Two newborn calves lay in straw bedding near their mothers.

Improvements flagged for Manitoba beef sector

National cow-calf survey suggests a shorter breeding season, wider vaccination, increased feed testing and more use of implants are the province’s low-hanging fruit for bolstering farm performance

Shortening the breeding season, higher vaccine uptake, regular feed testing and more use of implants are all ways that Manitoba cattle producers can improve the health and profitability of their herds.

Young calves play in a pasture.

Benchmarks indicate healthy calves

Cattle producers can prepare their new calf crop for success by closely watching a number of indicators of good health

With calving season in full swing, ensuring calves are primed to thrive is top of mind.

Cow and calf, the latter now registered as GAC Mr. Miracle, are doing well after a wild night both were lucky to survive.  |  Chris Paulencu photo

Calving drama deemed farm miracle

A rare act of science plus expert cattle handling help save a calf and its mother against the odds on a central Alberta farm

Calving season can be a stressful and dramatic time on the ranch. There’s a lot of new life but there is often death as well. Every once in a while, however, something happens that seems like a miracle. Just ask Chris Paulencu with Green Acres Cattle Company, a seedstock operation in central Alberta’s Lamont County. […] Read more


A bit of preparation can make calving season go a lot more smoothly for animal and producer alike.  |  File photo

Preparation key to smoother calving

Checklists and making sure equipment is ready to use can make it easier for producers to navigate a stressful season

Glacier FarmMedia – Calving can be stressful for both people and animals. Preparation far in advance is one way producers can better ensure success for a safe and productive calving season. “Some of that preparedness starts well before calving season, if you think about herd health programs or nutrition, or making sure cows are in […] Read more

An abnormally warm winter may leave cows in less-than-ideal condition when it’s time for them to calve.  |  File photo

Calving season may suffer drought hangover

Covering the basics of calf care will be especially important for cattle producers if dry conditions continue into spring

MEDICINE HAT — There’s a small measure of relief from dryness heading into spring calving season, but an abnormally warm winter may leave cows in less-than-ideal condition. Dr. Krista Dayman of Badlands Veterinarian Service said cow body condition is a concern in areas where feed and water may have been tough to access. “Colostrum intake […] Read more