Ideally, a cow’s body condition score should be evaluated and corrected right after weaning, as that is the period of lowest nutrient requirement.

Post-calving nutrition to maximize conception rates

Evaluating body condition score can be difficult and requires training

With the current price of calves, targeting high pregnancy rates should be a priority on any cow-calf operation. In addition to remaining pregnant, they must conceive early in the breeding season to maintain a 365-day calving interval and ensure a uniform calf crop. This will promote better returns for the weaned calves and profitability for […] Read more

Chicory on a farm near Turtle Lake, Sask, which was part of the Saskatchewan Forage Council’s 2023 summer tour. Plants such as chicory can be part of a parasite control strategy.

Managing parasite resistance to livestock dewormers

There’s no easy way to extinguish resistance to dewormers, but producers can manage it and control parasites

The debate is over on whether internal parasites are developing resistance to dewormers in Canadian cow herds, as far as the research is concerned. But while researchers can offer some general principles, ranchers will need to get a little creative to figure out how to manage it on their own operations. Dr. John Gilleard is […] Read more


Photo: Union Forage/Facebook

U.S. seed giant acquires Calgary-based Union Forage

Will continue to operate under Union Forage name in 2024 but status beyond that uncertain

South Dakota-based Millborn Seeds announced today it had purchased Union Forage. In a news release, Millborn described Union Forage as a “forage seed innovator” that aligns with its “mission of enriching land and lives by delivering more than 1,200 species of seed solutions to farmers, ranchers and landowners across North America.”

Minor changes to a mineral and vitamin feeding program can make a big difference to animal health and productivity.

Changing feeding programs after calving

Nutrition with Barry Yaremcio

Cows and bred heifers require 25 per cent more nutrients after calving than during late pregnancy. Milk production peaks eight weeks after calving. Feed intake increases until 12 weeks after calving. The increased feed intake is the result of the digestive system expanding to fill the space that was occupied by the fetus and reproductive […] Read more



Dr. Gleise da Silva earned her PhD in Florida before being named the BCRC-Hays research chair in beef production systems at the University of Alberta. She is currently at the helm of a project looking for links between feed efficiency and weather tolerance in beef cattle.

Investigating feed efficiency and climate tolerance

Researchers at the University of Alberta are looking into whether there’s a link between feed efficiency and weather tolerance in cattle

Research and trials have confirmed feed efficiency varies from one animal to another. It’s also true climate extremes influence a cow’s thermoregulation, but are they connected? Are more feed-efficient cattle better at weathering the peaks and valleys of climate challenges? These questions formed the basis of a recent trial at the University of Alberta’s Roy […] Read more


A close-up of a cover crop grazing blend at Ag in Motion, near Langham, Sask., in 2023.

Surveyed producers report soil health benefits to cover cropping

Producers grazing cover crops reported soil health benefits, but cited a lack of information as a barrier

Callum Morrison finds himself talking about cover crops constantly. It’s a topic he’s happy to dive into. “My job isn’t focusing on cover crops, but I think it’s always something I’m going to be interested in,” he says. He’s been working in the cover cropping area of research for years since he started his master […] Read more

A file photo of the aftermath of freezing rain in Montreal on April 6. (David Himbert photo/Hans Lucas via Reuters Connect)

Weather Network predicts mild winter, with caveats

Colder scenario expected for East

MarketsFarm — Strong El Niño conditions that have developed in the Pacific Ocean would typically lead to a milder winter across Canada — but other factors this year could challenge that outlook, according to the winter forecast from The Weather Network, released Wednesday. The winter forecast features a mild start to the season, with a […] Read more