Reading Time: 4 minutes Bullers are, fortunately, a rare, sporadic occurrence in western Canadian feedlots and backgrounding operations. When dealing with cases of steers mounting other steers, one must bear in mind the economic loss to the entire pen when frequent riding occurs. Because the incidence is so sporadic (one to six per cent in U.S. feedlots), no hard […] Read more
Factors which can contribute to bullers
Beef 911: Close observation and working with your vet on a customized plan is key to dealing with this problem
Funding available for beef sector in Alberta
The Livestock Welfare Delivery Agent Program promotes the use of best practices and technologies
Reading Time: < 1 minute Members of Alberta’s livestock sector can now apply for funding to promote the use of best practices and technologies that enhance productive capacity and maintain social licence for agri-food industries in the province. The Growing Forward 2 Livestock Welfare Delivery Agent Program is aimed at enhancing competitiveness in domestic and international markets by encouraging adaptability […] Read more
Tool puts traceability service providers on the map
Traceability Connects has more than 80 locations offering livestock traceability services in Alberta
Reading Time: 2 minutes Alberta livestock owners now have easier access to information and services for the livestock traceability system through a new interactive map called Traceability Connects. The map makes it easier for livestock producers to connect with traceability service providers, said Kelly Corbett, provincial traceability education co-ordinator “The tool identifies over 80 locations province-wide that offer a […] Read more
Everyone will benefit if calves are preconditioned, says vet
Preparing calves for the feedlot reduces antibiotic use and improves feed efficiency and animal health
Reading Time: 3 minutes While preconditioning your calves may not always put extra dollars in your pockets, it’s good for the health of the entire beef industry. That was the message from veterinarian Cody Creelman during a recent Beef Cattle Research Centre webinar. Preconditioning includes anything a producer does to a weaned calf that reduces shrink and chance of […] 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
Capturing value through livestock innovation
Livestock Gentec Conference being held Oct. 13-14 in Edmonton
Reading Time: < 1 minute Playing the Long Game: Capturing Value in Livestock Innovation is the theme of this year’s Livestock Gentec Conference. Presentations include a look at what’s possible in genetic improvement in commercial beef cattle and the U.K. experience in increasing value in the beef chain. There will also be a panel on sustainable beef production along with […] Read more
Biocontainment plan can be a lifesaver during a disease outbreak
The to-do list is a long one in a crisis — and it’s better to have it all set down in writing
Reading Time: 2 minutes No one wants an infectious animal disease outbreak on their farm — but every producer should be ready for one, says an expert on biocontainment plans. “When we get into crisis mode, we tend to forget the important steps and communications pieces that need to be there — by having it all documented ahead of […] Read more
Building the herd: The downside of strong cattle prices
Cattle prices are expected to remain strong into 2016, but what does that mean for replacement cattle next year?
Reading Time: 4 minutes Next year could see continued strong or even stronger cattle prices — and that’s a double-edged sword for producers who’ve reduced their herds this year and plan to buy replacements in 2016. Producers in prescribed drought regions who have reduced their breeding stock by at least 15 per cent can tap into the Federal Livestock […] Read more
How the pork sector survived the attack of a killer virus
PEDv decimated the U.S. hog herd, but Canada showed how to do biosecurity right
Reading Time: 4 minutes If you want expert advice on biosecurity, talk to a Canadian hog farmer — and cattle producers should probably do just that. The country’s outstanding record on controlling the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus has a host of lessons for the cattle sector, says a swine veterinarian who was deeply involved in Alberta’s battle against PEDv. […] Read more
Short on feed? You need a multi-pronged plan, says expert
Get your winter feed in place now, fatten up light cows, save your pastures, and talk to your neighbours
Reading Time: 4 minutes Faced with tight hay supplies and high feed prices, producers are naturally focused on how to feed their livestock over the winter — but they need a comprehensive plan, says a forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “If you don’t do a good job feeding these cows properly this winter it’s going to affect […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
