Drought conditions affect usual mineral recommendations

Drought conditions affect usual mineral recommendations

Formulations need to be tweaked to meet needs of gestating cows

Mineral (and vitamin) feeding programs for overwintering beef cows have remained pretty much the same, year after year on the Prairies. However, standard recommendations are likely to change this winter. Better mineral (and vitamin) choices should be fed this year in the wake of last summer’s severe drought. Dry conditions compromised good mineral/vitamin status of […] Read more



Dry distillers grain is not an exotic feed ingredient, but at the moment a relatively economic source of protein that works well in beef rations.

Dried distillers’ grains a viable feed option

DDGS is high in nutrients and pencils out well in a ration

Corn-dried distillers’ grains solubles (DDGS) have drawn a lot of attention among beef producers in Western Canada this year. That’s because a lack of good-quality forages caused by one of the worst droughts in years as well as high grain/protein-concentrate prices have created an easy choice for feeding this nutritious supplement to cattle. And it […] Read more


It is important to make a well balanced mineral available, but also important to do your best to encourage cattle to eat their daily requirement.

Feed management affects proper mineral intake

Don't just dump a bag of mineral in a tub and walk away

It is easy to open a bag of loose cattle mineral and pour it into mineral feeders or a trough. Yet many beef producers don’t realize the importance of providing essential minerals and vitamins to their beef cow herd on a regular basis. That’s why I encourage people to choose a well-formulated cattle mineral and […] Read more

Lurking nitrates and noxious weeds threaten to be yet another fly in the ointment as livestock producers continue to struggle for every scrap of annual crop or hay they can get their hands on.

Feed hazards lying in wait

Feed testing an absolute must for cattle producers sourcing greenfeed, straw: experts

Glacier FarmMedia – Cattle producers are urged to get greenfeed and straw tested for potentially deadly nitrates this year. “Basically, we know there’s going to be nitrates in some of the feed. Especially cereal,” said Jo-Lene Gardiner, who works with the Border Agriculture Stewardship Association and is a cattle farmer in the Clearwater area. “It’s […] Read more


While it is important to be aware of risks associated with feeding canola forage, it may provide an alternate forage for drought-stricken livestock producers.

Drought-stressed canola possible forage for livestock

It can work as an emergency source, but some risks need to be managed

Drought stress has resulted in poor canola stands that are unable to be harvested. Poor canola stands may provide an alternate forage option. “Livestock producers facing forage shortages may be able to feed their cows canola, provided they take certain precautions,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “While canola makes palatable feed, it may […] Read more

Drought stressed grain crops like this barley may not be worth combining, but they can be used as livestock feed. It is always important to have feed tested to determine its nutrient value.

Salvaged crops can fit into beef rations

Canola hay can make good feed, but a feed analysis is a must

With what appears to be a dry spring shaping up, it never hurts for beef producers to be prepared in case forage production is in short supply any year. In drought years it’s often hard to locate an adequate forage supply for cattle. Sometimes producers use alternative feeds, which might include drought-stressed or salvaged crops. […] Read more


The new normal in livestock feed biosecurity

Disease risk in imported feeds needs to be taken seriously

New research is showing that animal feed can carry major animal disease including African Swine Fever (ASF), says Scott Dee, veterinarian and director of applied research for Minnesota-based Pipestone Veterinary Services. In a presentation to hog producers at the Banff Pork Seminar earlier this winter, Dee gave an update on a rapidly changing world of […] Read more

(Katie Ellement/iStock/Getty Images)

Canadian feed-grade dairy product class expanded

Buttermilk products now qualify for 4(m) permit price

A dairy product class set up to boost markets for solids non-fat (SNF), by boosting their use in animal feed such as milk replacer, has been expanded to include more products. The Canadian Dairy Commission announced Monday that its 4(m) milk class has been updated to allow dairy processors to get the 4(m) permit price […] Read more