Ontario cattle prices have been trading at a significant discount below Alberta for nearly two years, and Quebec is worse
Beef producers in Eastern Canada face a compounding economic crisis with no end in sight. “We are a mess right now,” said Joe Hill, president of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. He operates a feedlot north of Guelph. Ontario cattle prices have been trading at a significant discount below Alberta for nearly two years. At […] Read moreLivestock — page 2
Semen bank ensures future of livestock species
Agriculture Canada maintains more than 300,000 doses of frozen semen and embryos from a variety of livestock species
SASKATOON — If a disaster should ever harm any part of Canada’s livestock sector, there is hope for recovery. Agriculture Canada’s Canadian Animal Genetic Resources (CAGR) housed in Saskatoon holds a large collection of frozen semen and some embryos from cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, poultry, deer and elk. Many livestock breeds are recognized in […] Read more
Vet students learn about ecosystem influences on health
Veterinary students spend most of their final year in veterinary programs refining and practicing clinical skills. For cattle, this might entail working on pregnancy checking, perfecting bull testing, designing herd health programs and optimizing parasite control. In a variety of species, vet students practice surgical and anesthesia skills. But each year, a small group of […] Read more
New Sask. co-op designed to help finance cattle, bison
Saskatchewan livestock producers have a new co-operative to finance purchases of feeder and breeder cattle and bison. Saskatchewan Livestock Finance Co-operative Ltd. replaced the provincial government’s Livestock Loan Guarantee Program earlier this year. The government announced last year it would wind down the lending program that began in 1984. General manager Terry Wensley said co-op […] Read more
Identify replacement heifers to control costs
CARSTAIRS, Alta. — Next to feed costs, the greatest expense on a ranch is cow depreciation so improving momentum and longevity in the herd is important. Increasing longevity starts with heifers, said Elizabeth Homerosky of Veterinary Agri Health Services at Airdrie, Alta. When it comes to replacement heifer management, it is better to look for […] Read more
Manitoba announces feed shortage plan
Manitoba cattle ranchers are getting loans, deferred payments on loans and higher rates on immediate AgriStability payments, to help with a feed shortage in parts of the province. Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced the support programs in a conference call with media today. “We recognize that many producers are feeling the effects of our dry […] Read more
Agri-food exporters frustrated with CETA
SubtitleCanada has $3.5 billion deficit in food trade with Europe
This summer, French politicians spent many hours defending the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union. The French National Assembly ratified the trade deal in late July and politicians, at least those in the governing party, spoke in favour of the deal and the economic value to France. But some of […] Read more
Proper processing optimizes corn
Producers must put silage into the silo at the right dry matter if it is to ferment properly and be palatable for cattle
Corn silage can be highly nutritious feed for dairy and beef cattle but it is more variable than barley silage so producers need to consider that when growing, cutting, ensiling and using it. Agriculture Canada researcher Karen Beauchemin talked about corn silage in mid-September during an event held in a corn field near Lethbridge, organized […] Read more
Severe feed shortage grips parts of Manitoba this fall
Four weeks ago, pastures across Manitoba were in horrible shape. Everything looked brown and there was minimal regrowth. Unless something changed, many cattle were going to be removed from pasture in early September. As of Sept. 20, most cattle in the province were still on pasture, thanks to rain and pasture re-growth over the last […] Read more
Nutrition needs to be vital part of winter feeding
A beef specialist urges producers to test their feed, especially in a year like this when forage crops are lower quality
CARSTAIRS, Alta. — Nutrition and animal performance go hand in hand. This year forage crops have lower energy and protein levels so rations may need extra attention to ensure livestock are properly fed, said Barry Yaremcio, beef specialist with Alberta Agriculture. Feed testing is necessary to assess moisture levels and quality and determine where supplements […] Read more
