Cow-Calf & Production Tips

An important part of reducing the need for antibiotics includes good beef herd management practices which reduce stress and maintain animal health.

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Facts about antimicrobial resistance

Animal Health: While the industry is already doing a good job, there is ongoing room for improvement

By Roy Lewis August 8, 2017

There have been volumes written on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the last several years. And it is important to remember just how good the Canadian cattle industry is doing in managing AMR and look to future changes veterinarians may make in their recommendations. For those of you craving more detailed information, there have been several […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market anticipates higher feed grain prices

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News August 8, 2017

Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher. Across the prairies, strong demand was noted on limited offerings. Most auction barns are gearing up for major sales over the next couple weeks; however, it appears that a few ranchers were testing the waters and the results were quite surprising. Feedlot operators […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Calm feeder market prior to fall run

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News August 1, 2017

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were hard to define over the past week given the limited numbers on offer. Most sale barns remain in holiday mode and the few cattle coming on the market were of various quality. Lighter weight feeders were trading $3 to as much as $10 lower compared to week ago levels; […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market firm despite outside influences

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News July 25, 2017

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets were unchanged from week-ago levels despite the strengthening Canadian dollar, stronger feed grain values and weaker fed cattle prices. Feedlot operators are wondering if this is a mockery, a delusion or a snare. Shorter term replacements are hard to come by and haven’t softened a half hair length. Small groups […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Saskatchewan offers provincial pasture leases to patron groups

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News June 15, 2017

Cattle producers using provincial pastures heading into the final three years of the Saskatchewan Pastures Program (SPP) will get the first chance at leasing them. The province announced in March it would wind down the SPP, kicking off a public consultation process. Based on those consultations, the province confirmed Thursday it will grant the 50 […] 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

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Six ways to keep your cattle wormer working

June 6, 2017

Resistance among internal parasites to broad-spectrum cattle wormers is emerging in Canada and experience in other countries leaves no reason to believe the problem won’t worsen. On the brighter side, producers here still have a fighting chance to retain the efficacy of available cattle wormers by combining parasite control strategies, says epidemiologist Dr. Fabienne Uehlinger […] 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

A newborn black angus calf with it's mother

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Very doable synchronization programs

Animal Health: Timing and attention to detail are key for breeding beef by AI

By Roy Lewis May 9, 2017

Several factors must be considered when deciding what AI synchronization program to use in your herd. One of the first is whether you have the time to heat detect yourself or if you want timed breeding. Cost is a consideration, as timed AI programs require more financial commitment and more passes through the chute. The three main synchronization programs I find most successful […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Fixing fractures in cattle is doable

Early attention to treatment can often get the critter back on its feet

By Heather Smith Thomas May 3, 2017

Accidents happen. Sometimes a cow steps on her calf, breaking its leg, or a limb fractures due to extensive or improper pressure applied during a difficult calving. Veterinarian Eric Laporte, with the Bonnyville Clinic at Bonnyville, northeast of Edmonton, says he doesn’t see as many dystocia-related fractures now as in the past, due to better […] Read more

GFM Network News

Large gap in canola ending stocks between AAFC, USDA

U.S. livestock: Cattle, hogs rally

U.S. grains: Corn, soybeans hit lowest prices since October on big supplies

Cow-Calf