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Cattleman’s Corner

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Stronger fed cattle prices support feeder market

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: It’s good to see a return to renewed optimism in the cattle complex

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During the week ending May 8, Alberta fed cattle prices were quoted in the range of $158 to $162, up $8 to $10 from 30 days earlier. Wholesale beef prices continue to percolate higher as the U.S. economy moves through a major expansionary phase. Rising consumer incomes and stronger consumer spending will result in a […] Read more
A proper vaccination program as calves head out to pasture can help reduce the risk of common respiratory diseases.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Vaccination one tool to curb ‘summer pneumonia’ in calves

It’s important to keep calf immunity strong from birth to weaning

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When young nursing calves become sick on pasture, the term “summer pneumonia” is often used to describe their situation. Technically, it’s a misnomer, says Russ Daly, extension veterinarian at South Dakota State University. Calf producers typically refer to it this way, as it happens on pasture matching up with summer in North America, as opposed […] Read more
During a necropsy on a calf, some of the material in its gut included this fairly large piece of tan-coloured plastic.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Be alert to bovines consuming ‘software’

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: Twine, plastic, rope — there is a good chance it could end up in an animal’s gut

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I just completed an autopsy on an older well-doing calf that got suddenly sick dehydrated and toxic-looking. My daughter, also a veterinarian, did an autopsy on a mature cow that was losing weight and going downhill, becoming emaciated and weak. Even though both these clinical signs seem different, as well as the age difference between […] Read more
Creep feeding may be a necessity
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Creep feeding may be a necessity

With dry growing conditions, supplemental feed may be needed to make up for milk and grass shortfall

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Bridging the nutrient gap between mothers’ milk and pastures has always been the traditional purpose for creep feeding spring calves on many commercial cow-calf operations. Some producers put creep feeders out during the late summer when pasture is mature and milk of the average cow can only meet 50 per cent of her growing calf’s […] Read more
Beef demand is up, but high feed grain prices cut into feeder margins.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Consumer demand supports fed and feeder cattle markets

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: A one per cent increase in consumer spending equates to a one per cent increase in beef demand

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Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $152 to $153 FOB feedlot during the third week of April. Fed cattle prices were up $3 to $4 from 30 days earlier. The market appears to be factoring in tighter supplies in the latter half of the year, along with growing demand. October and […] Read more
The recommendation is to figure out the objectives for your beef herd, and then select uniform breeding genetics, as best possible, to help you reach those goals.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Quality, uniformity needs to be planned when breeding cattle

A willy-nilly approach to breeding will produce willy-nilly results

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Strategies for breeding cattle must be reinforced by multiple targeted objectives that factor in operational goals, marketing possibilities, environmental demands and resource availability. For the cow-calf producer, the two basic objectives are quality and uniformity. One of the leading factors affecting calf uniformity is distribution throughout the breeding and calving seasons — a long breeding […] Read more
Drought stressed grain crops like this barley may not be worth combining, but they can be used as livestock feed. It is always important to have feed tested to determine its nutrient value.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Salvaged crops can fit into beef rations

Canola hay can make good feed, but a feed analysis is a must

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With what appears to be a dry spring shaping up, it never hurts for beef producers to be prepared in case forage production is in short supply any year. In drought years it’s often hard to locate an adequate forage supply for cattle. Sometimes producers use alternative feeds, which might include drought-stressed or salvaged crops. […] Read more
Protective equipment and good cleaning protocols go a long way in preventing the spread of disease.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Do animal diseases impact humans?

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: COVID-19 is an extreme example of disease transmission between animals and humans known as zoonosis

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Not one animal-borne disease in recent memory has affected our lives more than COVID-19. There are lots of other diseases ranging from more minor ailments such as ringworm, to those that have major consequences such as toxoplasmosis or echinococcus (alveolar hydatid disease). Detailed descriptions can be found on line, but both can be very serious. […] Read more
While the U.S. beef cattle industry is still in retraction, the potential for increasing demand for beef is a sign for Canadian producers to keep producing.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Should you expand the cow herd?

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Canadian producers in a good position to sell more beef into a rising market

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I’ve received many inquiries from cow-calf producers regarding the outlook for the cattle herd over the next couple of years. Those of you who have read my articles in the past know that I advise Canadian cow-calf producers to expand when the U.S. cattle herd is contracting, and vice versa. It was one year ago […] Read more

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