Reading Time: 3 minutes More research and a new team approach in the beef sector is going to put money in the pockets of producers, says the chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council. “The collaboration in the industry is refreshing,” said Tim Oleksyn, a cow-calf producer from Shellbrook, Sask. “Actually, it’s more than refreshing. I think it’s the […] Read more
Cattle leader says the future looks bright
Tim Oleksyn says more research dollars and a national strategy will pay rich dividends for cattle producers
Concerns about hormones in beef fuelled by myths, says expert
Reynold Bergen says producers need to use facts to contest ‘myths’ about hormones used in cattle production
Reading Time: 3 minutes Fears about hormones in beef production are completely unwarranted, says the science director of the Beef Cattle Research Council. “There are no health risks associated with growth promotants, but producers spend a lot of time answering the public’s questions to explain the facts and dispel some of the myths,” Reynold Bergen said during a recent […] Read more
New national beef conference
Canadian Beef Industry Conference to be held Aug. 9-11 in Calgary
Reading Time: < 1 minute Canada’s beef cattle industry has joined forces to create the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. “The recently established National Beef Strategy has four pillars, one of which is connectivity,” said Rob Smith, a beef producer and CEO of the Canadian Angus Association. “This conference will allow everyone from industry leaders to smaller-scale producers to come together […] Read more
Pain control for cattle the new normal
The beef code of practice recommends pain control medication for procedures such as dehorning and castrating
Reading Time: 3 minutes Times are changing, and both growing social pressure and knowledge about animal welfare is making pain control part of the equation in cattle production. “Society expects it of us, and it’s part of that social licence to operate,” said John Campbell, a veterinarian and head of large-animal clinical sciences at the Western College of Veterinary […] Read more
Canada Beef’s annual report available
Reading Time: < 1 minute Canada Beef’s annual report is now available. The agency — whose formal name is the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency — collected nearly $7.7 million in checkoffs in the 2014-15 fiscal year, along with nearly $7 million in other funds, including $912,000 in import levies. In addition to market development, it […] Read more
Should you precondition your cattle?
Reading Time: 2 minutes While preconditioning makes sense from a health perspective, it’s far from standard practice. In fact, a western Canadian cow-calf survey found only nine per cent of producers preconditioned in 2013. And those who do typically have a clear financial incentive, said Canfax Research Services manager Brenna Grant. “Frequently, producers consider preconditioning when they have extra […] Read more
Albertans a big part of beef researcher mentorship project
Program connects up-and-coming applied researchers with beef sector
Reading Time: 2 minutes Several Albertans will be playing a key role in a Beef Cattle Research Council initiative that connects up-and-coming applied researchers with players in the beef sector. Four beef scientists were selected from applicants across the country for the 2015-16 edition of the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program, which had a successful pilot phase in 2014-15. Each is […] Read more
Drought management strategies for cattle
Reading Time: < 1 minute Whether in the form of pasture, stored forage, or supplements, feed is the largest variable input cost in cow-calf operations. A big challenge is to feed the cow in a way that meets her current and future nutritional requirements for maintenance, lactation, maintaining a successful pregnancy, giving birth and getting rebred within 80-85 days of […] Read more
Recent bison deaths in North Battleford due to anthrax, more suspected
Keep a close eye on your herd and contact your vet immediately if you suspect anthrax on your farm
Reading Time: 2 minutes With high temperatures and drought, cattle and bison are at a higher risk of anthrax. Two bison deaths northwest of North Battleford, Saskatchewan have recently been confirmed as caused by anthrax, and seven others are suspected. Producers are encouraged to keep a watchful eye and to refresh their memories on what to do when anthrax […] Read more
New beef cattle researcher award offered
For researchers involved in programs related to competitiveness and sustainability
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has introduced a new award that honours outstanding researchers for their contribution to the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry. The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation will publicly recognize scientists and academics actively involved in strong research programs aligned with industry priorities, continually […] Read more
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