Livestock Management
Using a full systems approach is helpful to pasture management because it looks at the environment and economics
This year’s Western Canadian Conference on Soil Health and Grazing takes place Dec. 10-12 in Edmonton. It’s theme: A path to resilience, healthy soil, plants, economics and people. As of late October, conference registration was 80 per cent sold. “We’ve seen a transition over the years. It’s partly like an evolution, I guess, through the […] Read more
Livestock Management
Research into beef quality slips off the menu
The industry says a lack of researchers in Canada with expertise in this area makes it difficult to study meat quality
WINNIPEG — The Beef Cattle Research Council spent $10.6 million on research projects in 2023-24. Of those funds, one per cent was allocated to research on beef quality. That seems like a small amount, considering beef quality is probably important for domestic consumers and countries that import Canadian beef. In comparison, the BCRC spent far […] Read more
Bull soundness exams a must before breeding
Pre-breeding evaluations assess semen quality, the bull’s desire to breed and include an overall physical exam
REGINA — There aren’t as many bulls on an operation as there are cows, but that doesn’t mean they need less management. After all, they account for half of a calf crop’s genetics. According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), there are three phases of bull management: pre-breeding or conditioning for about two months, […] Read more
High open rates deserve investigation
Glacier FarmMedia – Most Canadian cattle producers pregnancy-check their cows and heifers. According to the 2022-23 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey, 64 per cent preg-check their cows and 68 per cent do the same for heifers. That leaves more than 30 per cent who don’t check and there are several reasons why they should, says a veterinarian […] Read more
Feed analysis flags mycotoxin concerns
Corn silage likely has the highest risk profile although other annual feed crops also show increased DON and ZEA levels
Glacier FarmMedia – Manitoba Agriculture is urging producers to test their feed after a harvest analysis report flagged greater risk of mycotoxin contamination in corn silage. Early findings from the Alltech 2024 Canadian Harvest Analysis suggested plenty of variability in contamination levels across Canada, but there were particular concerns on corn silage quality, according to […] Read more
McDonald’s to pay for feed efficient corn use
Glacier FarmMedia – A partnership between McDonald’s and Syngenta, which will start in the U.S., will pay beef producers to use corn expected to improve the feed efficiency of cattle. Syngenta’s Enogen trait produces corn that contains more alpha-amylase enzyme, creating more efficient breakdown of starch to sugars. Enogen corn feed is about five per […] Read more
Agribition 2024: Genetics line dominates Angus sale at Regina show
The All Star Angus Sale was the strongest at Canadian Western Agribition this year, although other breeds also did well
REGINA — The high-selling lot at Canadian Western Agribition wasn’t in the ring during the All Star Angus Sale last week. However, Bar E-L Erica 74A’s reputation, particularly at Agribition, is so strong she didn’t have to be there for the right to flush her to top the sale. Grand River Angus, from Grand Rapids, […] Read more
Agribition posts another successful run this year
Organizers say attendance at the country's largest livestock show was likely a record, while sales were strong
REGINA — Much was made of the weather heading into Canadian Western Agribition last week, but in the end, snow and cold did not keep the crowds away. Early numbers indicated record attendance for the six-day event even as temperatures dipped to -30 C at times. Last year, 142,807 people came through the gates, which […] Read more
Agribition 2024: Sask. cowboy makes waves in bullfighting and ranch rodeo
For Cassidy Cairns, Canadian Western Agribition provided him with many opportunities. Cairns is 21 and was born and raised near Maryfield, Sask. Now he lives in Oxbow, Sask., and works on a ranch. When he’s not working, though, he’s pursuing two of his passions: bullfighting and ranch rodeo. While these two things may seem chaotic […] Read more
Agribition 2024: Sheep Shearing Demo helps raise awareness of sheep welfare
With the demo and the Q&As, the public are able to learn why shearing sheep is important for the animal's health
Children, parents and grandparents packed into the bleachers — and stood around the edges — during at sheep shearing demonstration at Canadian Western Agribition. Jason Struck, one of the few professional sheep shearers in Saskatchewan, performed the demonstration, showing the crowd the proper way to handle the sheep, positions for shearing and how to hold […] Read more
