Parasite treatment timing is important to effective control
Producers should determine parasite infestation levels in their herd before deciding when to deworm. It’s common practice to treat for warbles and lice in fall, when cows come in from summer pasture, although action in both fall and spring can bring more effective results. “Spring treatment and fall treatment will probably give better control,” said […] Read moreStories by Taryn Riemer
Three-pronged approach in resistance study
John Gilleard is taking action to combat parasite resistance to a popular cattle deworming treatment. Gilleard, a professor of parasitology and associate dean of research at the University of Calgary faculty of veterinary medicine, is studying insect resistance to ivermectin, a pour-on livestock product. Researchers have already observed resistance to the treatment among several common […] Read more
Red fescue made better with spit
Researchers and ranchers know the problems certain grasses can cause grazing animals. However, researcher Dawn Bazely might have found a solution: moose drool. Bazely, a biology professor at York University, and colleagues Mark Vicari and Andrew J. Tanentzap have found that saliva from moose, reindeer and caribou affect red fescue grass and the fungus epichloë […] Read more
Guard dogs are sheep’s best friend
Choose your breed | Dogs should be selected with terrain, type of livestock in mind
An injured or dead animal in the pasture is one of the worst things livestock producers can find. The culprit — a coyote, wolf or bear — is long gone and the damage is done. However, there is help in the form of another animal with lots of fur and an aggressive bark. Guard dogs […] Read moreBig bluestem named Manitoba’s official grass
Erosion control | The grass is a high quality forage that also provides shelter for wildlife
Big bluestem was named Manitoba’s official grass earlier this year, but it wasn’t an easy decision. “We knew that big bluestem was a front runner before the campaign began because of Manitoba’s location and the tall grass prairie being special to Manitoba and Canada, but we didn’t want to lose the opportunity to run this […] Read moreSask. 4-H youth get new tips to improve old tricks
Judging competition | Thirty-five youth competitors vie for a spot at Agribition
Participants at the Saskatchewan 4-H Judging Provincials recently got the chance to enhance their skills. “Every time you go somewhere, you learn one thing or two things. And that one thing can make a difference when you go somewhere else,” said Robert Pineo, 22, of the Weyburn 4-H Beef Club. Teresa Mann, 19, of the […] Read moreAg beat familiar territory for new reporter
As the new intern at The Western Producer I hope to learn more about every part of agriculture — to build on my cattle background, as well as pick up new knowledge about other aspects of farm life. I have a soft spot for cattle because of my time in 4-H, but everything from family […] Read more
Songbird sends critters scrambling for cover
Loggerhead Shrike | Wildlife preservation group seeks population data to plan habitat conservation programs
A small animal hanging on a barbed wire fence might seem like a gruesome accident, or strange foreshadowing from a macabre horror movie . But the tiny animals and insects were likely impaled there by a small songbird called the loggerhead shrike. The shrike, which is smaller than a robin, hunts like a hawk, even […] Read more
Kellogg’s commits to ‘responsible sourcing’
Conservation goals Few details available as company pledges support to “small-scale farmers”
Kellogg’s has announced a plan it says will commit the company to responsible sourcing and renew its conservation goals. Details were vague, and company officials did not respond to interview requests. The responsible sourcing component of the plan contains five main points: The company wants to responsibly obtain its top 10 ingredients and materials by […] Read more
Simple tests ensure horse is well hydrated
Year round requirement | While dehydration normally occurs in summer, horses can also lack sufficient water in winter
Many people recognize the need to make sure animals get enough water during summer. The rodeo and show season highlights that need for horses. Julia Montgomery, assistant professor in large animal clinical sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, said horse owners can use two simple tests, the capillary refill and the […] Read more
