There are many decisions which weigh into raising a saleable purebred bull. Do you focus on weight or conditioning? What kind of feeding program do you need to meet that goal? How do you keep them healthy and productive in the bitter winter conditions common across much of the Prairies? Seedstock producers will likely tell […] Read more
Ranchers talk turkey about purebred bulls
Two seedstock bull producers share how they develop marketable breeding males
Don’t fall into a ditch when expanding your land base
Affordability, planning and flexibility are all key factors to consider before moving onto new pasture
For most beef producers — especially those grazing cattle on pasture — land is your gold. And chances are that at some point you’re going to want more of it. The problem is demand for land today is arguably higher than ever. Precision farming has enabled grain and oilseed producers to crop on pasture-worthy marginal […] Read more
The challenge of starting a cattle ranch from scratch
Thinking outside the box, taking advice from mentors and old-fashioned hard work are vital to tackling challenges, say farm advisors
While there are plenty of exceptions, beef operations have traditionally been cross-generational family businesses. There’s a good reason for that: while inheriting land doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve hit a home run, it at least puts you on a base. But what about those young, hopeful beef producers who want to get in the game but […] Read more
Former Alberta rancher delivers high-tech ranch management
Cannon Smith finds there is life after ranching by developing software for the industry
In 2008, Cannon Smith had a big decision to make. Like many cattle producers at the time, the lifelong southern Alberta rancher was being rocked by the lingering price effects of BSE. His hog operation was also in jeopardy from free-falling pork prices. Smith had two choices: either exit livestock production altogether or embrace a […] Read more
Putting beavers to work with the aim for more weight gain
Abundant clean water means more pounds of beef, and an Alberta project demonstrates how beavers can help provide it
Ask many farmers or ranchers if they like having beavers on their land and you may have to wait a moment as they finish choking on their coffee. You may then be on the receiving end of a tirade about what a headache it was to clean up a flooded access road or clear a […] Read more
Stocking rates key to climate change adjustment
Low defoliation rates and leaving lots of litter are best for coping with weather variations from year to year
Fast and hard? Slow and easy? And how many animals per acre? Stocking and defoliation rates are a complex and even controversial issue, and depend a lot on the weather. Climate change could make them even more complex. To get a better idea on how producers should respond, Edward Bork and a team from the […] Read more
Making hay of environmental goods and services
Researchers wrestle with turning an abstract concept into concrete profits for producers
If you were to ask most cattle producers about the goods and services their grasslands provide, it might seem like an obvious question. Most would say that quality forage promotes the health of their cattle, provides high-quality protein and boosts their bottom line. Others might talk about how their grazing practices promote biodiversity and overall […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
