A new U of S research study finds that the consumption of ergot alkaloids has little effect on a bull’s breeding soundness
A recently published study shows bulls can eat feed contaminated with ergot alkaloids without affecting their breeding soundness. Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found minimal impact on breeding condition and dispelled questions about the impact of ergot alkaloids. “Our research group has been hearing about concerns from producers that bulls exposed to ergot was […] Read moreBeef cattle
WP livestock report
Hogs The U.S. national live price average for barrows and gilts for Feb. 16 was $59.39, up from $53.57 Feb. 3. U.S. hogs averaged $76.82 on a carcass basis Feb. 16, down from $77.05 Feb. 10. The U.S. pork cutout was $83.06 per hundredweight Feb. 16, up from $81.05 Feb. 10. The estimated U.S. weekly […] Read more
Canfax report
This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca. Beef prices up Dressed prices were steady to $3 per hundredweight higher in moderate volume trade for […] Read more
Ranchers up in arms over wolf attacks
For the last three years, Ray Bittner and a group of Manitoba livestock producers have been testing methods to reduce predation of cattle and sheep in the province. They have tried things like flashing lights, temporary electric fencing, fladry wire (wire fence with long narrow fabric streamers) and predator-resistant pens. Bittner is the leader of […] Read more
Former cattle industry advocate recognized
Harold Martens served numerous organizations throughout his life, including the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association
SASKATOON — Former Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president and MLA Harold Martens was remembered for his agricultural contributions during the recent Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference. Martens was 81 when he died in early January. He only curtailed his involvement in his agricultural and municipal commitments last October when cancer prevented him from attending. Jason Pollock, […] Read more
Man. livestock producers asked to help preserve woodpecker habitat
Red-headed woodpeckers are a sharp-looking bird. With ruby-red feathers on their head, a white chest and black on their wings and back, they stand out from other birds in the forest. But they are struggling. Estimates suggest there are only 6,000 red-headed woodpeckers left in North America. That’s why a conservation group, Manitoba Important Bird […] Read more
Conservancy expands southern Alberta range
Nature Conservancy of Canada says the 630 acres it has acquired near Waterton National Park will continue to be grazed
The Nature Conservancy of Canada plans to expand its stewardship of sensitive rangeland with its latest acquisition of 630 acres of land in southwestern Alberta. NCC recently announced it has bought land near Waterton National Park to expand the organization’s conservation easements along Alberta’s Eastern Slopes region. Sean Feagan, NCC spokesperson, said the purchase is […] Read more
Swath grazing study needs respondents for online survey
A researcher is looking for cow-calf producers across Western Canada who want to take part in an online survey about swath grazing. “We hope to capture information from about 500 or 600 beef producers about their experiences on swath grazing,” said Obioha Durunna, livestock research scientist at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta. “We want to […] Read more
Understand the five Ws of feed tests
Producers encouraged to better understand the what, where, when, why and how when planning a feed testing program
Successful feed testing starts with understanding why, followed by what, when, how and where. Answering these questions will provide information that can improve efficiencies and benefits for beef cattle operations. “Feed testing is an important tool that producers can use to make informed decisions about their operation,” said Breeanna Kelln, who leads the University of […] Read more
Customize grazing plans to a specific situation
Make the grazing plan to suit the land, the people and the animals, advised a grazing management specialist during a webinar hosted by the Beef Cattle Research Council. “There is no prescriptive grazing plan that works best in every situation,” said Saskatchewan agrologist Jeremy Brown. He has 18 years of experience in the field and […] Read more
