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The premier of Alberta has doubled her bacon consumption + has her eye on beef. In the sense that made in Canada a solution to sales can be achieved, so bacon up.

Beef and pork production by country

Five Largest Beef Producing Countries

  1. United States
  2. Brazil
  3. European Union
  4. China
  5. Argentina

Five Largest Pork Producing Countries

  1. China
  2. United States
  3. European Union
  4. Brazil
  5. Russia

Consumers

Five Greatest Beef Consuming Countries

  1. United States – Approximately 26 million metric tons
  2. Brazil – About 10 million metric tons
  3. China – Roughly 10 million metric tons
  4. Argentina – Around 3 million metric tons
  5. Mexico – Approximately 2 million metric tons

Five Greatest Pork Consuming Countries

  1. China – Roughly 54 million metric tons
  2. United States – About 12 million metric tons
  3. European Union – Approximately 12 million metric tons
  4. Russia – Around 3 million metric tons
  5. Brazil – About 3 million metric tons

Good Luck

Farms and Rancheswith Beef Cattle2021 Census of Agricuiture11,1millionTotal Cattle and CalvesDary 1, 20242.1% fromJanuary 1, 2023(includes 1.4 million dairy cattle)Statistics Canada3.46millionBeef CowsJanuary1, 2024Down 2.4% fromJanuary 1, 2023Statistics CanadaQuebec 40Atlantic 2020 40 60#of Head (May 11, 2021)2021 Census of AgicultureBeef Cows by ProvinceJanuary 1,2024Statistics Canade: inventory x 1000 headPercentages may not add to 100% due to rounding5% 45%28% 11%1831.556 L 6% 1980 381 215117Average Cost of Production vs.Average Returns on anAlberta 550 Ib Calf*Price S/cwt EST. Total Costs per cwt3.1262.1161.1.690 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22Canfax Research Services23% of farms havebetween 47 and 122 cows.with 956,118 beef cows, 26%of the herd.15% of farms have1% of the farms between 123 and 499 cows.have 13% of the with 1.21 million beef cows,45% of the herd.beef cows, between 2021 Census of Agriculture500 and 2,499 on Results rounded to nearesteach farm. whole numberCanada fed 3.1 million cattle in2023 (finished to market weight)down 4.4% from 2022.Canfax, Statistics Canada, AAFCWestern Canada finishes 79%of all fed cattle in Canada. canfaxIn 2023, Canadaproduced 3.44bilion pounosnof beef,offals), down 4.6% 3.44from 2022. BillionCanfax Research Services PoundsCattle and calf cash receiptsin 2023 totaled $15.0 billion,up 26% from 2022. statistics CanadaBeef production contributed$29 billion to Canada’s GDP(2021-2023 average).Canfax Research ServicesWHERE CANADA TRADESBeef Exports – 20231.1 billion pounds (499 million kg)75.2% United States2.9% South Korea9.1% Japan6.5% Mexico3.4% Other3.0% Southeast AsiaBeef Imports – 2023411 million pounds (187 milion kg)53.0% United States9.7% New Zealand6.4% Uruguay10.9% Australia6.2% Mexico13.8% otherStatistics CanadaIn 2023, Canada exported 51% of totalbeef and cattle produced in Canada.Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCIn 2023, 45% of Canadian productionwas exported (excluding slaughter cattle).Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCCanadian beef exports were valued at$5.02 billion in 2023, up 7.4% from$4.68 billion in 2022.Statistics CanadaCANADIAN BEEF What are wecONSUMPTION really eating?35.8 Ibs(16.2 kg)per person yearlyDown 7.2% versus last year.1 metric tonne = 2,204.6 lbs.Statistics Canada, Retail weight, 2023WHERE CANADA FITSTop 10 Beef Producing Nations – 2024fUnited States 19.72%Brazil 18.57%China 12.769%EU 10.65%India 7.57%Argentina a 5.20%Australia Canada 3.97%has 1.2% of theMexico world’s 942 million, 3.75%cattle.Russia 2.29%Canada 2.16%59% 10% 15% 20% 25%Canada produces 2% of the world’s beef supply. Worldwide beefproduction is forecast to be 60.4 million metric tonnes in 2024.USDATop 10 Beef Exporting Nations- 2024fAPvoorts)(excludes live slaughterBrazil 23.75%India 13.82%United States 12.97%Australia 10.31%Argentina 7.46%New Zealand 5.59%EU 4.86%Canada 4.54%Uruguay 3.85%Paraguay 3.65%5% 10% 15% 20% 25%Total world exports in 2024 are forecast to be 12.3 million metric tonnesand Canada is projected to be the 8th largest beef exporter in the world(excluding live slaughter exports).USDACanadian Beef ConsumptionDomestic Imports1.2001.00080060040020002 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18Canadians consumed 924,283 metric tonnes of beef in 2023.Statistics Canada

