A new logo labelling Canadian beef as sustainably produced is like a seal of approval. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has released logos for producers and processors who meet environmental, economic and social requirements. However, consumer surveys testing the logo indicate most Canadians believe beef farmers are already producing beef responsibly and in a […] Read more
Livestock — page 3
Logo now available to identify sustainable beef
New high-tech hog barn has all the bells and whistles
A new 680-sow farrow-to-finish hog barn will begin to fill next week on the Wheatland Colony near Shackleton, Sask. The facility replaces a smaller barn and doubles the colony’s capacity. However, what really sets it apart is the technology within the barns, said Brad Gampe, western Canadian sales manager for Fast Genetics in Saskatoon, which […] Read more
Hog producers continue struggle; FCC loan assistance helpful
Hog prices might have regained some value in recent days, but many producers are still a long way from profitability, said George Matheson, chair of Manitoba Pork. That’s why lenders like Farm Credit Canada, that show they understand the needs of producers who are dependent on commodity markets, are appreciated, he said. “It’s good to […] Read more
Conditioning cows before winter important
Beef specialists say cattle producers still have a number of options available to get their animals in condition before winter strikes. Some cows might be thin this year, particularly in the southern parts of the Prairies, due to reduced pastures caused by dry conditions. To help get thinner cows back onto a good weight, farmers […] Read more
Despite dryness, pastures could experience regrowth
While pastures across the Prairies remain largely dry, specialists say there is a glint of hope that some grasses could experience a bit of regrowth. The regrowth could occur in places that received lots of moisture in recent weeks. It all depends on how the weather shakes out this fall, said Karin Lindquist, a beef […] Read more
Research focuses on flooring design as possible disease cause
Toe tip necrosis syndrome often misdiagnosed, and likely more common than had been thought: vet researcher
Toe tip necrosis syndrome, a disease that causes lameness in the hind feet of cattle, is often overlooked, said a veterinary researcher. “I think the disease has always been there and we’ve just misdiagnosed it,” said Murray Jelinski from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. “It’s probably much, […] Read more
The strange case of the low-birth-weight calves
Several years ago, the Disease Investigation Unit at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon was asked to investigate an unusual herd problem on a ranch near the end of calving season. A large proportion of the heifers on this ranch had given birth to calves with birth weights of 30 to 40 pounds […] Read more
Beef producers to vote on checkoff
Alberta beef producers will vote this fall on the thorny question of whether to have a refundable or a non-refundable checkoff. Ballots can be cast by mail, in person at one of 46 Agriculture Financial Services Corp. offices in the province, or at one of the zone meetings held in October and November. Voting is […] Read more
Auction offering VBP Plus calf sale
Cattle from verified beef production operations will be offered for sale Oct. 17 and Nov. 14 through JGL Livestock at Moose Jaw, Sask. The calves need to come from registered VBP Plus operations and will go to registered feedlots, said Wayne Kot, of JGL. This is not a regular sale and the cattle will be […] Read more
Wet weather supportive for Manitoba cattle market
Winnipeg – Wet weather is holding producers back from rushing to sell their cattle in Western Canada, according to an analyst. “Volumes are a decent size but they’re not burdensome by any means. (They’re) maybe slowed down a little bit by the weather and guys maybe re-accessing if things are going to green up. It […] Read more
