Livestock
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Milk is now accepting applications for the New Entrant Assistance Program (NEAP), which offers a quota loan at no cost to qualified new farmers. New this year is the ability for those accepted to use loaned quota as security with financial institutions. To date, 22 farms have started under the program, said Alberta Milk […] Read more
Alberta Milk’s new-entrant program now open
Applications close on March 31
U.S. livestock: Hogs set contract high on strong demand, lighter weights
CME cattle futures close lower
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. lean hog futures on Wednesday reached a contract high for the second consecutive day on strong demand and a decline in farm animal weights, analysts said. Average hog weights have declined as processors have cleared a backlog of hogs on farms that began last spring when COVID-19 outbreaks temporarily shut […] Read more
What to do when the expiry date has passed
Beef 911: While there are some grey areas, products have an expiry date for a good reason
Reading Time: 3 minutes We as veterinarians and you as producers run into many questions in our careers regarding whether we can or cannot use expired medications in cattle production. Veterinary clinics cannot sell product that has been expired, so if you see that a product has expired, simply take it back as a mistake has been made. In […] Read more
The cause of lameness in cattle isn’t always straightforward
One of every two dozen animals are diagnosed with lameness, but you can lower that number
Reading Time: 3 minutes Not all lameness is caused by foot rot so getting a proper diagnosis is the key to determining the appropriate treatment and management. Lameness can affect any type of cattle including feedlot animals, breeding bulls, range cows, or animals confined to a corral. It limits an animal’s interest in eating, drinking, or breeding, resulting in […] Read more
A tough year could usher in a brighter future for the bison sector
The pandemic was a big hit for bison producers but it’s also opened up new opportunities
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s been a tough 10 months, but there are promising new opportunities ahead for bison producers, says the organization that represents them. “There are stormy waters at the present time, but the long-term future for the bison industry is very bright,” said Terry Kremeniuk, executive director of the Canadian Bison Association. “The pandemic and a […] Read more
U.S. livestock: CME lean hog futures hit contract high
Cattle futures up on domestic, export demand for beef
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. lean hog futures surged to a contract high on strong demand and technical buying on Tuesday, while cattle futures also advanced, analysts said. Chicago Mercantile Exchange April lean hog futures settled up 2.575 cents at 78.075 cents/lb. (all figures US$). The contract traded up to 78.225 cents, topping a previous […] Read more
Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program enters 12th year
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Cattlemen’s Young Leaders mentorship program is also accepting applications until the end of March. The program has seen more than 120 young people aged 18 to 35 paired with a mentor to help advance their careers in their specific area of interest in the beef cattle sector. Participants also receive $2,000 to use towards […] Read more
Slimmed-down Alberta Beef Producers announces election results
Cattle organization has reduced the number of delegates but five positions are still open
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta Beef Producers’ first election for its slimmed-down delegate body is over — but the group of producers’ representatives is a little smaller than hoped. Thirty producers — five shy of the allotted number — were either elected or acclaimed during recent elections (with members of the farm group either voting online or by mail-in […] Read more
Canadian feed-grade dairy product class expanded
Buttermilk products now qualify for 4(m) permit price
A dairy product class set up to boost markets for solids non-fat (SNF), by boosting their use in animal feed such as milk replacer, has been expanded to include more products. The Canadian Dairy Commission announced Monday that its 4(m) milk class has been updated to allow dairy processors to get the 4(m) permit price […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market bounces on optimistic outlook
Feed barley remains near historical highs
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices traded $2-$4 higher; prices for mid-weight calves were quoted $4-$8 above week-ago levels. Calves under 550 lbs. traded $6 to as much as $10 higher compared to seven days earlier. Improving feedlot margins were the main factor driving the feeder market. June and August live cattle futures […] Read more
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