Livestock Management
Training method introduces animals slowly to unusual tastes and textures, then weeds are slipped into the mix
CECIL LAKE, B.C. — It was almost too good to be true. Tess Davidson’s sheep tucked into the thistles, licked up the lamb’s quarters and sucked up the stinging nettle. The sheep didn’t wipe out the weeds but they made a dent, and Davidson hopes they will eventually make weeds part of their daily diet […] Read more
Livestock Management
Canadian ranchers look to triple trade with Japan
WINNIPEG — Canadian beef exports to Japan could double or even triple if Canada is successful in signing onto the Trans-Pacific Partnership, according to an industry official. “We did a little over $100 million worth of beef exports to Japan last year, that’s with a 38.5 percent tariff,” said John Masswohl, director of government and […] Read more
Outdated computers leave Sask. traceability system lacking
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Eighteen months into its existence, Sask-atchewan’s brand inspection company is struggling with inadequate computer systems that make it difficult to invoice customers and take on new business. Cameron Wilk, chief executive officer of Livestock Services of Sask-atchewan Corp., said the system has been down for more than half of the 18 […] Read more
B.C. initiative helps fund regional climate change projects
MERRITT, B.C. — Variability is the norm for British Columbia’s climate, but farmers should be prepared for more extreme weather events. Helping them adapt is one of the duties of the B.C. Agriculture and Food Climate Action Initiative, which started in 2008. “Producers could not see a single solution to dealing with this problem,” said […] Read more
Preventing losses from IBR and BVDV
Infectious bovine viral rhinotracheitis and bovine virus diarrhea virus are two common cattle viruses that can cause infertility, reproductive loss, abortions and other problems within the cow-calf herd. The consequences of these infections in an unvaccinated herd can be devastating to a herd’s productivity. Canadian beef cow herds should be vaccinated for these viruses on […] Read more
Goat industry still small but gaining interest
RED DEER — The Canadian goat sector is quietly building demand and encouraging expansion. Those showing their purebreds at the Western National Dairy Goat show in Red Deer July 15 already know how easy it is to sell breeding stock, milk and cheese. If a farm is close to a large centre, the products practically […] Read more
Livestock Today-CME live cattle futures close mixed; hogs lower
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, Aug 5 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle settled mixed on Wednesday after investors bought the August contract and sold deferred months prompted by the morning’s wholesale beef price increase, traders said. Spot August futures closed 0.450 cent per pound higher at 148.675 cents, and October was down 0.025 cent […] Read more
Livestock Today – CME live cattle stretch rally into 4th straight day
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, Aug 4 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle barely eked out a four-day win streak after Tuesday’s choppy session, underpinned by anticipation of the same or better cash prices than a week ago, traders said. Spot-August futures closed 0.225 cent per pound higher at 148.225 cents, and October up 0.100 […] Read more
Livestock Today – Large supply drags down hog futures; cattle weak
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, July 31 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hogs closed lower on Friday as hefty supplies continued to pressure cash and wholesale pork values, traders and analysts said. August ended down 1.175 cents per lb at 78.500 cents, and October 1.975 cents lower at 63.725 cents. Market-ready, or cash, hogs in […] Read more
Sask. community pasture switches hands
The Govenlock pasture in southwestern Saskatchewan has been transferred from one federal ministry to another. In a news release earlier this week, Environment Canada announced it was taking over the pasture from Agriculture Canada. An official transfer date has not been announced and Environment Canada did not provide more information before Western Producer deadlines. It […] Read more
