars of the Domaines De Vinsmoselle, united winegrowers since 1921. They make a fabulous series of cremants – sparkling wines that we would call champagne if they actually hailed from the Champagne region. Continue reading Discovering Luxembourg wine country

You deserve a break

If you’re tired of winter and in need of a break, this might be for you.

The Beef Information Centre (BIC) has just launched a new contest – grand prize: a weekend getaway for two at the luxurious Inn on the Twenty in the heart of Niagara’s wine country.
Continue reading You deserve a break

The right to farm and feed the world

The world’s demand for food and food-based products is set to double – if not triple – by 2050 and farmers must speak up for their right to meet that demand using conventional farming methods combined with new technologies.

If they don’t, a US researcher told delegates at the Beef Industry Convention in London ON recently, we will experience higher food prices, destroy sensitive ecosystems as they’re pressed into food production and hinder the development of new, “green” energy sources like ethanol. Continue reading The right to farm and feed the world

“Buy local” resonates with consumers

Foodland Ontario is one of the most recognizable brands in our province – and their “buy local” messages are making a difference with consumers.

Recent market research shows that almost 3/4 of Ontario grocery shoppers look at where food is produced when they’re making their purchasing decisions. Continue reading “Buy local” resonates with consumers

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