Farms and Rancheswith Beef Cattle2021 Census of Agricuiture11,1millionTotal Cattle and CalvesDary 1, 20242.1% fromJanuary 1, 2023(includes 1.4 million dairy cattle)Statistics Canada3.46millionBeef CowsJanuary1, 2024Down 2.4% fromJanuary 1, 2023Statistics CanadaQuebec 40Atlantic 2020 40 60#of Head (May 11, 2021)2021 Census of AgicultureBeef Cows by ProvinceJanuary 1,2024Statistics Canade: inventory x 1000 headPercentages may not add to 100% due to rounding5% 45%28% 11%1831.556 L 6% 1980 381 215117Average Cost of Production vs.Average Returns on anAlberta 550 Ib Calf*Price S/cwt EST. Total Costs per cwt3.1262.1161.1.690 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22Canfax Research Services23% of farms havebetween 47 and 122 cows.with 956,118 beef cows, 26%of the herd.15% of farms have1% of the farms between 123 and 499 cows.have 13% of the with 1.21 million beef cows,45% of the herd.beef cows, between 2021 Census of Agriculture500 and 2,499 on Results rounded to nearesteach farm. whole numberCanada fed 3.1 million cattle in2023 (finished to market weight)down 4.4% from 2022.Canfax, Statistics Canada, AAFCWestern Canada finishes 79%of all fed cattle in Canada. canfaxIn 2023, Canadaproduced 3.44bilion pounosnof beef,offals), down 4.6% 3.44from 2022. BillionCanfax Research Services PoundsCattle and calf cash receiptsin 2023 totaled $15.0 billion,up 26% from 2022. statistics CanadaBeef production contributed$29 billion to Canada’s GDP(2021-2023 average).Canfax Research ServicesWHERE CANADA TRADESBeef Exports – 20231.1 billion pounds (499 million kg)75.2% United States2.9% South Korea9.1% Japan6.5% Mexico3.4% Other3.0% Southeast AsiaBeef Imports – 2023411 million pounds (187 milion kg)53.0% United States9.7% New Zealand6.4% Uruguay10.9% Australia6.2% Mexico13.8% otherStatistics CanadaIn 2023, Canada exported 51% of totalbeef and cattle produced in Canada.Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCIn 2023, 45% of Canadian productionwas exported (excluding slaughter cattle).Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCCanadian beef exports were valued at$5.02 billion in 2023, up 7.4% from$4.68 billion in 2022.Statistics CanadaCANADIAN BEEF What are wecONSUMPTION really eating?35.8 Ibs(16.2 kg)per person yearlyDown 7.2% versus last year.1 metric tonne = 2,204.6 lbs.Statistics Canada, Retail weight, 2023WHERE CANADA FITSTop 10 Beef Producing Nations – 2024fUnited States 19.72%Brazil 18.57%China 12.769%EU 10.65%India 7.57%Argentina a 5.20%Australia Canada 3.97%has 1.2% of theMexico world’s 942 million, 3.75%cattle.Russia 2.29%Canada 2.16%59% 10% 15% 20% 25%Canada produces 2% of the world’s beef supply. Worldwide beefproduction is forecast to be 60.4 million metric tonnes in 2024.USDATop 10 Beef Exporting Nations- 2024fAPvoorts)(excludes live slaughterBrazil 23.75%India 13.82%United States 12.97%Australia 10.31%Argentina 7.46%New Zealand 5.59%EU 4.86%Canada 4.54%Uruguay 3.85%Paraguay 3.65%5% 10% 15% 20% 25%Total world exports in 2024 are forecast to be 12.3 million metric tonnesand Canada is projected to be the 8th largest beef exporter in the world(excluding live slaughter exports).USDACanadian Beef ConsumptionDomestic Imports1.2001.00080060040020002 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18Canadians consumed 924,283 metric tonnes of beef in 2023.Statistics Canada

General agreement on trade and tariffs.

