Livestock Management
Glacier FarmMedia – A third U.S. dairy worker tested positive for bird flu after exposure to infected cows, and was the first to suffer respiratory problems, U.S. officials said on Thursday. The infection was the second human case in Michigan, which has confirmed more cases of bird flu in dairy cattle than any other state. […] Read more
Livestock Management
TFW changes frustrate red meat sector
WINNIPEG — Livestock groups and meat processors say the federal government and its response to the housing shortage is harming Canada’s red meat industry. In a joint statement released May 29, the Canadian Meat Council, the Canadian Cattle Association, the National Cattle Feeders’ Association and the Canadian Pork Council asked the feds to restore the […] Read more
VIDEO: Myths swirl around livestock sector
If animal nutritionists don’t want to see their industry ravaged by misperceptions and misinformation, they might need to embrace what is an uncomfortable place for most of them, says a leading British nutritionist. If they can’t engage with the public on issues about feed’s and livestock’s effects on climate change and environmental degradation, then the […] Read more
Grazing prospects improve
The grazing season has had some memorably bad starts in recent years, but 2024 promises to break the cycle across much of the Prairies. “This is the best start we’ve had for a year for a long time,” said Graeme Finn, founder of Union Forage and rancher near Crossfield, Alta. “These pastures now are looking […] Read more
When to butcher a downer animal not an easy decision
There are many decisions in either feedlot, cow-calf or backgrounder situations where timely decisions have to be made regarding whether to treat, harvest or euthanize. I am hoping this article, by citing a few examples, may make this clearer. Producers don’t need to make these decisions alone. Modern communications such as cellphone cameras, videos in […] Read more
Native plants can help tell a pasture’s story
These plants can reveal the history of land disturbances and soil quality and indicate how to best manage the range
Glacier FarmMedia – Southwest of Calgary, as the jagged peaks of the Rockies level out to the Prairies, rough fescue grows in dense tufts. This native plant is Alberta’s provincial grass and a tasty meal for livestock in the fall and winter. Saskatchewan’s provincial grass is needle-and-thread grass, named after its sharp seed tip and […] Read more
Watch water quality this summer
Low winter snowfall, low rainfall, heat and water use all play a role in heightening producers’ concern for dugout quality
Glacier FarmMedia – On the Canadian Prairies, a green Christmas doesn’t exist. However, a brown Christmas sure did in 2023, thanks to El Niño. Snow was scarce on the Prairies earlier this winter, with temperatures rarely falling below -20 C, or even -10 C. With a drought stretching through multiple years, the dry winter is […] Read more
New program focuses on data literacy for cow-calf producers
Case studies and mentoring will help give farm data decision-making power
A project to increase the use of data in cow-calf operation decision-making has brought together organizations and researchers from across the sector. The Data Literacy for Cow-Calf Producers project aims to give farmers and ranchers the chance to discuss best practices and learn from experts and peers about how to use data to make better […] Read more
Sustainability demands pressure livestock feed industry
Those attending recent conference were challenged to take micro-nutrient impact, efficiency and waste more seriously
Farmers and the animal nutrition industry need to understand that feeding livestock today requires thinking about what comes out of an animal as much as what goes in, according to many at the Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada. Demands around the world to restrict greenhouse gas and nutrient emissions from all forms of livestock mean […] Read more
Pasture outlook seen as ‘cautiously optimistic’
Agronomists urge cattle producers to practise patience when they are tempted to graze immature pastures this spring
The grazing season has had some memorably bad starts in recent years, but 2024 won’t likely be one of them. Producers had a better feed buffer last fall. In 2022, for example, turnout was hindered by the double whammy of a cold, wet spring and the lingering impacts of the 2021 drought on feed supplies […] Read more
