Better rainfall has meant more feed on much of the Prairies, but creep feeding beef calves still pays well in 2025.
Columns
Beef calf creep feeding pays good profits in 2025
Better Bunks and Pastures: With calf values high, creep feeding makes even more sense
Editor’s Rant: Over/underwhelmed
Whether existing ag programs fit the bill or not, expect the feds to try to shoehorn problems into them
Successive federal governments have been working to get out of the ad-hoc farm payment business — so whether existing programs fit the bill or not, it’s unsurprising when the feds try to shoehorn problems into one or more of those.
The glimmer of hope after a loss
Eppich News: The deaths of two people and one animal bring life into perspective
The unexpected loss of a prized stallion and the loss of two relatives — one who lived a long life, and the other taken too soon — results in reflection by rancher Heather Eppich.
Strong beef demand supports feeder cattle prices
The Markets: Yet-unknown impact of Trump tariffs on U.S. economy is a risk
Strong beef demand supports feeder cattle prices, but Trump tariffs’ effect on the U.S. economy could be a risk to Canadian cattle producers.
Blue-green algae toxicity can cause sudden death in cattle
Animal Health: Water quality is an important issue when the temperatures start to rise
Water quality for your cattle herd is an important issue when the temperatures start to rise. Work closely with your vet to diagnose the cause of any sudden deaths.
It’s chicken day
First We Eat: If it’s from a good farmer, a whole direct-sale bird is worth that extra bit of cost
This issue’s recipe: honey lemon chicken. Chicken Day means getting whole processed birds from a local farmer, getting them home in coolers, cutting each up for bagging and freezing, then stripping the carcasses for stock and pet food.
Seasons change, fluids retain
Fit to Farm: Unlike blood, your lymphatic fluids could use your help to overcome gravity
Most of us experience a bit of extra fluid retention occasionally, as “puffiness” in our lower bodies, when weather changes. Gravity naturally keeps lymph fluid down, but gentle movement can help keep it flowing properly.
Common mistakes and misinformation
Practical Research: A compendium of miscellaneous misconceptions now floating around farm country
Plant pathologist Ieuan Evans looks at still-circulating miconceptions about pine and spruce trees, shelterbelts, salt, dog food, bison, milk and more.
Good mineral-vitamin programs for beef cows drive successful reproduction
Better Bunks and Pastures: A breeder mineral is critical for beef cows during the breeding season
Cow-calf producers will want to prepare a breeder mineral program to be fed to beef cows during breeding season, then be ready to modify that program afterward based on actual grass conditions.
Limiting Canadian exposure, I am not alone
Investing for Fun and Profit: The flight of capital from the Canadian economy continues
Canada’s government may still be in its honeymoon with voters, but not with investors, Herman VanGenderen writes, citing reports that foreign investors are divesting Canadian assets while Canadians are boosting exposure in foreign securities.
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
