A beef specialist urges producers to test their feed, especially in a year like this when forage crops are lower quality
CARSTAIRS, Alta. — Nutrition and animal performance go hand in hand. This year forage crops have lower energy and protein levels so rations may need extra attention to ensure livestock are properly fed, said Barry Yaremcio, beef specialist with Alberta Agriculture. Feed testing is necessary to assess moisture levels and quality and determine where supplements […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
B.C. makes CWD deer head submissions mandatory
Hunters in British Columbia’s Kootenay region are required to submit deer heads for testing of chronic wasting disease following the discovery of nine cases along the Montana border. From Sept. 1-Nov. 30 heads of mule and white-tailed deer caught in the wildlife management units of 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 along the southern […] Read more
Beef industry out to change nutrition message
The sector wants to turn the tables in the debate and focus instead on the harmful effects of ultra-processed food
The Canadian beef industry wants to change the message the public is hearing about healthy eating. The message now dominating much public debate says people eat too much beef, which adversely affects their health. But research shows those statements are too simplistic. “We need to change the narrative and talk about the role of ultra-processed […] Read moreU.S. beef outlook sound, but sector wants less volatility
North American producers have managed to turn the beef ship around from one that was floundering to a robust industry where extended profitability is keeping most sectors afloat. Beef demand dropped by 50 percent from 1980-98 so producers responded to consumer demands for a higher quality, more consistent product. “We have an industry that is […] Read more
Technology change looms in beef production
Improvements seen in identification and tracking animal health; most are connected to new software developments
The technology to improve the beef industry is available and it could help capture more information and improve cattle health. Some improvements are in identification, tracking animal health and improving productivity. Most is connected to new software developments, said veterinarian Eric Behlke of Feedlot Health Management Services. Based at Okotoks, Alta., the practice works with […] Read more
Multi-generational farm looks to innovation
On the Farm: An Alberta family looks for ways to become more efficient so that they don’t have to become bigger
CROSSFIELD, Alta — Returning to the farm does not mean going back to the simple life. At the Hurt family farm at Crossfield, the next generation is transitioning into the 75-year-old business. Adopting new plans, doing more business analysis, handling the division of responsibility and learning new technology is all part of life on a […] Read more
Animal nutrition needs to account for future weather
The Prairies and the British Columbia Interior are likely to see more drought in the future as predicted changes to weather patterns take effect. Drought management is needed before disaster strikes, said John McKinnon, professor emeritus from the University of Saskatchewan and head of JJM Nutrition Services. “The writing is on the wall that weather […] Read more
Producers move toward fewer antibiotics
Cattle industry must find strategies as it prepares to reduce antibiotic use; immunization is one tool to control disease
Antibiotic-free beef may sound good to the public but treating sick animals is part of good welfare practices. “One of the key strategies is how can we improve the health of animals in our herd,” said Alberta veterinarian Steve Hendrick. Non-weaned calves are commonly treated with antibiotics for scours and pneumonia, he said at an […] Read more
Alta. centre provides wildlife a place to heal
The centre takes in 2,000 patients a year but also works with the public on wildlife conflict — from skunks to bats
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. — Otis the great horned owl has become a star of stage, screen and television. A resident of the Medicine River Wildlife Centre near Rocky Mountain House, Alta., the owl came to the centre when he was five days old. Injured and orphaned, he became part of the centre’s wildlife education […] Read more
Best to start small when adopting cover crops
Herbicides aren’t effective because of the variety of crops, but farmers are finding that heavy seeding rates can help control weeds
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. — Growing a balanced mixture of plants in a cover crop is a new concept and farmers are still learning how it builds soil. Like any new idea, it is a good idea to start small, said Greg Paranich, agriculture fieldman with the Grey Wooded Forage Association. “You can calibrate what […] Read more
