Reading Time: 3 minutes There’s no resolution in sight on the issue of checkoffs, even though beef industry groups say research and marketing will suffer if the levies aren’t increased. “We need to invest more in marketing, research, and issues management,” said Rich Smith, executive director of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP). “We simply believe we need a higher level […] Read more
Bid to boost beef checkoffs remains stalled
Beef researcher mentorships available
Application deadline is June 1
Reading Time: < 1 minute Applications for the 2016-17 Beef Cattle Research Council’s Beef Researcher Mentorship Program are now being accepted. Four researchers were selected for the program last year and paired with mentors — innovative producers and industry experts — for a one-year term, which ends on July 31. They have reported very successful and valuable experiences, including establishing […] Read more
When does it pay to preg check your cattle?
At current prices, feeding open cows a high-energy ration for 90 days is the smart financial move
Reading Time: 3 minutes According to the 2015 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey, 60 per cent of producers include pregnancy detection as part of their management strategy. That’s up from 49 per cent nearly two decades ago. But the question remains as to why 40 per cent of producers in Western Canada choose not to preg check their cows. Assuming […] Read more
Antibiotic resistance threat can’t be dismissed, say experts
Antibiotic use in cattle doesn’t appear to be a threat to human medicines, but their use must still be curbed
Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite intense scrutiny, there’s little evidence that antibiotic use in the cattle industry is increasing resistance to human medicines. But it could be causing increased resistance to antibiotics used to treat cattle, say two experts. There’s no question that using antibiotics increases the odds of bacteria becoming resistant, said Reynold Bergen, science director of the […] Read more
Nominations sought for outstanding researcher
Nominations will be accepted until May 1
Reading Time: < 1 minute Nominations are being sought for the Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. The award is presented by the Beef Cattle Research Council to recognize a researcher or scientist whose work has contributed to advancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry. Nominations are welcome from anyone in the beef […] Read more
The secret life of your cow’s reproductive system
Becoming adept at artificial insemination takes time and a lot of practice — here’s what you need to know
Reading Time: 4 minutes Many people are nervous about artificially inseminating their cattle. But knowing a few of the basics about a cow’s reproductive system can help get you on the way to creating an artificial insemination program, said Colin Palmer, associate professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. “The ultimate goal is […] Read more
AI could be a big bang for your buck for beef
The bull doesn’t charge for service, but he costs quite a bit to keep around when he isn’t working
Reading Time: 3 minutes It could make sense to skip the bull in a beef cattle operation, says an economist with the Western Beef Development Centre. “Natural-service breeding is still the most common. Probably some of the hesitancy is the feeling that it is more expensive to use fixed-time artificial insemination,” Kathy Larson said during a webinar hosted by […] Read more
New beef checkoff division in business
Reading Time: < 1 minute Melinda German is the new general manager of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency. This is a new position for the agency, which is best known for its marketing arm (Canada Beef) and its research division (Beef Cattle Research Council). German, who was the general manager of Manitoba Beef Producers, will head […] Read more
Beef nutrition expert honoured
Reading Time: < 1 minute Nutrition and management expert John McKinnon is the 2015 winner of the Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. The researcher and University of Saskatchewan professor was honoured for his “phenomenal contributions to advancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry,” said the Beef Cattle Research Council. McKinnon’s research focuses […] Read more
Beef producers, what’s on your mind?
Producer-run research organization looking for farmers’ suggestions on topics of interest
Reading Time: < 1 minute Keen to improve your management and profitability in 2016? The Beef Cattle Research Council wants to help. But the organization says it needs producers to tell it what topics interest them or would be most useful on their operation. “Feedback helps us deliver the information cow-calf producers, feedlots, veterinarians, meat packers and other industry players […] Read more
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