The Alberta beef industry can compete within the North American market but there are some impediments on the horizon that could restrict future growth. Commissioned by the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association and Alberta Beef Producers, the industry competitiveness study compared the province’s position to Texas, Nebraska and Kansas. Those are large beef-producing states with a […] Read more
Livestock
Must Reads
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Fusarium levels higher in ’19 but manageable
RED DEER — Seed analysts and plant pathologists say cases of fusarium graminearum in cereals spiked in 2019, pointing to…
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Grazing lands can protect diversity
If grazing leases were recognized as biologically diverse lands worth protecting, public recognition of good stewardship could be enhanced. Protecting…
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Livestock producers share grazing successes
Livestock producers Brett McRae and Leanne Thompson take soil seriously, working to improve land in a way that provides ecological…
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‘Pendulum has swung too far,’ says vet
AMES, Iowa — Antibiotic-free programs in poultry production may have some poor consequences for the birds. Death rates among broilers…
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Late harvest caused higher mycotoxin threat in feeds
Mycotoxin levels were low in early samples of feed harvested in Western Canada. Then things changed. Toxin levels are largely…
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Social strategy needed in open sow housing systems
RED DEER — Sows moved into open-housing systems can sometimes start fighting for food and territory. In the wild, they…
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Stories from our other publications
African swine fever research efforts expand
The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre is now able to test the vaccines it develops
BANFF, Alta. — The vaccine centre based in Saskatoon is now able to test potential vaccines to combat African swine fever. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced Jan. 8 that the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, based at the University of Saskatchewan, can now more fully participate in the search for a response […] Read moreAward recognizes work to improve care of piglets
This year’s F.X. Aherene prizes were presented to the inventors of an easier way to handle piglets and a better heating system
BANFF, Alta. — The inventors of a device to allow easier handling of piglets and the developers of a system that provides more even heat to young piglets received awards for their efforts Jan. 9 at the Banff Pork Seminar. Tess Faulkner and Gillian Grieves of South West Ontario Veterinary Services invented the Hammock, a […] Read moreProper tubing of young calves should be top priority
Tubing a young calf with colostrum, colostrum substitute, electrolytes or for other reasons can be common on cow-calf operations. The procedure must be properly done, keeping in mind biosecurity and that important pledge from the Hippocratic Oath: First, do no harm. This article will outline proper procedures for tubing as well as some treatment parameters […] Read more
Innisfail farmers win at Denver Stock Show
DENVER, Colorado-The National Western Stock Show at Denver, Colorado is a major winter event for cattle breeders from 20 different breeds. Canadians performed well at the Red Angus open show and the National Gelbvieh show held Jan. 14. Rodney and Tanya Hollman, owners of Royal Western Gelbvieh at Innisfail, Alta. won champion and reserve […] Read more
Livestock producers share grazing successes
Livestock producers Brett McRae and Leanne Thompson take soil seriously, working to improve land in a way that provides ecological and financial benefits. The producers, who farm separately, recently spoke of their management practices at the Western Canada Conference on Soil and Grazing in Edmonton. Their operations are different in many ways, but the principles […] Read more
Grazing lands can protect diversity
If grazing leases were recognized as biologically diverse lands worth protecting, public recognition of good stewardship could be enhanced. Protecting biodiversity is an international project. Canada was among 196 countries that signed the United Nations convention on biological diversity in 2010 to halt the decline of biodiversity on land and water. Canada’s conservation vision report […] Read more
Livestock beef exports favour Canada
Canadians may be eating less beef, but offshore customers are hungry for more. Canadian per capita consumption is about 17.6 kilograms retail weight but exports to Japan were record high in 2018, thanks in part to a favourable trade agreement where tariffs are being reduced, said Ron Glaser of Canada Beef. While the national herd […] Read more
‘Pendulum has swung too far,’ says vet
AMES, Iowa — Antibiotic-free programs in poultry production may have some poor consequences for the birds. Death rates among broilers have increased from four to five percent, said poultry veterinarian Donald Ritter, director of technical marketing at Mountaire Farms, the sixth largest broiler operation in the United States. “I think we have swung the pendulum […] Read more
Late harvest caused higher mycotoxin threat in feeds
Mycotoxin levels were low in early samples of feed harvested in Western Canada. Then things changed. Toxin levels are largely driven by weather, said All-Tech feed expert Dr. Max Hawkins. Rain in the later harvest season across much of the West opened the door and mycotoxins inched their way in. He advised producers to test […] Read more
