GFM Network News

More News →

Cattleman’s Corner

As producers begin to market certified hormone-free cattle to EU and other markets, a better system is needed to provide the certification.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Suggestions for streamlining cattle exports

Technicians could handle some of the tests and paperwork now done by vets

By
Progress generally makes things easier and more efficient but this has not been the case with CFIA veterinary accreditation and the processes for testing and getting approval to export cattle. As a result, many veterinarians — especially those approaching retirement — are letting their CFIA accreditation expire. I now hear of a real shortage of […] Read more
Either store-bought or homemade creep feeder designs, stocked with a proper ration, can be used in early spring.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Creep feeding spring calves pays dividends

This program pencils out to a $23 per head net premium in 2019

By
It’s always heartwarming to see the twitch of a spring calf’s tail as it nurses its mum. As this calf approaches three months of age, the brood cow’s milk production decreases, only supplying about half of the calf’s nutrient requirements. The rest must be delivered by sprouting pastures. But that could spell trouble to calf […] Read more
Canada is currently contending with a burdensome beef supply.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Higher beef production weighs on cattle complex

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Consumers will have to eat more beef to compensate

By
In my previous article, we mentioned that the cattle market was in a transition phase. Market-ready supplies of fed cattle during April were relatively tight while beef demand was moving through a seasonal high. The fed and feeder cattle markets softened during May as beef production grew. North American beef demand is considered inelastic so […] Read more
South African beef producer Calla Visser with some of his Bonsmara cattle.
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner

Hyenas aren’t on Canadian predator list

The world’s beef producers face similar but different challenges

By
Every evening Calla Visser has to round up more than 400 cattle on his farm in eastern Botswana and herd them into outdoor corrals for the night to protect them against theft and predators. And early every morning Calla and his staff start going around the five different corrals on his 6,000-hectare farm counting all […] Read more
This mother cow readily accepted a grafted calf after her own died.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Spring mishaps and hardships but still hope

Eppich News: Though for different reasons, problems just seem to work out

By
On March 23 we had another mishap — a four-day-old heifer calf got stepped on and we lost her. Later that same day we went over to Lee and Erica Redlich’s, neighbours by Landis, to pick up the pig they butchered for us. We had a very nice visit with them and Lee’s father Terry. […] Read more
Proactive management can keep hooves in good condition.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Harden up cattle hooves to avoid foot rot

A proper mineral mix will help hooves 
withstand injury and infection

By
After the snow melts, it’s not unusual to hear a lot of stories about footrot on pasture, which may not ease if we continue into a wet summer. Hooves of cattle standing on wet ground or in puddles become soft and pliable, which makes them susceptible to infection. Immediate antibiotic action is effective footrot control, […] Read more
With reduced grass growth early in the season, cattle explore and can get into things.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Lots to consider as cattle head to pasture

Provide important treatments before they go, monitor herd health while they are away

By
There are many things to think about at pasture turnout time. Once they’re gone to grass, cattle are not always accessible, easy to find or treat so planning is necessary before turnout. One has to think about what things cattle will be exposed to on pasture and which age groups are most susceptible. Depending on […] Read more
Many dairy producers wonder how to save on feed costs without sacrificing milk and milkfat production.
Cattleman’s Corner, Dairy Cattle, The Dairy Corner

A cost-effective diet for dairy cows

Dairy Corner: Feed and yardage costs add up, but production is optimized

By
Most dairy producers want to feed cost-effective diets to their high milk- (milkfat) producing cows. That’s a tall order, which is most often achieved by obtaining the best lactation diets, first as a formula on paper and blended into a TMR, then put in front of the cows. Finally, it’s up to them to eat […] Read more
Used utility poles and damaged grain bins provided 
materials for this calving shelter.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Thinking outside the bin

Telephone poles and damaged grain bins turned into sturdy calf shelter

By
Due to the ever-increasing prices of building materials, we try to always keep our eyes and our minds open to anything that can be repurposed. Our small herd of cows is growing and as it grows, we have to keep our facilities growing as well. One thing we encountered this year, thanks to the lingering […] Read more
Despite lower numbers on finishing operations, slaughter numbers in Canada are about 80,000 head higher than a year ago.
Cattleman’s Corner

Beef complex moving toward higher supplies

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: Already-tight feeder margins expected to be negative by early fall

By
During the last week of April, Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $160 to $163 on a live basis. The market has been contending with tighter supplies of market-ready cattle south of the border. At the same time, wholesale beef prices have been percolating higher as retail and restaurant demand moves […] Read more

AgCanadaTV

AGCanadaTV: In case you missed it; your national ag news recap for Sept. 5, 2025

Sponsored By:
More Videos →

Cyber-Savvy Farmer

Glacier Farmmedia Podcast

Latest Market News

More Market News →