Livestock Management
Tracy Benkendorf is asking the public for donations to help her get through the winter because of the high cost of feed
Potential feed shortages this year aren’t only affecting farmers and ranchers — they are also taking a toll on at least one Alberta horse rescue operation. Tracy Benkendorf, who runs the Adorado Nino Horse Rescue and Sanctuary near Leduc, Alta., said she’s worried she might not have enough hay to get the horses through the […] Read more
Livestock Management
Vet finds success using acupuncture on horses
Acupuncture may not work for everyone, but when veterinarian Ashley Whitehead uses the ancient Chinese art of healing on her animal patients, she sees results. Since earning her acupuncture certification nearly 10 years ago, Whitehead has successfully treated horses, cattle and zoo animals. Acupuncture may be used to prompt healing or relieve pain and inflammation. […] Read more
Farm dogs require unique health care requirements due to lifestyle
Dogs are dogs. They all have the same basic genes, whether they are Great Danes or Dachshunds. They also have relatively similar anatomy, immune systems and metabolism. All dogs are susceptible to certain infections and conditions. But due to their lifestyle, farm dogs have some unique health and wellness considerations that differ from pampered city […] Read more
Firm focuses on cattle health
This is the fourth of five business features highlighting Saskatchewan companies that are finalists in the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership’s (STEP) 2018 Exporter of the Year Award. If sales growth is an accurate measure of a business’s success, then the Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd. (SCCL) has had about 13 million reasons to celebrate over […] Read more
Specialists ring alarm bells over nitrate levels in feed
Livestock producers are being warned after recent frosts put some feed at risk of having higher than normal levels
Beef and forage specialists are warning livestock producers to be on the alert about potentially high levels of nitrate in their feed. High levels of nitrate, which can cause death in animals, might be prevalent because of recent cold spells on the Prairies. Karin Lindquist, a beef and forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture, said the […] Read moreAlberta producers participate in animal welfare survey
More than 500 responses have been received so far for an animal welfare survey undertaken by Alberta Farm Animal Care, and responses are being solicited until Oct. 31. AFAC is doing the survey on behalf of the Alberta government and plans to submit an initial report by Dec. 31. A complete report is expected to […] Read more
Logo now available to identify sustainable beef
A new logo labelling Canadian beef as sustainably produced is like a seal of approval. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has released logos for producers and processors who meet environmental, economic and social requirements. However, consumer surveys testing the logo indicate most Canadians believe beef farmers are already producing beef responsibly and in a […] Read more
New high-tech hog barn has all the bells and whistles
A new 680-sow farrow-to-finish hog barn will begin to fill next week on the Wheatland Colony near Shackleton, Sask. The facility replaces a smaller barn and doubles the colony’s capacity. However, what really sets it apart is the technology within the barns, said Brad Gampe, western Canadian sales manager for Fast Genetics in Saskatoon, which […] Read more
Hog producers continue struggle; FCC loan assistance helpful
Hog prices might have regained some value in recent days, but many producers are still a long way from profitability, said George Matheson, chair of Manitoba Pork. That’s why lenders like Farm Credit Canada, that show they understand the needs of producers who are dependent on commodity markets, are appreciated, he said. “It’s good to […] Read more
Conditioning cows before winter important
Beef specialists say cattle producers still have a number of options available to get their animals in condition before winter strikes. Some cows might be thin this year, particularly in the southern parts of the Prairies, due to reduced pastures caused by dry conditions. To help get thinner cows back onto a good weight, farmers […] Read more
