Setting up heifers for success in their first breeding season is crucial to earning back the investment in those animals.

Establishing reproductive momentum in replacement heifers

Make sure you take steps to get the most of your investment

Developing replacement females is an investment that can take years to earn back, making it essential to set them up early for reproductive success. Kathy Larson, research economist at the University of Saskatchewan, discussed the financial considerations of developing replacement females in a Beef Cattle Research Council webinar, including whether to purchase heifers or retain […] Read more




Canadian Cattle Identification Agency redesigns traceability app

Canadian Cattle Identification Agency redesigns traceability app

Traceability: News Roundup from the March 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) has redesigned its traceability app. The CCIA’s database, known as the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS), is accessible to livestock producers via the CLTS MOBO app. The MOBO app first launched in 2010. It is now more user-friendly than ever, “with streamlined features and intuitive design,” states a press […] Read more



Researchers found that exit and flight speed from chutes are reliable indicators of temperament. Heifers generally score higher in exit speeds.

Behaviour temperament scoring in replacement heifers

Different scoring systems have included chute, gait, exit and flight speed

Due to consumers’ perpetual concerns regarding animal welfare, producers are displaying a renewed interest in the study of temperament behaviour in beef cattle. Producers are also searching for legitimate technology and data to keep them on the cutting edge in their operational and financial decisions. They face more and more studies out of universities and […] Read more


U.S. livestock: Hog futures mixed after hitting three-month high

U.S. livestock: Hog futures mixed after hitting three-month high

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. lean hog futures were mixed on Wednesday, with the front-month contract easing on profit-taking after rallying to a three-month high while deferred contracts rose on expectations of tight supplies, traders said. Live cattle contracts were firm following two straight days of declines with concerns about a massive U.S. storm system […] Read more

Managing a mineral program for cattle

Managing a mineral program for cattle

Nutrition with John McKinnon

Last month I wrote on the importance of a mineral feeding program and focused on some of the more common questions producers have on this topic. As we move through calving and into the breeding season, ensuring that your cattle have access to the right minerals is only one part of a successful mineral feeding […] Read more


U.S. livestock: Hogs extend win streak on short-covering, firm cash

U.S. livestock: Hogs extend win streak on short-covering, firm cash

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. lean hog futures rallied to two-month high on Tuesday, their third straight day of gains, as investors scrambled to cover shorts amid concerns about supplies and signs of cash market strength, traders said. Live cattle futures were weaker, with abundant supplies continuing to weigh on the market. Concerns about African […] Read more

CME April 2019 live cattle, with August 2019 live cattle in brown. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market holds value

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were relatively unchanged compared to seven days earlier. Buying interest for yearlings was somewhat stronger while calves in the eastern Prairie regions were softer. Moderate temperatures are in the seven-day forecast for most of Western Canada, so the risk discount due to adverse weather has evaporated. Barley jumped an additional […] Read more