Daily Network News

More News →

Cattleman’s Corner

Proper diets take a bite out of wind chill
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Proper diets take a bite out of wind chill

When temperatures dip, it’s time to torque up the ration

By
Beef cow diets developed at the beginning of winter when temperatures were mild are not adequate to meet their energy requirements when new year’s winds blow. That’s because pregnant beef cows need extra calories in order to keep warm, rather than burning up fat reserves needed for the upcoming calving season. Therefore, if it is […] Read more
Contracted tendons (knuckling over) in calf
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Dealing with contracted or lax leg tendons in calves

Animal Health: In many cases, time and a bit of physiotherapy will fix the condition

By
It is not uncommon during calving season for producers to end up with calves with contracted tendons (knuckling over) or the complete opposite — cases of lax tendons whereby the back of the fetlock is touching the ground. Although it is difficult to prevent these abnormalities, fortunately they only occur sporadically. Even so it is […] Read more
Getting faraway dry cows prepared
Cattleman’s Corner, Dairy Cattle, The Dairy Corner

Getting faraway dry cows prepared

Ration should be about 80 per cent of the lactation nutrient package

By
As a dairy nutritionist I’ve noticed a new trend among dairy farmers in the last few years in feeding and management of their dry cows. The line between a faraway dry cow and close-up dry cow has faded and producers are feeding much more nutrient-packed rations to them than we used to. I am not […] Read more
It takes more than water and sunshine to grow grass — you need to
also plan for it.
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Where does grass come from?

Aside from the obvious answer, it is important to have a grazing plan

By
We do some apparently strange things on our operation. We are short on cropland and long on native rangeland in our resource mix, so we run smaller cows and calve later than many of our neighbours. We also try to extend our grazing season, particularly the grass component, for as long as is humanly or […] Read more
cattle in a feedlot
Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Markets

Market message: Time to cut beef production

Market Update with Jerry Klassen: The market will bounce back temporarily, but producers should consider liquidating cows

By
Western Canadian cattle prices have been quite volatile over the past month. Alberta fed cattle prices climbed higher for seven weeks in a row from late November through the first week of January. Alberta packer bids rose from $147 to highs of $167 during this time. The finished market appeared to divorce from the live […] Read more
cattle herd
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Flight zones can teach some lessons

Cattle behaviour may not be all that much different than how humans handle life

By
There are many things I have learned over the years about what makes a good pen checker in the feedlot. In my opinion, one of the most important is learning about the flight zones of cattle. Earlier in my career, I believed it was something you either understood or didn’t. There was no middle ground […] Read more
Veterinariam Cody Creelman, right, gets some assistance as he prepares to pull a calf. There are several things to consider before either pulling by hand or with the help of a jack.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Important tips for pulling a calf

Have chains properly positioned; be gentle with the calf puller

By
Some calves are injured at birth by improper pulling methods, says Cody Creelman, a veterinarian with Veterinary Agri-Health Services (VAHS) in Airdrie, Alta. Most ranchers know when preparing to pull they should use a double half-hitch when placing chains on the calf’s legs. The correct setup should also include one loop mid-cannon and the other […] Read more
Calving problems have been greatly reduced on modern cow-calf operations, but a producer still needs to be ready for every situation.
Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Be prepared to resuscitate calves

Animal Health: Depending on the birthing difficulty, time may be running out to get a calf breathing

By
There have been many ways discussed among both dairy and beef producers regarding the best way to stimulate a weak calf that doesn’t want to breathe. With calving season just around the corner, certainly for many purebred producers, this is a good time to share techniques and get the calving area supplied. My experience has […] Read more
U.S. tax cuts will increase beef demand
Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

U.S. tax cuts will increase beef demand

Market Influences: Consumers will have more disposable income, leading to more spending

By
I’ve received many inquiries over the past couple of months regarding the potential effects of U.S. corporate and personal tax cuts on beef demand. I know most producers focus on cattle inventory numbers and cattle-on-feed reports, but old-time cattle producers often remind me that focusing on demand is the secret to long-term success in the […] Read more
Two important maintenance items on stock trailers: check and replace worn out tires, and if trailer lights and brakes don’t seem to be getting power use a multitester to track down the problem.
Cattleman’s Corner, Equipment, Livestock

Making a stock trailer maintenance check

Are all the lights working, and how about the brakes and bearings?

By
Spring isn’t that far away and if you have time this winter it may be an opportunity to look to maintenance on the equipment, tools, and facilities necessary to help provide a safe and productive year in the cattle business. One item we easily overlook is the stock trailer we use periodically throughout the year […] Read more

AgCanadaTV

AgCanadaTV Special Feature: Crop pest insects to watch out for in 2026

Sponsored by:
More Videos →

Latest Market News

More Market News →