Youth show Winning Jersey heifer comes from Northland Dairy Ltd., Alberta’s largest purebred herd
OLDS, Alta. — For the second time in its history, the Alberta provincial 4-H dairy show was won by a Jersey and both times, Casey Morey was at the halter. The 19-year-old University of Alberta student has been showing cattle most of her life at dairy shows and through 4-H. “I was in the barn […] Read moreStories by Barbara Duckworth
Ergot in feed can have fatal results
Veterinarians were confronted with a disturbing sight of animals hobbling on sore feet last winter when the Lethbridge Animal Clinic received a call to check on lame cattle at a local feedlot. The eventual diagnosis was high levels of ergot in the feed, but in the early days the veterinarians were not sure what was […] Read more
Land rehabilitation helps boost grass production
B.C. operation | Environmental programs help rancher put more cattle in pasture
LUMBY, B.C. — Keith and Cheryl Altwasser had a lush crop of grass late last month on their 160 acres near Lumby in British Columbia’s northern Okanagan Valley. That considerable grass cover might not have been possible without long-term planning with the Environmental Farm Plan program, the Farm Riparian Interface Stewardship program and the B.C.’s […] Read moreAlta. RMs fear being left on their own to rebuild
Rural municipalities do not want to be forgotten as rebuilding and repairs begin across flood-ravaged southern Alberta. “Although there seemed to be some big initial contact from the government, it seems to have dropped off,” said Bob Barss, president of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties. He said he saw considerable damage during […] Read more
Supreme champion winner plans flock expansion, 4-H work and ambassador duties
Shannon McLaughlin has raised sheep for only two years, but she already has learned enough to show her lambs to the championship circle. Her Suffolk-North Country Cheviot yearling ewe with two lambs at foot were champions at the Alberta provincial 4-H show held in Olds, Alta., as part of Summer Synergy, a youth livestock program […] Read more
Ontario Suffolk takes top prize at purebred event
Tough trip for winner | Keith Todd dodged flooded roads to get to national show
BARRIERE, B.C. — Judges Doug Higginson and Raymond Read had their work cut out for them when it came to the final showdown at the All Canada Sheep Classic. They had to ponder how to pick the best out of 15 breeds of sheep that came in all colours, sizes and body shapes. Ultimately, Higginson […] Read moreForestry, forage can work together
Agroforestry projects in British Columbia show that trees and cattle can live harmoniously. The trees provide shade, hold soil moisture and protect riparian areas, while the livestock can control plant growth. The B.C. Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative is developing projects that integrate trees and shrubs with crops and livestock. Initiatives include shelterbelts, riparian management and […] Read more
Producers uncertain about financial help
Janet Carr and her family had to watch helplessly from a hill June 20 as fast moving, dirty water from the Bow River flooded their pastures southeast of Calgary. The water was raging, cows were bawling and there was nothing they could do. The Carrs had 200 cows on pasture, and after the flood waters […] Read more

Livestock winners announced at Stampede
Numerous grand champions were declared on the final Saturday at the Calgary Stampede held July 9-14. Justin Gattey of Consort, Alta. was named grand champion international livestock auctioneer. He was the Canadian champion in 2012. The grand champion steer at the Stampede Steer Classic went to the partnership of Riley Chalack, Curtis Flewelling, Bowden, Alta. […] Read more

New beef code to target pain management
Code to recommend what, when and how to perform procedures with as little pain as possible
Pain management for common practices such as branding, dehorning and castration will be a major recommendation in Canada’s new beef cattle code of practice. The code should be released later this summer and focuses on the humane treatment of animals. It is not mandatory but makes recommendations on handling pain, including consulting with veterinarians on […] Read more