Overgrazing means less carbon and more methane

Overgrazing means less carbon and more methane

Research is demonstrating the importance of legumes in a forage system

[UPDATED: April 2] Thirty years ago Dr. Bart Lardner’s research focused on production efficiency. More recently, the researcher and professor at the University of Saskatchewan says his research program has moved toward ways the beef industry benefits the environment. His presentation last November at the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s 14th annual conference in Harrison […] Read more

Finding a forage to fit your farm

Finding a forage to fit your farm

What do you need to think about when you’re considering a cover crop or a perennial legume

Last summer, Canadian Cattlemen caught up with Graeme Finn, rancher and founder of Union Forage, at Ag in Motion. Here’s what he had to say about everything from cover crop blends to the “slow ponies” of the forage world — perennials. Know your soil “Before you even start down this journey with cover crops, know […] Read more


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


Keeping cattle on the land and beef on the plate

Keeping cattle on the land and beef on the plate

From the March 2024 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

We are well into the first quarter of 2024 and we have made much progress on many fronts with our advocacy and communications work on behalf of Canadian beef producers. In January, our board met for its quarterly discussion in Calgary to prioritize current advocacy files and other important issues. Key takeaways included the need […] Read more

‘I’ve seen serious bouts of salt poisoning when cattle are deprived of water through periods of heat, then gain free access to fresh water and end up dying.’ – Ron Clarke.

Protecting beef cattle from extreme heat and cold

Veterinary Case Study: 2023 was one of the warmest in memory, and climate change is only getting started

Sixty years with the cattle industry has created many stories for me — good, bad and funny. Veterinarians don’t get called to many good ones, but there are a few funny stories mixed in with the many tales chronicling sickness and dying. Fortunately, more animals respond to treatment and recover than not. Bills get paid. […] Read more


Henry's farm consists of 30 acres, 20 of which are used for grazing and hay for his cattle.

Cattle ranching on Vancouver Island

While the climate is milder than the Prairies, island producers must contend with a small land base, high land prices and the cost of ferries

Vancouver Island contains a variety of landscapes: beaches with shells and the corpses of moon jellyfish, the frigid water of the Pacific Ocean washing in and out. A rugged, snow-capped mountain range looms over the island. Redwood trees reach high into the sky, the forest floor sheltered and mossy. There are grasslands here, too, in […] 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.”


Praying for rain

Praying for rain

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay

My little corner of the world in northern California began the new year with a healthy dose of rain. I wish I could say the same thing happened in Canada, which is said to be abnormally dry. If it didn’t, I’m definitely praying for rain across the entire country. The “abnormally dry” description came in […] Read more

Guilford family and friends at the National Western Hereford Show in Brandon, Man. last fall. L to R: Michael Latimer (Canadian Hereford Association) Diane and Don Guilford, their grandson, Josh, and his mother, Andrea Guilford, and Albert Rimke (Canadian Hereford Association director and friend).

Lessons in cow economics learned in the field

Don Guilford shares what he’s learned about everything from marketing to breeding cattle from years in the business

A career spent in the cattle industry, specifically that of purebred Herefords, led to a recent induction in the Canadian Hereford Honour Roll for Don and Diane Guilford of Clearwater, Man. The list of accolades and contributions the couple have made to the Hereford industry, the livestock industry, their local community and agriculture in general […] Read more