Gene editing may control BVD

British scientists believe they can use gene editing to counter bovine diarrhea virus (BVD),

Their optimism arises from success in using gene editing to control a similar virus, classical swine fever.

The research is being done by the University of Edinburgh ,

Classical swine fever, also called hog cholera, is not in Canada, said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

But BVD is common in western Canadian beef herds and in feedlots, according to a factsheet published by the  University of Calgary.

It can infect calves before birth, can prompt abortions, still births and weak calves. Other BVD symptoms include diarrhea, fever and impair the immune system so other diseases more readily infect calves.

There are effective BVD vaccines.

Kosher chicken appeal cancelled

 

A tribunal hearing over an appeal filed by Premier Kosher Inc. against the Chicken Farmers of Ontario marketing board has been cancelled.

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Appeal Tribunal has had the appeal on its docket for Nov. 7.

Wheat exports start off strong

 

The Canadian Grain Commission reported record-high wheat exports for the first three months of this crop year.

They totalled 5.1 million tonnes compared with 4.5 million for the same period a year ago.

Pakistan ends canola ban

 

Pakistan has lifted a ban on Canadian canola it imposed three years ago.

It has in the past been a significant customer. It banned canola that is genetically modified, meaning mainly altered to tolerate glyphosate-based weed killers.

Canola Council president Chris Davison called it very good news.

Dean Roberts, chair of the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission said right now any good news is welcome on the farm.

In the four years before the ban Pakistan bought an average of 810,00 tonnes a year from Canada.

China has put a high tariff in place and the United States changed its policy on using Canadian canola in diesel fuel, so canola producers are facing a tough time.

 

Milk price to increase on Feb. 1

 

The Canadian Dairy Commission will increase the price dairy farmers are paid for milk that is processed into dairy products on Feb. 1.

The increase of 2.3255 per cent is to compensate for cost increases for feed and labour.

The commission will also pay dairies another 2.54 cents per 100 kilograms to store butter that is temporarily held off the market during seasonally low pricing.