Producers were keeping an eye on unusual weather conditions this fall that have affected much of British Columbia less than a year after some of the worst flooding in provincial history. Warmer weather has delayed the return of cattle to some ranches, said Kevin Boon, general manager of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. “Out here, we […] Read more
Beef cattle
Funding formula for Alberta cattle association still outstanding
Alberta Beef Producers is still in discussions about its financial contribution to the Canadian Cattle Association, despite having to provide slightly fewer checkoff refunds this year to the province’s ranchers. Talks with the CCA include potentially moving toward a different funding model for the national organization “to help us through a difficult time right now […] Read more
N.Z. to put price on livestock emissions
WELLINGTON, N.Z. (Reuters) — The New Zealand government said it will price agricultural long-lived gases and biogenic methane that mainly comes from cow and sheep burps, in a plan that concerns farm groups. The government recently released its proposed plan on agricultural emissions pricing, which when introduced in 2025 will make New Zealand, a large […] Read more
Probiotics may curb livestock methane
PALMERSTON NORTH, N.Z. (Reuters) — More than a dozen calves wait at a research farm in New Zealand to be fed Kowbucha, a probiotic that studies show reduces methane emissions. The Kowbucha powder is blended into a milk-like drink fed to the calves at the Massey University farm in Palmerston North. The regular feeds are […] Read more
Mother Earth offers worry-free winter watering
The differential between ambient temperature and groundwater in winter helps keep water from freezing in the pasture
SASKATOON — Ranchers who winter graze agree that getting water to the cattle in -30 C weather can just about become a full-time job. Some remedies work pretty well, others not so well. Ice at the waterer can be chopped and removed, but a frozen subterranean water line can ruin your winter plans. Meanwhile, there’s […] Read more
Health strategy developed
Animal Health Canada has released a new strategic plan to guide it through to 2025. Known as the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council until last January, AHC implemented a review of its plan and governance as part of the transition. In late September, the organization announced the plan had been updated as the […] Read more
Roundtable eyes improvements
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has launched online public consultations on proposed changes to its sustainability standards. This follows consultation with stakeholders, as the CRSB ends its first five years of operation. Kristine Tapley, chair of the CRSB’s certified sustainable beef framework committee, said every indicator in the standards for both beef production and […] Read more
Poor quality silage main cause of listeriosis
Many important diseases can affect the brains of cattle, sheep and goats. One of the more common brain infections is a condition known as listeriosis. The bacterium that causes this disease is Listeria monocytogenes, named after Joseph Lister, a prominent British surgeon who advanced the field of sterile surgery at the end of the 1800s. […] 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. Fed market sluggish The fed market lacked buyer competition last week and uninspiring bids failed to motivate […] Read more
The case against rest stops for calves
Three studies have now concluded that a rest stop during long transport does not benefit weaned calves. However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it does not plan changes to its regulations that require an eight-hour rest stop, during which cattle are to be unloaded, fed, watered and rested, and then re-loaded, after 36 hours […] Read more
