U.S. dairy producers are reporting high onset of and high morbidity from Texas Agalactiae Syndrome, with confirmed cases in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico. Lactating cows are considered particularly vulnerable.

Dairy farmers urged to be on lookout for U.S. disease
Older, lactating cattle more likely to be severely impacted, effected farmers say

Kansas beef plant shuts down after fire
National Beef Packing Company, one of four major U.S. beef processors, said it suspended production at its Liberal, Kansas, plant for a second day on Friday, after a fire.

Veterinary association calls on federal government to address workforce shortage
National testing centre is needed to onboard internationally-trained vets, CVMA says
An organization representing Canadian veterinarians is calling for the federal government to intervene as it faces what it calls a severe workforce shortage.

Preparation is key to smoother calving season
Making checklists, preparing equipment can help producers navigate stressful season
Reading Time: 4 minutes 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 good shape coming […] Read more

Klassen: Feeder market adjusts to lower supplies
Western Canadian prices for backgrounded replacements were $2 to $4 higher than last week. Lower flesh yearlings were valued $3 to $8 above week-ago levels. Prices for calves under 800 pounds were up $3 to $7 compared to seven days earlier with noted strength in feeders under 600 pounds.

Farmers, oil drillers in parched Alberta brace for water shortage
Drought could cause double-digit declines in Alberta's wheat yields, data suggests
Drought in Alberta is stretching into its fourth year and farmers and oil companies are planning for water restrictions that threaten production of wheat, beef and crude.

U.S. livestock: CME live cattle reach 5-month peak, end lower in technical setback
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures ended lower on Thursday in a technical and profit-taking setback after rising to five-month highs on firm cash cattle prices, traders said.

Livestock sector raises issue with new traceability reporting times
CFIA update will also bring goats, farmed deer and elk under traceability
Reading Time: 3 minutes Glacier FarmMedia – An online consultation on livestock traceability came back with widespread support for the general premise — and concerns about tighter timelines for reporting and tag retention. Last year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency unveiled proposed changes to Canada’s national livestock traceability rules, including a shorter window in which producers are to report […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures extend rally on cash market hopes; hogs lower
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) cattle futures extended their rally on Wednesday, as market hopes for continued gains in the cash market gave prices a strong boost, market analysts said.

The importance of pairing up at calving
A little extra effort to foster mothering can pay big dividends
Reading Time: 3 minutes Glacier FarmMedia – Calving season always comes with anticipation about the incoming calf crop, and great cow-calf managers have tips that help them save more calves and improve productivity . For the spring calver, great observation skills combined with the ability to go the extra mile will generally be rewarded. It pays to check for […] Read more