Livestock Management
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming part of everyday life very rapidly. From smart watches that track your sleep to apps on your smartphone that use artificial intelligence to provide information in seconds, AI is becoming more and more commonplace. My simplified understanding of AI is that this field of computer science is developing […] Read more
Livestock Management
Bison industry looks to build better genetics
Recent tools are helping the bison sector manage its genetic diversity
Glacier FarmMedia – When a cattle producer wants to diversify the herd, there are many breed choices. For bison producers, the pickings are slim. Canadian bison producers can draw from only two genetic wells: Wood bison and Plains bison. Efforts are ongoing to bolster biodiversity and protect some genetic lines. “Everyone assumed that there was […] Read more
Forage nurse crops get another look
Study finds establishing a forage stand without a nurse crop could result in stronger growth and increased production
Glacier FarmMedia – A project at the Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation in Roblin, Man., is studying the impact of different phosphorus rates and use of an oat nurse crop in establishing hay crops. The foundation and Ducks Unlimited Canada launched the study in June last year, aiming to identify best management practices for maximizing forage […] Read more
Beef cow, replacement heifer numbers suggest producers aren’t ready to grow herds: FCC
Total inventory decreased by two per cent year-over-year
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada’s beef cow and replacement herd was at its smallest since 1987 at the beginning of July, and FCC analysis suggests 2025 may not be the year for herd growth. Total inventory decreased by two per cent year-over-year, wrote FCC senior economists Justin Shepherd and Leigh Anderson on Sept. 11. Heifers intended […] Read more
CFIA cautions against taking cattle to U.S. shows as bird flu outbreak continues
Glacier FarmMedia – Canadian farmers are advised against taking cattle over the border to participate in U.S. agricultural exhibitions as outbreaks of avian influenza in American dairy cattle continue, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said. “While we understand the traditional and business significance of attending these events, the current HPAI situation in the U.S. […] Read more
Swelling under the jaw in cattle requires close attention
I recently dealt with a bovine case of swelling under the jaw, and it wasn’t what I expected. As a result, I would like to go through several things to look for when dealing with cases like this. Don’t assume anything. Look closely for clues and remember that treatment may be different in each case. […] Read more
Calves for Ukraine program to help with rebuilding effort
A second charity auction to assist the war-torn country will take place in October at an auction mart in Olds, Alta.
Glacier FarmMedia – A retired cattle producer from central Alberta is teaming up with a humanitarian organization for a Calves for Ukraine benefit auction, the second one he has held. The auction, organized by Al Rand in association with the Humanitarian Aid and Response Team (HART), will take place Oct. 22 at Olds Auction Mart. […] Read more
Drought preparation continues to be a priority
Water quality and forage decisions are key factors for producers to consider in areas where moisture remains scarce
Dry conditions remain a concern for many cattle producers, despite rain in some parts of the Prairies. At the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, researcher Bart Lardner and rancher Tara Mulhern-Davidson discussed ways to prepare for future drought years. “It’s a bit of a bleak topic,” said Mulhern-Davidson. “I would love to stand up here and […] Read more
Beef strategy measures sector’s gains
Recent update sums up the final years of Canada’s 2020-24 road map that was developed to guide the cattle industry
Glacier FarmMedia – Lower emissions, more exports and a more positive perception of the sector — those are a few of the wins the beef industry says it is celebrating from the last two years. The reported gains come from an update of the 2020-24 national beef strategy, a road map backed by seven major […] Read more
VIDEO: Equipment design for calmer cattle
Limiting sightlines and keeping cows balanced help keep them calm, farm show attendees hear
Glacier FarmMedia – Cattle handling equipment has evolved to take into better account ways to keep cattle calm. Related stories: The Latest News and Stories from Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show Controlling sightlines, incorporating rounded penning and keeping the animal stable on all four feet have driven design improvements in cattle handling systems, says Myron Wigness, […] Read more
