The trace mineral status of our cows and calves is a significant challenge for western Canadian producers and veterinarians.
Cattleman’s Corner
Beef cattle more prone to trace mineral deficiencies
Animal Health: A recent study showed connections between some trace mineral deficiencies and disease
Shrink the shrink in market beef calves
Better Bunks and Pastures: Decreasing shrink can have a significant effect on income and calf health
Decreasing shrink can have a significant effect on income and beef calf health, especially when cattle are worth so much money.
Visits with family and harvest begins
Eppich News: Ditch hay season moved quickly into barley harvest
Hay season was in full swing and harvest underway in August at the Eppich ranch in western Saskatchewan.
Feeder cattle market has run its course
The Markets: Numerous signs point to the run of profitability for cattle feeders hitting its end
Numerous signs point to the run of profitability for cattle feeders hitting its end, says analyst Jerry Klassen.
A best-practices review for your beef cattle herd
Animal Health: Tips on vaccines, equipment and other matters, in either purebred or commercial cow-calf herds
Veterinarian Roy Lewis provides a variety of tips on herd health, animal welfare and immunization for western Canadian cow-calf operations, both commercial and purebred.
Good weaning programs for valuable calves are worth it
Better Bunks and Pastures: Less shrinkage is worth much more money at today’s calf prices
Less shrinkage is worth much more money at today’s calf prices, so good weaning programs for valuable beef calves are worth it.
Canadian cattle herd moves into expansion phase
The Markets: Heifer retention has started and is expected to grow into 2026
Beef heifer retention has started in Canada, according to Statistics Canada, and is expected to grow into 2026.
Visits from family and haying
Eppich News: Mid-summer saw relatives arriving, amidst baler repairs and haying
Mid-summer 2025 saw relatives arriving, amidst baler repairs and haying at the Eppich ranch.
A rancher’s ‘bitin’ list’
A Little Bit Western: Invasive weeds, gophers, grasshoppers and raccoons are all on this rancher’s naughty list
This Saskatchewan rancher comes up with her ‘bitin’ list,’ channeling her inner Tyler Childers.
Beef calf creep feeding pays good profits in 2025
Better Bunks and Pastures: With calf values high, creep feeding makes even more sense
Better rainfall has meant more feed on much of the Prairies, but creep feeding beef calves still pays well in 2025.