Another Ag Industry Hit Hard by COVID-19

Apr 16, 2020

Potatoes are a staple for many in our country but with the COVID-19 pandemic, Alberta's potato industry is being hurt.

Southern Alberta's three major potato processors, Cavendish Farms, McCain Foods, and Lamb Weston, have cut the total size of contracted acreage this spring by 20 to 25 percent. All three companies site plummeting sales, mainly in french fries, as the determining factor. The cause of this is the restrictions and closures in the restaurant industry. The non-profit industry group Potato Growers of Alberta says that the processors have either shut down or are preparing to do so as they have no room in their freezer storage. Many farmers are concerned as they have crop from 2019 yet to be sent to the processors.

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Video: Environmental Effects on Sow Fertility - Dr. Isabela Bez

In this special episode celebrating International Women's Day of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, we bring Dr. Isabela Bez, a veterinarian and PhD student in Brazil, who explains how temperature and light regimes influence sow reproductive performance. She discusses seasonal infertility, climate adaptation, and why environmental monitoring inside barns is critical for herd efficiency. The episode highlights practical management strategies to reduce reproductive losses and improve outcomes. Listen now on all major platforms. "Environmental factors are actually very important on sow reproduction, and sometimes these are the factors that producers tend to not pay attention." Meet the guest: Dr. Isabela Bez / isabela-cristina-cola%c3%a7o-bez-1753381b0 is a veterinarian and PhD student in Animal Science at Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), Brazil. Her work focuses on swine reproduction, nutrition, and animal welfare, with strong expertise in environmental effects on sow performance. She collaborates with international farms and research groups to improve reproductive efficiency through applied science.