Canadian Traceback System & Changing Weather
Canadian Traceback System & Changing Weather plus Food Forethought. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.
Canadian ag officials are very optimistic that they will implement an animal traceback system by the end of the year. Canadian Ag Minister Gerry Ritz.
RITZ: The pork sector will be up and ready to go. They’re piggy backing it on the great system that exists in Quebec to be their database. That’s what we’re missing on the cattle side is the collection of that data. We know that we can put the tags on, Canadian cattlemen are saying lets start looking at feedlots to do the tagging and actual assessment and then start to move from there. Using feedlots they feel they can be 90% there.
He says they are also working on the means to store and retrieve that data.
Most of us over 40 or 50 recall that winters used to be a lot severe with lots more snow. New research says that we might be correct. Idaho's Chief Meteorologist Rick Lantz traveled to Seattle to speak with scientists who are on the leading edge of researching weather patterns like La Nina and El Nino, and how they affect the northwest. Scientists are studying the ocean and its effect on weather, the snow pack, fire seasons, and fisheries. The goal now is to get enough data from climatology or weather history, to make a forecast that extends years into the future
Now with today’s Food Forethought, here’s Lacy Gray.
Like a child on a driving vacation I find myself asking, “are we there yet”? The destination is of course spring! This time of year finds me and many like me eagerly awaiting the moment we can once again venture outside to work in the dirt; planting, growing, and embracing our inner gardener. Of course there are ways to pass the time during those tediously gray and chilling days until spring finally arrives, and while it’s nearly impossible to imagine planting a garden while you’re still wearing your winter gear, there are numerous things to do outside to get ready for spring. Yard cleanup is one; clearing out leaves and pine needles that have accumulated after raking last fall is a good place to start. Everything can benefit this time of year with some fresh air and sunshine, grass and bushes are no exception. Now would be a perfect time to make sure all the yard equipment is in tip top shape by sharpening pruners, shears and loppers. Also, check the lawn mower’s oil and spark plugs so that when you need to do your first mowing it doesn’t turn into a hair raising or hair pulling experience. And remember, spring will be here before you know it! Are we there yet?!
Thanks Lacy. That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.
