Livestock Management
LEDUC, Alta. — Many Alberta lamb producers are raising concerns over upcoming changes to antibiotic rules, arguing the potential lack of veterinarians willing to work on sheep could make business more challenging. While solutions have been offered to try and ease concerns, farmers are still worried the changes could mean added costs. As well, some […] Read more
Livestock Management
Alta., Sask., split supreme winners
REGINA — Every year, cattle producers are able to honour their peers at Canadian Western Agribition. The RBC Beef Supreme is the grand finale of the show that ran from Nov. 19-24 and recognizes the first among equals in the purebred cattle business. After 20 years the competition welcomes entrants from 17 shows in North […] Read more
Charolais breeders claim high-selling heifer
Johnson family of Barrhead, Alta., saw their young female sell for $26,500 at Agribition; it is going to Minnesota
REGINA — Having a high-selling heifer at Canadian Western Agribition is gratifying for one Charolais family that has been involved with the breed for more than 40 years. “I did not expect her to sell that high. I knew the guy was interested but I didn’t know how much she was going to go for,” […] Read more
Junior show winner’s passion on display
REGINA — When Jacey Massey books off school for a week, she is likely to be found garbed up in coveralls and working in a barn grooming and showing cattle. An active show person at Canadian Western Agribition held from Nov. 19-24 in Regina, she won the junior supreme competition and $3,000 in cash with […] Read more
Bison or buffalo? Yes, it matters
The National Bison Association is working to make sure American consumers aren’t confused between bison and buffalo. Executive director of the United States-based NBA Dave Carter told the Canadian Bison Association annual convention that about 18 months ago the industry noticed some pet food companies were using pictures of bison, and claims of bison ingredients, […] Read more
Long-horned Longhorn turns heads at show
Eight-year-old BN Jim Reeves’ 110.5-inch horns make it the 10th largest set of horns in the world and a hit at Agribition
BN Jim Reeves drew a lot of attention during his stay in Regina last week. Fans flocked to take pictures of him, and the opportunity to have a photograph taken with him was included in a fundraising auction during Canadian Western Agribition. He is used to the celebrity status. The eight-year-old, 1,900-pound Texas Longhorn steer […] Read more
Finding ways to improve cattle’s footing pays dividends
Many feedlot audits in Canada and the United States look at slips, trips or falls of cattle, especially when loading or processing, and record the percentage for good reason. There are specific areas where footing can be improved or altered. As well, new methods can be used to improve animal welfare and decrease injuries. Producers […] Read more
Soundness exam not to be neglected
A bull’s testicles, penis and scrotum need to be checked regularly by a veterinarian to ensure they can still do the job
A bull’s working life is usually four to five breeding seasons, but soundness examinations should be done annually to make sure everything is in working order. When a veterinarian runs semen checks, the testicles and the penis are also scanned for injuries or abnormalities. “No bull is totally perfect,” said veterinarian Roy Lewis. Deviations are […] Read more
Don’t neglect the boys when their work is done
The bulls have finished their work by this time of year, and once removed from the cow herd they run the risk of being neglected until they are needed again. That’s a mistake because bulls are an investment for the role they play in future production and profitability. “One of the things that we tend […] Read more
Hospital donation kicks off Power and Perfection sale
REGINA — The generosity of rural people who appreciate the value of helping out neighbours was evident during an Angus sale at Canadian Western Agribition. Shaun and Amanda Bryce decided they wanted to do something for their wider community by raising money for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Shaun approached the Bohrson Marketing […] Read more
