Livestock Management
Finding new feed sources and new markets has been critical for survival due to last year’s drought and feed shortage
A lot of cattle learned to eat kochia. And a lot of producers learned how to use feed sources and mixing methods they’d never considered before the drought of 2021. “Ranchers are resourceful. They’re really good at finding other crops to feed,” Chelsea Norheim, vice-president of Norheim Ranching, said in an interview at the recent […] Read more
Livestock Management
Watch for noxious tall buttercup and white cockle
It is always pertinent to be on the lookout for poisonous and noxious weeds and keep in touch with agricultural service people in your area. Over time, I hear of more diagnosed deaths caused by things like water hemlock and that makes me wonder if production losses can be caused by slightly noxious weeds. The […] Read more
Study eyes chuckwagon horse safety
Research at the recent Calgary Stampede focused on chuckwagon racing, but it could also apply to horses in other sports
A scientist is trying to lower the risk of horses being killed or injured from leg fractures and heart problems during chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede. “We have 550 horses running, and you’re really looking for prevention of the exception — this one horse that’s going to be in trouble there,” said Renaud Leguillette, […] Read more
Greener pastures – photo essay
Craig Kaartinen, who farms near Eriksdale, Man., recently moved his cattle to their next paddock. The cattle are grazing on a lush mixture of young quackgrass and native pasture grasses. The region has received 350 millimetres of rain in the past month, so pasture is plentiful. It’s a welcome change from the drought that had […] Read more
Genomics project aims to improve bison health
Bison Integrated Genomics Project will focus on a vaccine to control bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in wild herds
Researchers plan to use the latest genomic tools to target disease and create healthier bison herds in Canada. Genome Canada recently announced a $5.1 million genomics project to protect threatened Canadian bison populations in and around Wood Buffalo National Park, as well as other captive and farmed bison herds. The Bison Integrated Genomics Project, or […] Read more
Meat inspection plays major role in food safety system
Canada has a rigid meat inspection system to ensure that commercially sold food is safe for public consumption. A key component of this system is to prevent unhealthy animals from being sold for food. There is an entire system of slaughter facility inspection and food safety protocols that I won’t have space to touch on […] Read more
Hot August weather forecast threatens U.S. soybeans
A forecast calling for a hot and dry August in the western portion of the U.S. Midwest is putting one major crop in jeopardy. “The soybean crop is at risk, in my opinion,” said Drew Lerner, president of World Weather Inc. “I am concerned about the soybean production number for this year.” U.S. corn and […] Read more
Alta. beef competitiveness study to be released this fall
Producers say they don’t want government intervention, instead preferring help to make smaller packers more viable
A beef industry competitiveness study commissioned to find ways to put more money in the pockets of Alberta’s cattle producers will likely be unveiled in November. “It got kind of off to a slow start, but we’re hoping to have some indication of where we can improve producer profitability,” said Melanie Wowk, chair of Alberta […] Read more
Producers test cattle handling ability
The Ultimate Stockmanship Challenge in Pincher Creek, Alta., put more emphasis on a light touch than on the cattle prod
The Bud Williams stockmanship principles of handling cattle may not be in the mainstream of conventional ranching but advocates of the Oregon cowboy’s low-stress methods are carrying on the techniques long after his passing. About a dozen ranchers recently gathered at the agricultural grounds in Pincher Creek, Alta., situated along a wandering stream in the […] Read more
Research explores personality traits in dairy cows
Cows’ personalities will define how they behave, such as those that are confident enough to explore their pasture for food
Most farmers working daily with dairy or beef herds recognize personality traits in individual animals. That knowledge is helpful for herd management and it is also a key indicator linked to productivity, health and the welfare of those vulnerable to stress and at greater risk to sickness. Recognizing the importance of personality profiles, researchers at […] Read more
