Technology Is Key….

The pork industry has an outstanding record of improving efficiency and lean yield, but it needs a better plan to match emerging technologies with business goals that are in tune with a changing society, says an industry leader. “Is the pork industry prepared for the future?” John Webb asked his audience at the 2011 Banff […] Read more

Cattle Prices At Historic Highs

Fed cattle prices reached historical highs in January on strong domestic and export demand. U.S. and Canadian beef production during 2010 actually exceeded 2009 and this year over year increase will continue through the first quarter of 2011. Larger placements in the fall period will cause market ready supplies to increase later in spring. However, […] Read more


Year Got Off To A Cold Start

DECEMBER 21 Last week we had several snowstorms and nine more inches of snow. Lynn went up the creek with Andrea and Rick to cut Christmas trees, and hiked through nearly two feet of snow to get to the trees. During a stretch of slightly warmer weather he got two tractors started, and moved them […] Read more

Protecting The Fetus Against BVD

Much research lately has gone into new and improved BVD vaccines to protect the pregnant cow and her developing fetus. We know it is best to protect the fetus with vaccination before breeding. That is so the cow has maximum protection throughout her pregnancy. An unprotected cow exposed to the BVD virus during pregnancy will […] Read more


Prepare For Successful Calving

Calving season sure has changed on the typical western cow-calf operation. Some cow herds start dropping their first calf at the beginning of February, while others have their beef cows freshen well into April, even into May. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the need for good nutritional preparation in the crucial […] Read more

Managed Grazing Reduces Costs

As livestock producers look to maximise productivity on their existing land base, more and more are turning to management intensive grazing systems (MIG) to help them. “What we have done in the past is managed for production,” says Rob Davidson, who has practised MIG on his farm near Creston, B.C. for the past 25 years. […] Read more


Don’t Cut Corners On Electric Fencing

When you build an electric fencing system it’s important to do it right the first time, says a B.C. producer and fencing specialist. “Electric fence has been around for years but has often been very poorly installed and with poor equipment and so it’s not very effective,” says Rob Davidson, a sales representative for PowerFlex […] Read more



Innovative MB Graziers Honoured

Three Manitoba beef producers who have demonstrated excellence in the development and implementation of grazing systems were recently recognized for their achievements at the Manitoba Grazing School, organised by the Manitoba Forage Council and Manitoba Agriculture. Chapman Farms of Virden, Rob and Charlene Graham of Holland and the Bos Family Farm at Rapid City, were […] Read more

Ensure Snow Has The Moisture

Winter has many challenges for both producers and livestock. Producers are often looking for better ways to not only feed and water their animals more efficiently, but also with an eye on holding or reducing costs. Bale and swath grazing and forage stockpiling can all contribute to a healthier bottom line. When feeding animals this […] Read more