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was a pivotal international trade agreement that played a crucial role in shaping the post-World War II global economy. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
Purpose and Jurisdiction:
* Objective:
   * GATT’s primary goal was to liberalize international trade by reducing or eliminating trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas.
   * It aimed to foster economic recovery after World War II and promote global economic cooperation.
* Jurisdiction:
   * GATT focused primarily on trade in goods.
   * It established a set of rules and principles that signatory countries were expected to adhere to in their trade practices.
   * It also provided a framework for resolving trade disputes among member nations.
Effect:
* Tariff Reduction:
   * GATT was highly successful in reducing average tariff levels among member countries through a series of negotiating “rounds.”
   * This led to a significant increase in international trade.
* Trade Liberalization:
   * By reducing trade barriers, GATT facilitated the growth of global trade and economic interdependence.
* Foundation for the WTO:
   * GATT laid the groundwork for the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which succeeded it in 1995.
Membership:
* Initial Signatories:
   * GATT was initially signed by 23 countries in 1947.
* Growth:
   * Over time, GATT’s membership expanded significantly, reflecting the increasing importance of international trade.
   * By the time it was replaced by the WTO it had over 125 member nations.
Success and Legacy:
* Success:
   * GATT is widely regarded as a successful agreement that contributed significantly to the growth of the global economy.
* Transition to the WTO:
   * GATT no longer exists as an independent organization.
   * It was replaced by the WTO on January 1, 1995.
   * The WTO built upon the principles of GATT and expanded its scope to include trade in services and intellectual property.
   * Therefore, GATT’s principles live on within the WTO.
In summary, GATT was a crucial stepping stone in the evolution of international trade, paving the way for the modern global trading system.

World Rules based order…

Something cooking…

America’s first editorial opinion…

We believe that individual sovereignty of Nations is very important but not as important as some people bewit the end of the world and that some sort of non-benign entity is behind world-based order and its rules.

The paranoia that might overtake the reasoning of the many. To quote a former US president and somebody intimately involved in the rules-based order for a peaceful world after World war II, President Roosevelt ” We have nothing to fear but fear itself”

Govern ourselves accordingly.

Budget for spending

Borrowing for roads and hospitals…

So in the demographic situation of life we are in retirement. The baby boom generation well before birth control born mostly in the ’50s. There’s a double-edged sword here. Law of services need to be paid for. A lot of assets are changing from one generation to the other. And there’s no easy way to do that. Somebody’s got to pass on….

Debt will be approaching. $30,000 for every man, woman and child in British Columbia by the end of the current budget fiscal plan, that would leave about 155 billion of death of service which will put a big lobby on keeping interest rates down. Maybe some help for mortgages that way. But for the assets that are changing very rapidly from one generation to the next, it may be costing them.KDG

Around Again

We saw this phenomena before, The federal liberal government changed into a conservative government after a significant public debt have been acquired and their strategy back then was to pay the interest because a lot of it went to the people that had Canada savings bonds. However, when the conservative governments got in, they attacked deficits and unfunded liabilities aggressively bringing down mortgage rates + income levels on assets for people at the same time.

It’s important who holds our debt in-house which may be coming sooner than later. Is psychologically better as well as materially better, however it does take an effect on the sense of belonging to One World

Let’s hope for blue skies and 😎 sun when we need it in coming days…

Blood. Moon why…

Shadow is half of art..

Based on the information available, here are the key solar events, particularly eclipses, for 2025:
* Partial Solar Eclipse on March 29, 2025:
   * There will be a partial solar eclipse on March 29th.
* Partial Solar Eclipse on September 21, 2025:
   * There will be another partial solar eclipse on September 21st. This one will sweep across the South Pacific and parts of Antarctica.
To give a broader scope of astronomical events, it is important to note that alongside the solar events, there are also lunar events. For instance, there is a total lunar eclipse happening on September 7th, 2025.
To find very detailed information, i recommend checking these resources:
* timeanddate.com
* Royal Observatory Greenwich
* Star Walk.
* In-The-Sky.org.
I hope this information is helpful.

Happy skies…

March 18th 1925, 700 dead in tri state tornado romp.

A yearly struggle against nature to produce monoculture crops.

Monday jazz…

Shuffle your feet, 🐾 keep the beat.

Anyway the work week is underway, you are more than  by the way. So, sync the rink…K

The Merritt Transportation system is a boon to riders…

Open door to enhanced mobility….

Based on the information I found, here’s what I can tell you about Merritt, British Columbia’s bus transportation services:
* Merritt Transit System:
   * Merritt’s local transit is operated in partnership with BC Transit.
   * The city utilizes light-duty buses to provide service within the area.
   * Information shows that there has been efforts to improve the reliability of the local transit, including adding to the bus fleet.
   * You can find detailed schedules and route information through resources like the Transit app or the BC Transit website.
   * The City of Merritt website also provides information about the local transit system.
* Key Information:
   * The Nicola Valley Transportation Society is involved with the Merritt Transit System.
   * For direct information, you can contact the Merritt Transit Office at City Hall.
   * There are also intercity bus services, such as Rider Express, that serve Merritt, providing connections to other destinations.
* Where to find information:
   * City of Merritt Website: This is a good source for local transit information.
   * BC Transit Website: Provides schedules and route details.
   * Transit App: provides real time information for bus routes.
   * Rider Express website: for information on intercity travel.
I hope this helps.

