When pulling a calf, once you snug the chains up make sure the tail is down and there is enough room.

Tips for delivering a backwards calf

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: If one calf presents backwards, there is a good chance there may be another

With improved breeding practices nowadays, calving season is more about mothering up, colostrum consumption and keeping calves warm and dry. Cases of calving difficulty have been greatly reduced. However, the backwards calf is still the most common calving malpresentation that require some intervention. With the alignment of the calf and the way the feet are […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder markets start 2022 with a roar

Compared to late December, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $6-$8 higher on average; however, fancier, lower flesh packages in the 850- to 900-lb. category were $10-$12 higher. Calf markets were quite variable. Early in the week, calf prices were relatively unchanged but markets were up $3-$6 by Friday. Ontario buyers were extremely aggressive last […] Read more




Vitti: Figure out proper rations for replacement dairy heifers

Vitti: Figure out proper rations for replacement dairy heifers

They need to keep growing, but you don’t want them too fat either

Many dairy heifer replacements come out of the calf barn in good shape. That’s because many were fed milk and calf-starter diets that supported exceptional growth. Ironically, some of these heifers are not fed well after weaning, and this nutrition gap makes them struggle throughout their first lactation. Such adverse nutrition can largely be avoided […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes after December surge

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $3-$4 on either side of unchanged. Small groups of various quality characterized sale volumes. There were a few packages of backgrounded yearlings that sold at decent levels. Finishing feedlots were fairly aggressive on groups in the 700- to 800-lb. category. Higher flesh levels have become […] Read more



Once a calf gets weak and gets down or has no suckle reflex, it needs IV fluid.

Important scour-prevention tips for calves

Keep calving facilities clean, and focus on good herd health status

Scours is the number-one killer of calves under two months of age. It takes many different management strategies to prevent scours and it is important to know that it is caused by many different things. The following points will offer some ideas to reduce the buildup of organisms and increase resistance in your calves. Disease […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder market stabilizes

Cow-calf producers selling sooner than normal

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle prices traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on a dressed basis at $275 delivered; the Alberta fed market has rallied $10-$12 over the past couple weeks. Secondly, U.S. feeder cattle prices have also rallied US$10-US$12 during the same time frame […] Read more