The recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Germany tells us that we all collectively need to be on the lookout for it.
Cattleman’s Corner
Producers must take foot-and-mouth disease seriously
Animal Health: Several other diseases can look similar to FMD
Ratios help tell the financial story on beef farms
Costs of Production: Benchmarks provide evaluations of how costs relate to income
Beef operation ratios such as gross margin, gross income and contribution margin can help farmers evaluate their businesses
Tariffs decrease disposable income and lower beef demand
The Markets: The unknown question is, how long could it be until demand affects beef pricing?
Tariffs lower standard of living, and for beef producers lower consumer spending will eventually mean less demand and lower prices.
Calves recover quicker with pain control at castration
Animal Health: A recent survey showed 85 per cent of cattle farmers were castrating calves at less than three months
You probably won’t make money by using pain control, but your calves will feel better, pair up faster and you’ll be doing something that promotes animal welfare in your industry, veteriarian and researcher John Campbell says.
The Eppich family takes a trip to the States
Eppich News: It’s great to have people who can look after the farm when you’re away for a visit
The Eppich family took a long trip through Montana, Idaho, Washington and Alberta, before arriving back home.
Well-balanced starch and forage levels make milk
Dairy Corner: The amount of starch in corn and barley silage can vary greatly between harvests
Starch levels in corn and barley silage can vary widely between harvests, so they need to be balanced in a dairy ration, nutritionist Peter Vitti says.
A new season on a Korean beef farm
Better Bunks and Pastures: Why this farm is feeding heifers this time around
Most cattle feeding operations in Korea are like that of my girlfriend’s uncle and aunt — Sang June Kim and Hee Jong’s operation — in the form of an open-roof and dairy-like barn with two longitudinal rows of cattle pens.
Teamwork from a cow’s perspective
Costs of Production: How are you as a herd manager hitting the salary cap and identifying players that don’t fit?
Managing a herd of cows can be much like managing a sport team, as explained by Sean McGrath of Ranching Systems Ltd.
Mastering elastic band castration: techniques for a stress-free procedure
Manitoba rancher Jodi Suchoplas offers expert advice on the preferred castration method for cow-calf operations
When done properly, elastration is quick, requires minimal restraint, is less invasive than surgical methods, and eliminates the need for stitches. It’s also simply less stressful for both the animal and the handler.
Cattle markets try to adjust to tariffs
The Markets: There continue to be tight supplies for cattle that are ready to market, keeping prices high
There continue to be tight supplies for cattle that are ready to market, keeping prices high, despite tariff uncertainly in North America, analyst Jerry Klassen says.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
