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Cattleman’s Corner

Mixing it up — benefits of crossbred bulls
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Mixing it up — benefits of crossbred bulls

Hybrid bulls are a good way to achieve several improved performance parameters

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It’s common knowledge that crossbreeding produces heterosis — the hybrid vigour with qualities superior to those of both parents. Crossbreeding is often reserved for females in the herd, but more producers are looking at the males to identify potential benefits and profit opportunities. Breeding sires not fitting the purebred slot are considered hybrids or composites. […] Read more
The backlog of market-ready cattle should be cleaned up by late April.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Consumer beef demand will increase by late fall

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Overall market fundamentals appear to be improving

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In mid-March, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $148 to $149 FOB the feedlot, which was down $2 to $3 from the February average. The fed cattle market appears to be in a transition stage. Fed cattle and beef supplies will tighten in the last half of the year. Beef demand […] Read more
Newborn calves are born with virtually no immunity of their own.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Tips for getting calves up and going

Great calving season advice from the Beef Cattle Research Council

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Calving is a natural process. Most cows give birth to a healthy calf and everything goes as planned. However, there are times when things go wrong. Perhaps there is a malpresentation, such as a backwards arrival, or the calf’s foot is back. In some cases, calves may not take their first breath after a difficult […] Read more
Erin and Paul Kernaleguen have found that a change in forage production practices on their Saskatchewan farm has helped to reduce costs and benefit dairy production.
Cattleman’s Corner, Dairy Cattle, Forages

Dairy farmers see multiple benefits from forage blends

Input costs have been reduced and more acres returned to crop production

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Dairy farmers Paul and Erin Kernaleguen near Birch Hills, Sask. say they’re convinced about the value of regenerative farming practices in growing forage crops for their cattle. They farm with Paul’s parents, Jos and Brenda Kernaleugen. “We were a conventional operation until 2012 when we started looking at doing things differently,” Paul says. “Our average […] Read more
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

The new normal in livestock feed biosecurity

Disease risk in imported feeds needs to be taken seriously

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New research is showing that animal feed can carry major animal disease including African Swine Fever (ASF), says Scott Dee, veterinarian and director of applied research for Minnesota-based Pipestone Veterinary Services. In a presentation to hog producers at the Banff Pork Seminar earlier this winter, Dee gave an update on a rapidly changing world of […] Read more
Even small changes in production practices is doing your part toward environmental sustainability.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Eco-anxiety and why it matters on the farm

Working toward positive solutions is important to the future of our farms and ranches

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According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Eco-anxiety (EA) is defined as a “deep fear of environmental doom and human catastrophe.” EA can bring on the same symptoms as the more familiar types of anxiety such as panic attacks, sleeplessness and depression. So how does this matter to your farm or ranch? Firstly, you may […] Read more
This Montana beef producers aims to find a balance between heifer age and growth as they are managed toward puberty. They need size, but he doesn’t want them fat.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Tips on growing replacement heifers

Keep them growing with a good plane of nutrition, but don’t get them fat

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Developing a set of good heifers is the goal of everyone raising their own replacements. Success depends on many factors, including age at puberty, herd health, a proper vaccination program, parasite control and nutrition. Fertility and age at puberty are heritable but also influenced by nutrition. Heifers need optimal nutrition for growth and development, including […] Read more
A few more thoughts on the barley market
Cattleman’s Corner, Feed markets, Markets

A few more thoughts on the barley market

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Price good for barley growers, feeders aren't so thrilled

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Over the past month I’ve received many inquiries about the market outlook for feed grains, especially barley. Earlier in winter, I provided an overview of the fundamentals. Canadian barley stocks at the end of the 2020/21 crop year have potential to drop to historical lows due to the increase in export and domestic demand. China […] Read more
As programs that pay for carbon storage evolve, payments to farms and ranches may be tied to sustainability initiatives such as protection of wildlife habitat and conservation easements.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Where are we at with carbon credits?

Returns are limited at the moment but stay tuned, as programs are emerging

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Carbon is one of the biggest topics of our day and it’s poised to increase in importance. It presents both an opportunity and a significant risk to agricultural production. Given this, it is probably a good idea for us to have at least a basic understanding of what carbon does and why is it important. […] Read more

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