A few more thoughts on the barley market

A few more thoughts on the barley market

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

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.

Where are we at with carbon credits?

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

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



Veterinarian Susie Lutz works to dilate the vagina of this heifer in preparation of pulling the calf.

Tips on when and how to check cows during calving

Don’t hesitate to check progress — it’s better to intervene a bit early than too late

Most cows and heifers progress normally through three stages of labour (early labour, active labour with abdominal straining and expulsion of the placenta after delivery of the calf.) Uterine contractions in early labour get the calf aimed toward the birth canal, the cervix dilates and the calf starts through. The water sac and then the […] Read more


Nutritionist Peter Vitti says there is no reason why canola meal can’t be used as an excellent protein source in dairy rations.

Canola meal as a dairy ration can be excellent soybean replacement

More research is showing improved milk production and quality

I use a lot of soybean meal in several of the lactating feeding programs I develop for high-milk-producing dairy cows. However, in recent months, the skyrocketing price of soybeans has caused me to reconsider. So, I have replaced a significant portion of soybean meal with canola meal, yet have retained the economics and production in […] Read more

Due to the cold temperatures in February, cattle were provided with good wind breaks and plenty of dry bedding.

Last of hay and flax bales hauled home

Eppich News: Hopefully, cold temperatures are gone by early March calving

The beginning of the new year found us hauling bales. Gregory and John hauled slough bales the first week of January. Then, with the help of the blade on the tractor, they were able to plow snow and get 80 flax straw bales home on Jan. 8 and 9. On Jan. 11 Gregory drove his […] Read more


One of main indications of Johne’s Disease is that cattle develop diarrhea and begin losing weight.

Due diligence with Johne’s disease

Have animals tested and cull infected cattle early

Johne’s disease (pronounced yo-knees) as we all know, is the paratuberculosis organism that in livestock can cause diarrhea, weight loss and eventually death from starvation or condemnation at slaughter due to emaciation. Animals that test positive, provided they are still in good body condition, can be slaughtered for human consumption, as the disease does not […] Read more

It doesn’t have to be a fancy ration, but proper nutrition for cows and heifers after they calve will have multiple benefits down the road.

Invest in a good feeding program after calving

It benefits in rebreeding and also fall-calf weaning weights

I give nursing beef cow diets a passing grade when they support beef cows to produce lots of milk for their newborn calves and promote growth in postpartum replacement heifers. These diets must also retain their precious body condition (BCS of 2.5 -3.0, on a 5-point scale) so females can get rebred and conceive within […] Read more


Matt and Angela Kumlin move their cow-calf pairs to pasture.

Ranchers apply new practices summer and winter

High-intensity grazing along with swath grazing boosts overall production, plus how to construct a 3-D fence

Matt and Angela Kumlin, a young farm couple near Cochrane, Alta., are making major changes to their forage management and winter feeding programs, and they’re seeing beneficial results. They have cattle of their own and take in yearlings for custom grazing in the summer, utilizing different forages in their pasture mix. “Most of our grassland […] Read more

COVID funds fuel consumer spending

COVID funds fuel consumer spending

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The only recession with an increase in disposable income

During mid-February, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a live basis in the range of $150 to $150.50 FOB the feedlot; delivered prices on a dressed basis were quoted in the range of $254 to $255. The fed cattle market has been percolating higher over the past month. Beef production has exceeded earlier expectations […] Read more