The ride is a little rough in some conditions.Buckle up …

Bats

Liana Ortega is with the group’s bats BC she is from Kamloops and will present March 20th at the Nicola naturalist Society in Merritt.

Alan Burger and a guest, file photo KDG…

The Nicola Naturalist Society is having a presentation on Bats on March 20th 2025. The The group with President Alan Berger + many community members meet at the Nicola Valley institute of technologies lecture theater at 7:00, generally the third Thursday of the month.

Weather machine,Nasa

The oceans and heat give us climate.

Glad to share the planet with all environmental inputs….

Salmon preparation

The bake time and temperature for salmon can vary depending on the thickness and size of the fillet, as well as your personal preference. However, here are some general guidelines:
Temperature:
* 350°F (175°C): This is a good temperature for a slow and even cook, especially for thicker fillets.
* 375°F (190°C): This is a popular choice for baking salmon, as it cooks the fish relatively quickly while still keeping it moist.
* 400°F (200°C): This higher temperature is suitable for thinner fillets or if you prefer a slightly more cooked texture.
* 450°F (232°C): This high temperature is ideal for searing the outside of the salmon while keeping the inside moist.
Time:
* General Rule: Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes per inch of thickness.
* Thinner Fillets (less than 1 inch): 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
* Thicker Fillets (1 inch or more): 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Tips for Baking Salmon:
* Use a meat thermometer: The best way to ensure your salmon is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
* Don’t overcook: Salmon can become dry and tough if it’s overcooked. It’s better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it.
* Seasoning: Season your salmon with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
* Cooking method: You can bake salmon in a variety of ways, such as in foil packets, on a baking sheet, or in a cast iron skillet.
Additional Resources:
* Well Plated: https://www.wellplated.com/baked-salmon-in-foil/
* Tastefully Grace: https://tastefullygrace.com/how-to-bake-salmon/
* Delish: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a55315/best-baked-salmon-recipe/
Enjoy your delicious baked salmon!

Successful meal preparation

TGIF music for weekend

Have a sweet weekend…

Lilies are beautiful aquatic plants that thrive in ponds, offering stunning blooms and vital habitat for wildlife; their broad leaves provide shade and shelter, while their striking flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The culture of the pond is interlinked with these plants, as they enhance the ecosystem by oxygenating the water and mitigating algae growth, creating a balanced environment that supports fish and other aquatic organisms. In many cultures, lilies symbolize purity and beauty, making them popular in garden designs and water features, often bringing serenity and aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.

Peace to you…

Finding peace is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no single “piece” or solution that works for everyone. However, there are many avenues and practices that people find helpful. Here’s a breakdown of some key areas to explore:
Internal Practices:
* Mindfulness and Meditation:
   * These practices help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By focusing on the present moment, you can reduce anxiety and cultivate a sense of calm.
   * There are many resources available, including apps like Calm and Headspace, as well as guided meditations on platforms like YouTube.
* Self-Compassion:
   * Treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times, is essential for inner peace.
   * Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and experiences challenges, and that you deserve compassion just as much as anyone else.
* Cultivating a Positive Mindset:
   * Focusing on gratitude, positive affirmations, and reframing negative thoughts can significantly impact your sense of well-being.
   * Keeping a gratitude journal can be a helpful way to shift your focus to the good things in your life.
External Factors:
* Connecting with Nature:
   * Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
   * Even short walks in a park or spending time in your garden can have a positive impact.
* Building Strong Relationships:
   * Connecting with supportive and loving people can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
   * Nurturing your relationships and seeking support when needed is crucial.
* Engaging in Meaningful Activities:
   * Finding activities that bring you joy and purpose can contribute to a sense of fulfillment and peace.
   * This could include hobbies, volunteering, or pursuing creative endeavors.
* Seeking Professional Help:
   * If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be invaluable.
   * They can provide guidance and support in developing coping mechanisms and strategies for finding peace.
Key takeaways:
* Peace is an ongoing process, not a destination.
* It involves both internal work and external factors.
* Be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate your journey.
I hope this information is helpful.

Behind the clouds is clarity…