Livestock ManagementYoung producers vie for scholarships, prize money at livestock show
Cole McMahon may be the standard for the next generation of farmer. He will be educated and he will be adaptable. He may grow grain, raise livestock or do both. Raised on a grain farm at Galahad, Alta., the 18-year-old is off to the University of Saskatchewan this fall to study agribusiness. “The University of […] Read more
Livestock Management
Champion steer leads way for cattle career
Simmental keeps racking up wins
Dakota Townsend has been a scene-stealer since she was a toddler leading her parents’ llamas across a stage as an auctioneer encouraged the crowd to offer five figure bids. Now she is striking out on her own with Rock Star Cattle Co., where she is building a herd of Simmentals that reside with her family’s […] Read more
Drought conditions make sulfate toxicity more likely in cattle
As prairie farmers deal with drought conditions this summer, the water quality that cattle consume may also be affected. Sulfate is a common mineral component that is present at some level in most water sources as well as in many feeds. However, during a drought, water that may have been acceptable for animal consumption may […] Read more
Young auctioneer makes his mark
Ryan Konynenbelt claims to have sold everything from emus to plants to cattle, and he has enjoyed every minute of it. At 18, the Nobleford, Alta., native is probably the youngest person ever to enter the Calgary Stampede’s North American international livestock auctioneer competition. Three days of trials before some of the most experienced auctioneers […] Read more
Girl takes on heavy horses
Halley Ruzicka is a third generation heavy horse exhibitor who can be seen driving the gentle giants or catching up on homework at the family’s stalls. The 14-year-old from Viking, Alta., won the youth aggregate award at the Calgary Stampede heavy horse show after excelling at grooming, showmanship, decorations and driving. “I grew up around […] Read more
Settlement reached in XL beef recall case
A $4 million settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against XL Foods following Canada’s largest ever beef recall. A hearing will be held this fall in Edmonton to approve the settlement, said Linda Visser of Siskinds LLP in London, Ont. The law firm represents anyone harmed in connection with the recall of […] Read more
INSIGHT-China meat smuggling crackdown stokes risky underground trade
By Adam Jourdan and Clare Baldwin SHANGHAI/HONG KONG, July 16 (Reuters) – On a dusty industrial lot in northern Hong Kong, a group of travellers sheltered in the shade away from the pressing July heat, packing old cloth bags and backpacks with Styrofoam to protect a more precious cargo: smuggled meat. Crowded amid the warehouses […] Read more
Lower cash-price sentiment weakens CME live cattle futures
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, July 15 (Reuters) – After gaining for the first time in five days on Tuesday, Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures resumed their downward trend on Wednesday, pressured by expectations for lower cash prices this week, traders said. August closed 0.125 cent per pound lower at 147.025 cents, and October down […] Read more
Beef price upswing snaps CME cattle losing skid; hogs higher
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, July 14 (Reuters) – For the first time in five sessions Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures landed in positive territory on Tuesday, helped by the turnaround in wholesale beef values, traders said. August closed 0.550 cent per pound higher at 147.150 cents, and October up 0.600 cent lower to 150.325 […] Read more
Weaker beef and cash market push CME cattle lower
CHICAGO, July 10 (Reuters) – A selloff of Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures carried over into the third straight session on Friday, pressured by diminished seasonal beef demand and sentiment that cash prices may have topped out, traders said. August closed down 1.000 cent per pound at 147.475 cents, and October fell 1.375 cents […] Read more
