The long-running cow-calf surveillance network provides data that cattle producers can use to see where they fit
REGINA — Updated indicators from a long-term project show that cow-calf producers are improving their production and management practices. The Canadian cow-calf surveillance network, now known as the Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3HPEN), has been monitoring animal health and disease, welfare practices and more since 2013. The project received renewed government funding […] Read moreBeef cattle
Peer groups help spread livestock information
Tapping into the power of small groups is one of the extension projects funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council
There are many ways to deliver the latest and most useful information to producers. Webinars, YouTube videos, TikTok, fact sheets, podcasts, in-person conferences and of course print media are among the options for agricultural extension in Canada. This year, Kathy Larson is trying another tactic to communicate with Canadian farmers — a peer group. “It […] Read moreCanfax report
This cattle market information is selected from the weekly report from Canfax, a division of the Canadian Cattle Association. More market information, analysis and statistics are available by becoming a Canfax subscriber by calling 403-275-5110 or at www.canfax.ca. Low basis seen The western Canadian fed market continues to underperform relative to the U.S. and Ontario […] Read more
Canada grows a spine in U.K. trade exchange
The federal government has finally grown a backbone regarding trade with the United Kingdom. Cattle producers have been infuriated for years over the dramatic disparity in beef and pork trade between the two countries. It started when Canada signed a free trade agreement with the European Union in 2016. The deal was touted as a […] Read more
Beef markets strong but instability expected
Volatility may increase this year, particularly if heifer placements remain high along with fed marketings in the U.S.
MEDICINE HAT — Beef prices are up and demand remains strong, according to the latest Canfax market report, but dry conditions in cattle-producing regions across the globe are affecting markets. “We’ve reached new record highs in 2023 with both fed and feeder prices surpassing the previous highs made in 2015,” said Canfax executive director Breanna […] Read more
Producers urged to expand herds as U.S. demand grows
New U.S. slaughter capacity may create opportunities for Canadian producers if they hang onto their cows and heifers
REGINA — Western Canadian cattle producers able to retain cows and heifers through the drought have an opportunity south of the border. Travis Hickey, founder of Cattlenomics in Colorado, told the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference that there aren’t enough cows to support the feeding and packing capacity in the United States. Peak daily slaughter capacity […] Read more
FCC expects profitability to decline this year
A prominent Canadian agricultural lender is projecting a 4.8 percent decline in farm cash receipts in 2024, thanks in part to a softening market. Consequently, its leading economist is urging producers to find any way they can to save money. “In this environment, I do think that management skills are absolutely critical,” J.P. Gervais, vice-president […] Read more
Implants help young calves, says study
Results are in from a case study at the Manitoba Beef and Forage Institute on growth implants in suckling calves. The study, jointly conducted by the institute and Manitoba Beef Producers, confirms what years of research already suggest: hormone implants are an effective and economical strategy to promote growth and feed efficiency in suckling calves. […] Read more
Pros offer tips for what to do in a calving crisis
The calf was breech. Standing a few feet away, Brandon veterinarian Dr. Grayson Ross coached a producer at the rear of the cow through the potential disaster. “Get it in your mind’s eye,” he said. “You’ve got the rump of a calf right in front of you. The tail’s there. You’ve figured out where the […] Read more
New study reinforces importance of colostrum to calves
Newborn calves are born with virtually no immunity of their own. They have a functional immune system at birth, but because the cow’s placenta does not allow antibodies to pass from the mother to the calf during pregnancy, the calf must receive most of its initial immunity from the antibody rich colostrum, or first milk […] Read more
