Livestock Management
New study finds that intensifying cattle operations has less impact on the environment than starting new elsewhere
A new study by the Breakthrough Institute shows that location of beef production operations can have a significant impact on the carbon footprint of the sector. Intensifying production where it makes most sense has the lowest impact, according to the study, and supports research showing that grain-finished beef has a lower carbon impact than grass-finished […] Read more
Livestock Management
Time, costs limit rotational grazing adoption
There are many terms related to the practice, which a researcher says should be standardized to improve consistency
Cost and lack of knowledge are two of the biggest barriers to rotational grazing, according to preliminary data studied by Brook McWherter, a natural resource scientist at Dalhousie University. Time commitment and/or access to labour, as well as available acreage, were also noted as barriers by Farm Resilience Mentorship Program (FaRM) participants. The study aims […] Read more
Livestock eye monitor can help producers predict illness
A Canadian company plans to soon release a monitoring device that can be used by both large and small producers
A Calgary company aims to bring remote monitoring to cattle for early detection of illness. HerdWhistle is releasing new products in 2024, aiming to reduce labour for producers and increase the capacity to identify illness. Jack Behan, CEO of HerdWhistle, says the new product known as the BigEye can tell if an animal is sick […] Read more
Calving distribution could help address open rate riddle
There have been lots of anecdotal reports this year about exceptionally high open rates in beef cow herds at pregnancy checking time. I’ve spoken to many producers and veterinarians across Western Canada who describe open rates of 20 percent or higher. This is distressing for anyone who experiences it, and nothing can be done now […] Read more
Report gives beef sustainability high marks
CALGARY – A report tracking the Canadian beef industry’s progress on sustainability says the sector has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent for each kilogram of boneless and consumed beef between 2014 and 2021. The second National Beef and Sustainability and Assessment and Strategy Report was released today by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable […] Read more
Uncertainty looms for hog sector in the wake of Prop 12
The impacts of a California animal welfare law that took full effect on the first day of 2024 are already being felt, according to Manitoba Pork general manager Cam Dahl. “Yes, Jan. 1 was a deadline but, in truth, Proposition 12 has been enforced since July,” he said. Proposition 12, or Prop 12, is a […] Read more
Manitoba crown land regulations take effect
New measures take forage capacity into account, allow farmers to add five years to their terms and address lease transfers
The Manitoba Crown Land Leaseholders Association says the province’s new regulations are a welcome step and more is needed. “We’re still holding out for the promises that were made by the premier and (agriculture) minister during the election,” said president Brent Benson. On Jan. 2, the province announced that changes to the system were officially […] Read more
Sask. hosts virtual fence pilot project
The technology will mostly be tested in a forested lease and producers want to see how it will work with rotational grazing
A Saskatchewan rancher is ready to test virtual fencing on a large scale in tough conditions. John and Deanne Chuiko own and operate CJ Ranching near St. Walburg, Sask. They have about 400 cow-calf pairs and 400 yearlings. A pillar of their operation is holistic management and rotational grazing and their forested land lease. The […] Read more
Genetic tool recognized for reducing emissions
Companies receive climate action award for their work in helping develop a way to select cattle that produce less methane
CALGARY — Canadian research that sparked the world’s first official genetic evaluation program to help dairy farmers reduce methane emissions from Holstein cattle without harming milk production has earned an international award for climate action. “The award has been a real team effort, and it’s something that didn’t just come by chance,” said Filippo Miglior, […] Read more
Thoughts on global warming, methane emissions, cattle
It is interesting that a specific topic — like global warming — can become all encompassing. Before we know it, deadlines are established and parameters are set, even with a one-sided view of the whole situation. Ruminants have been targeted in the global warming realm because of their methane production, which is a byproduct of […] Read more
