Livestock Management
Umbilical infections are a common problem many cow-calf producers will occasionally deal with in young calves. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta during gestation, allowing the movement of nutrients and water to the fetus, as well as the removal of waste products. The umbilical cord is a complex structure that encompasses two […] Read more
Livestock Management
Robots: the future of meat processing?
If he could find 20 people who are ready, willing and able, Geoff Propp would hire them immediately. Propp is vice-president and general manager of Harvest Meats, which makes sausages, hot dogs, sliced meats and other products in Yorkton, Sask. Harvest Meats has about 300 employees and there’s sufficient work at its plant for 20 […] Read more
Rural vets offered loan forgiveness
A student loan forgiveness program has been put in place in Saskatchewan to persuade veterinarians and veterinary technologists to work with livestock in rural communities. This program, first announced in 2021, has increased the available loan forgiveness to a maximum of $20,000 over five years. “We’re looking to target veterinary clinics in larger centres, that […] Read more
Rodeo action goes wild – photo essay
The 55th annual Cochrane Lions Rodeo was held on the Labour Day weekend in Cochrane, Alta. The four-day rodeo started with the Ranch Rodeo followed by three days of competition among Foothills Cowboy Association members | Patrick Price photos
Cattle genes in bison unable to hide
Previous research found cattle genes in most bison, but advanced genomics discovers more widespread presence
According to a new study by scientists at Texas A&M University, all bison in North America carry multiple small, yet identifiable regions of DNA that originally came from cattle. The research confirms there are, in fact, no purebred bison on the continent. “I did genetic bison research 20 years ago and, at that time, it […] Read more
Running cattle in community pastures has pros and cons
Cattle will soon be returning from summer pastures and I believe there is huge potential for community pastures to advance cattle production by being proactive. Community pastures vary greatly in overall management and direction and most have capable pasture managers and riders to get the job done. However, it is sometimes difficult to implement changes […] Read more
Mineral day – photo essay
Craig Kaartinen recently replenished minerals and salt for his herd near Eriksdale, Man. The diatomaceous earth was a particular hit, especially with the bulls, which will sometimes get down on their front knees rubbing in the tub and digging in the dirt, trying to get the powder up on their backs for fly control. | […] Read more
Tax deferrals available for some but not all
Excess moisture in some areas and drought in other areas led to tax deferrals for several different reasons and regions
The federal agriculture minister has announced the initial list of designated regions in which livestock producers who have to downsize may qualify for tax deferrals. Much of Manitoba, west-central Saskatchewan and southeast Alberta are included. The provision applies to producers who have had to sell at least 15 percent of their breeding herds because of […] Read more
Texas ranchers shipping cows
CROCKETT, Texas (Reuters) — With almost all of Texas in drought, ranchers are sending ever more cattle off to slaughter, a trend likely to increase beef prices over the long term due to dwindling supply from the largest cattle region in the United States. Since mid-July, more than 93 percent of Texas has been in […] Read more
Preg testing technology for producers
The ability to get results without veterinarians or specialized equipment coming to farms near no one
Researchers are working to place some of the complex technology found in veterinary laboratories into handheld devices that will allow producers to more easily diagnose pregnancies in sheep. The project aims to create a device about the size of a facial tissue box that will take blood samples and test them to predict things such […] Read more
