Livestock Management
Calves have white DairyTrace tags rather than CCIA yellow tags. Does that make a difference at auction?
Western Canada’s dairy producers are taking a pass on a study to see if their industry-required ear tags are disadvantaging beef-cross calves at market. The now cancelled study hoped to examine whether beef-on-dairy calves, which are given white DairyTrace tags even if they’re bound for beef, would draw lower prices than calves with yellow beef […] Read more
Livestock Management
Castration via banding is gaining popularity and safety
The first castration banders were likely developed to replace knife or scalpel castration. They were easy to use and eliminated the complications of infections and blood loss. Castration with a knife or scalpel is harder to master and animal welfare issues must be considered. Banders have been around for a while and I recently saw […] Read more
Horses’ complex sinuses make them susceptible to disease
The head of a horse contains a shockingly small brain. There is far more space dedicated to teeth, a muscular tongue, long nasal passages and the sinuses. The massive, complex sinuses in horses are prone to disease. Sinuses are like a series of interconnected caves that occupy the front and sides of the face in […] Read more
Agribition action – photo essay
Rodeo action provided thrills, chills and spills at The Canadian Western Agribition in Regina last week. | John Greig photos You can find all our Agribition 2024 coverage here.
Agribition 2024: Ontario cow grand champion female in Shorthorn show
The top bull award in the Shorthorn show went to a Saskatchewan exhibitor
An Ontario cow was named the grand champion of the Shorthorn show at this year’s Canadian Western Agribition. Hill Haven Lilly’s Dream 7G was named grand champion, with her calf at side, a heifer, Hill Haven Lily’s Harmony 5M. Lilly’s Dream was exhibited by Hill Haven Farm of Stayner, Ont., with additional owners Little Cedar […] Read more
Agribition 2024: Feed-efficient Herefords a good choice, says judge
Cow-calf pairs claim top female spots at the National Hereford Show
Two cows with calves at their side were the grand and reserve champion females of Canadian Western Agribition’s National Hereford Show. Haroldson’s Marvel 7437 ET 39K, shown by River Valley Polled Herefords from Newburgh, Ont., was the grand champion and was exhibited with her male calf, RVP 0016 Maximus 200M, at her side. Marvel was […] Read more
Agribition 2024: Two breeds reign supreme
REGINA — Twenty-five years in, and the anticipation and excitement of the Beef Supreme at Canadian Western Agribition still thrills. The show announcer describes the event that brings together champions from 15 shows as the Grey Cup, Super Bowl and World Series all in one, and for the competitors it is that big. Tracey Willms […] Read more
Agribition 2024: Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship grows ag industry
The program offers opportunities and resources to those looking to build their ag careers
For those who are great at giving advice or are looking to nurture their career, the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship program is a good place to start. The 18-month program was started by Canadian Western Agribition in 2019 with a goal of creating community and strengthening industry connections. It has created eight mentee-mentor pairs each […] Read more
Agribition 2024: New Charolais breeders jump headfirst into show ring
When Tyler Blanchette’s three children, Bennett, Briar and Briggs, developed a love for showing cattle, he did the only thing he could — he started a herd of purebred Charolais. “The kids were involved in 4-H and they were looking to become a little bit more competitive, which led us to the Charolais breed,” Tyler […] Read more
Low cow herd pregnancy rates should be investigated
Many producers have finished or will soon finish pregnancy testing their cattle herds this fall. Anecdotally, it seems pregnancy rates are improved compared to the last few years, when many areas were affected by drought, and poor-quality feed affected body condition and pregnancy rates. This year it seems many herds have returned to normal levels […] Read more
