A look at how Jan Bonsma’s approach to selection is still influencing some ranchers
Over recent years, many commercial cattle operators have become somewhat disillusioned with the direction of certain segments of the beef seedstock industry. In their view, the common sense guideposts for the most useful animals have been directing them too close to the numbers-dominated terminal growth and carcass traits, often at the expense of maternal, reproductive […] Read more
Backing the Bonsma principles in today’s beef industry
A look at how Jan Bonsma’s approach to selection is still influencing some ranchers
Dealing with retained placentas in beef cows
Strive to prevent retained placentas as much as possible, says a large animal vet
Spring calving preparations normally include gathering tools, repairing equipment and gates, and buying medications, hygienic and other treatment supplies. Once those items are checked off the list, most farmers and ranchers feel ready for the calving rush. Fortunately, most deliveries proceed normally but occasionally complications such as retained placentas occur, which demand additional preparations. Labour […] Read more
New calving tech and farmer-based innovations
Whether it’s artificial intelligence or a simple piece of equipment, there are several innovations that can help cut losses and make calving season easier
According to the 2017 Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey completed by the University of Saskatchewan, 3.1 per cent of the overall 5.4 per cent calf death loss total occurred at birth or within 24 hours. To help reduce these numbers, calving management and practices are constantly adapting with technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet […] Read more
Contracted and lax tendons in newborn calves
A look at the potential causes and treatments of limb problems in new calves
Thankfully, most calves are born unassisted, out of sight and out of mind. They nurse independently and quickly take their position as one of many productive herd members. But sometimes things don’t go as hoped, and the occasional calf is born with leg issues — namely contracted or lax tendons. Contracted tendons exhibit as “knuckling […] Read more
Eliminating guesswork with an accurate chute-side BRD test
Researchers are working on a simple test that would detect the presence of three common BRD-causing bacteria
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) has long been the most serious respiratory challenge facing the beef industry, causing half of all cattle deaths from disease in North America. Its identification in individual animals almost always comes after the bacterial infection has established itself, causing an antibiotic response to play from behind. During a networking event in […] Read more
Matching economics with reality on the ranch
As Laura and Grant Smith expand their cow-calf operation, they’re applying what they learned from Ranching for Profit to decisions ranging from buying cows to grazing plans
Grant and Laura Smith own and operate Brush Hills Ranch near Bentley, Alta. The couple ran an oil and gas service company for 14 years, but recently sold their share of the business and expanded their cow-calf operation from 25 to 180 head, while also adding a small heifer development program. “We have a real […] Read more
Measuring production and profitability in beef production
An enterprise analysis can help steer your farm or ranch towards profitability
Variations of the “need to measure to improve management” quote are staples of business and industry mission statements and dogma throughout all sectors of the globe. Ranch and farm operations are not exempt from this appraisal. AgriProfit$ measures performance For 35 years, producers in Alberta have had access to the AgriProfit$ Business Analysis and Research […] Read more
The economics of livestock and grass
Dallas Mount helps beef producers dial in their business practices, while also taking care of the land
Livestock farms and ranches can slowly become stale enterprises with owners satisfied to view them simply as infrastructure supporting a way of raising a family. Conceding to this long-term mediocrity is a dangerous stance for many operations. Dallas Mount of the Wyoming-based Ranch Management Consultants (RMC) is in the business of helping ranchers transition from […] Read more
The ins and outs of stomach tubing calves
New calves in distress or having trouble nursing can still get their first colostrum by tubing, giving them a better shot at good health
Finding a newborn calf too weak to stand or in distress is all too common. Without intervention, calves in this condition will likely die. It doesn’t have to end that way according to Dr. Melissa Wallace of Livestock Veterinary Services, Picture Butte, Alta. Vulnerable calves can receive their first colostrum by tubing, essentially jump-starting health […] Read more
Weighing the value of permanent and portable livestock handling facilities
Functional equipment makes it easier to practice good stockmanship and keep people safe, whether the facilities are portable or stationary
For some cattle producers, the choice of permanent or portable handling facilities is never considered. Feedlots and grow yards require a permanent infrastructure due to the number of cattle worked daily in a specific location. Sizeable cow-calf owners also require a structure to handle both the larger cows and the smaller calves. But with operation […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
