Cattleman’s Corner & Production Tips

Producers urged to sell earlier this fall

Market Update: Market expected to go lower heading into the fourth quarter of 2017

By Jerry Klassen July 25, 2017

Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $159 to $163 in late June, down from highs during the first week of May of $197. The market has come under pressure as market supplies build on both sides of the border and carcass weights increase. U.S. cattle-on-feed numbers reached a historical high on […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Controlling liver flukes in beef cattle

Parasite often not identified until after an animal dies

By Peter Vitti July 17, 2017

A couple of years ago, a beef producer from southeast corner of Manitoba showed me a test tube filled with water. It contained a worm that was about three inches long, one inch wide and flat enough to almost see through. He told me that it was a deer liver fluke that the vet had taken it […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Nature’s fly control program

Parasitic wasps won’t eliminate flies, but can reduce numbers

By Debbie Chikousky June 20, 2017

With the arrival of spring comes the new crop of flies. Since experiencing fly strike last year, controlling the fly population is more of a priority. Last summer we began to notice not only were sprays not working as well as they used to, they are getting harder to find. This is due to tighter restrictions […] Read more

This grass cage with rain gauge is on a multi-species pasture with  three species of legumes and three grass species.

Cattleman’s Corner, Forages, Livestock

Multi-benefits of multi-species pastures

Collecting plenty of solar rays above ground benefits soil health below ground

By Sean McGrath June 15, 2017

I am a big fan of diversity in both perennial and annual grazing situations. In some ways multiple species are more difficult to manage than less-diverse plant communities. In a multi-species scenario every action and in particular its timing will favour one species over another and shift the balance of power in the pasture. The […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Several benefits to palpating heifers

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: An important tool in determining reproductive capability 

By Roy Lewis June 12, 2017

Many commercial producers, purebred producers and heifer sales management are realizing the benefits of palpating heifers before breeding. A lot can be learned from the procedure, which can also be done at pregnancy checking. It involves a more thorough exam than simply determining if heifers are pregnant. With the advent of very early-maturing breeds such […] Read more

Forage specialist Glenn Shewmaker demonstrates how to collect and place handfuls of hay samples in the tube. Pack the samples in tight and then insert the moisture sensor into the tube at different depths to get a field reading of hay moisture.

Cattleman’s Corner, Hay

Simple tool improves hay moisture test

With a compacted sample and an electronic tester, a more accurate moisture reading can be made in the field

By Michael Thomas June 8, 2017

Packaging quality alfalfa hay can be a challenge. The hay industry is constantly pursuing new technologies to help the hay producer grow and package consistently high-quality forage. Machinery design has advanced in order to handle the hay as delicately as possible to minimize leaf loss. But, even with these advances, the proper moisture level is […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Cattle market endures volatility

Market Update: Beef oversupply will be an issue unless consumer spending picks up

By Jerry Klassen June 7, 2017

Alberta fed cattle prices reached up to the range of $195 to $197 during the first week of May due to tight market-ready supplies and adverse weather in the U.S. southern Plains. The futures market has been trading at a sharp discount to the cash trade throughout winter and spring, causing feedlots to be aggressive […] Read more

Once foot rot is discovered, it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Though you may find your steer is hesitant to move where you need him to go.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Stiff, sore and hurtin’ — I can relate

A foundered steer is troublesome, but elicits some extra sympathy

By Bruce Derksen May 26, 2017

During my morning pen-checking rounds I came across a yearling red and white steer with a bad case of foot rot. Now there is nothing unusual about that, being that I find many cattle with this problem every day. The difference in this case, was that this particular steer was badly foundered to start with. […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Markets

Consumer spending favours beef market

Market Update: Food prices have been down, so shoppers have more money for beef

By Jerry Klassen May 19, 2017

The fed and feeder cattle markets continue to hold value despite the year-over-year increase in beef production. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle in the range of $175 to $177 in late April. Wholesale beef prices have been surprisingly strong as beef demand continues to exceed expectations. Major economic indicators are fairly encouraging which should […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Beware of grain bloat in self-fed cattle

Feed roughage and avoid very fine grain particles

By Peter Vitti May 17, 2017

Self-feeders are both a blessing and a curse. A handful of self feeders makes life a lot easier by augering in tonnes of creep or grower ration into each one for growing beef cattle. They can also be a curse when a few cattle become victims of grain bloat. Since nobody wants to lose animals […] Read more

Daily Network News

New strategies needed for Canadian agriculture to stand out in global trade

Feed Grains Weekly: Cash prices for wheat, barley largely flat

The Canadian GMO mustard wars: Dijon vs canola

Cattleman’s Corner