Cow-calf Archives - Page 6 of 7

I took this photo when we tried to move the herd to a different part of the pasture. They calmly arrived at their destination, then ran in a big circle, back to where we had started. It was weird. I think they thought they were escaping.

Reporter’s Notebook: Getting the hairy eyeball

By Lisa Guenther May 19, 2016

I have a few cows in my parents’ herd. But they barely outnumber my hay-burning horses, so I’d never call myself a cattle producer. I haven’t decided how many cows I’ll collect in the long run. Right now they’re an excuse to help with the larger herd and a little extra income. This spring my […] Read more

In dealing with a breech birth, this photo shows the proper position of the calf puller, and chains properly attached to the calf’s legs.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Be patient, smart using a calf puller

Animal Health with Roy Lewis: It is a useful tool when needed, but it can also be misused

By Roy Lewis March 10, 2016

Although calf pullers are not used today nearly as much as past years they still have an important place in the calving barn if used properly. To me every cow-calf producer and some feedlot owners need one type of puller, especially if they are often alone when calving. By using common guidelines when pulling, a […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Visible and invisible benefits of preconditioning

‘Truck weaned’ calves are highly stressed and ultimately suffer from a higher rate of shrink during trucking to a feedlot

By Peter Vitti December 8, 2015

Preconditioned is a general term for feedlot-destined calves that have been vaccinated, castrated, dehorned, weaned, have some feed-bunk/waterer experience and have been fed a nutritious post-weaning diet for at least 30-45 days prior to being sold to a feedlot. Recently, I’ve talked to some cow-calf operators selling spring calves to feedlots in the fall, who see […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

New Western Canada Cow-Calf Survey shows trends and opportunities

Plus, highlights of the Western Canada Cow-calf Survey

By Angela Lovell October 7, 2015

Results from the 2014 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (WCCCS) show some interesting industry trends and changes in management practices since the last survey was conducted 16 years ago in Alberta. The 2014 WCCCS was rolled out to producers from British Columbia to Manitoba from November 2014 to February 2015 and asked 58 questions — some new and […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Highlights of the Western Canada Cow-Calf Survey

By Angela Lovell October 7, 2015

Here are some of the key averages that showed up in the 2014 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (WCCCS). The survey provides an opportunity for producers to see how their production practices compare with industry averages. 2013 Breeding season Average ratio cows to bulls — 24:1 (Heifers to bulls 17.5:1). Average breeding season length — 91 […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Livestock

Cow-calf producers asked to take survey

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News February 19, 2015

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is asking every cow-calf producer in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to complete the Western Canadian Cow-Calf survey. The deadline to complete the survey is Feb. 28. It can be filled out online but the website also provides an option to print the survey and mail it postage-free. First […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Sask. beef producers given a 21-day calving challenge

A new record book great for recording information, also offers calving tips

By Shirley Byers February 3, 2015

Cow herd reproduction is the most important factor affecting the profitability of Saskatchewan beef producers,” says Travis Peardon, livestock specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture. When it comes to contributing income, cow herd reproduction is five times more important than growth rate and 10 times more important than carcass quality. Calves born in that first 21-day cycle […] Read more

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

Klassen — feeder cattle market reflects mixed tone

By Jerry Klassen, GFM Network News November 3, 2014

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices reflected a mixed tone over the past week with values $3 to $5 higher on vaccinated preconditioned calves; unvaccinated calves just off their mothers were $3/cwt to as much as $10/cwt lower in some cases. Yearling prices were also quite variable by as much as $10/cwt despite the tightening supply […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Pencil out creep feeding economics

There's a lot more to gain than just cost benefits

By Peter Vitti August 19, 2014

Record-high prices for feeder cattle and modest grain costs make creep feeding spring calves this year a very attractive option. However, before putting creep feeders on pasture, each operator should pencil out the economic return of creep feeding and take note of any relevant side benefits. It’s also important to know the main objective of […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Rancher’s Diary

A few tips for grafting calves

By Heather Smith Thomas March 31, 2014

Occasionally a cow loses a calf at birth or a calf loses its mother, and you need to “graft” the orphan or a substitute calf onto another cow. Or, a cow might have twins and can’t raise both and you want to put the extra calf onto a cow that lost her own. Sometimes it’s […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

Tag Archives Cow-calf

Reporter’s Notebook: Getting the hairy eyeball

Be patient, smart using a calf puller

Visible and invisible benefits of preconditioning

New Western Canada Cow-Calf Survey shows trends and opportunities

Highlights of the Western Canada Cow-Calf Survey

Cow-calf producers asked to take survey

Sask. beef producers given a 21-day calving challenge

Klassen — feeder cattle market reflects mixed tone

Pencil out creep feeding economics

A few tips for grafting calves

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