Livestock Management
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Sask-atchewan cattle producers do not agree on whether to change their position regarding farmland ownership. One resolution at the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual meeting suggested institutional investors and non-Canadian entities should be restricted from buying agricultural land, as originally intended by the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act. Another recommended the SSGA […] Read more
Livestock Management
Producer input on land ownership urged
Study looks at role antimicrobials play
Feeding antimicrobials to increase cattle growth may not be as effective as previously thought. Their use in commercial cattle feeding has come under scrutiny as concerns widen about development of antibiotic-resistance bacteria. Antimicrobials are commonly given to feedlot animals as a safeguard against illness. However, a growth promotion effect is thought to be an additional […] Read more
Reduce hog load sizes when weather warms up
Transporting pigs in hot weather hasn’t been much of an issue this year, but at some point it will be necessary. Bill Rempel, vice-president of operations for Steve’s Livestock, cautioned hog producers June 18 to cut back on load sizes if pigs must be shipped when it’s hot. Rempel said drivers in his company are […] Read more
Weather, inadequate colostrum among factors for pneumonia in calves
Pneumonia is often considered to be a disease of weaned calves in the feedlot, and that is the most common presentation of the disease in cattle. However, nursing calves on pasture can also be severely affected by pneumonia outbreaks. The disease is sometimes known as “summer pneumonia” or “enzootic pneumonia.” It can affect calves as […] Read more
Farm groups eager to get ear of new ag minister
EDMONTON — Farm groups that are used to being invited to the party are still finding their feet in the dance with the new Alberta government. Alberta Beef Producers members had a 45-minute introductory meeting June 11 with Oneil Carlier, the province’s new agriculture minister. “It was a first meeting conversation,” said ABP chair Greg […] Read more
Don’t get lax on biosecurity, warns expert
It can cost $300 to $850 to thoroughly wash, disinfect, rinse and dry a truck and trailer used for hauling pigs. It’s a hefty price, but that isn’t the biggest worry for Bill Rempel, vice-president of operations for Steve’s Livestock. He worries instead about complacency that might allow porcine epidemic diarrhea virus to invade hog […] Read more
CME live cattle futures turn back early selling; hogs down
By Theopolis Waters CHICAGO, June 22 (Reuters) – Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures closed higher on Monday, reversing initial weakness helped by short-covering and the morning’s wholesale beef price bounce, traders said. June closed up 0.550 cents per pound at 152.450 cents, and August 1.225 cents higher at 151.900 cents. Monday morning’s wholesale Choice […] Read more
Sask. cattle, hog producers support premises ID database
The new online system is voluntary but producers are already registering
SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Saskatchewan has launched a voluntary online premises identification database. Agriculture minister Lyle Stewart said premises ID, a location identifier, is an important safeguard for the livestock sector if it has to manage a disease outbreak or a natural disaster that affects livestock. He said 1,400 cattle producers have already registered, as […] Read moreCME live cattle futures down for a sixth straight day
CHICAGO (Reuters) — Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures lost ground for a sixth straight session on Thursday, pressured by cash price caution for this week, traders said. June closed down 1.525 cents per pound to US 150.425 cents and August 1.300 cents lower at 149.350 cents. Market ready, or cash, cattle bids in the […] Read more
ABP defends committee changes
Allowing staff to make daily decisions will allow delegates to better focus their efforts: official
EDMONTON — Alberta’s main cattle organization is in danger of losing its grassroots voice after eliminating committees and allowing staff to make all of the decisions, says a beef producer. As part of its reorganization, Alberta Beef Producers has eliminated two committees ,changed other forums and working groups and handed more decision-making authority to staff. […] Read more
