GFM Network News

More News →

Author Archives

Livestock, Nutrition

How well do you mix your cattle feed?

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
When it comes to putting quality feed in front of cattle, there are about as many ways to accomplish this task as there are cattle operations. In most finishing operations, we see total mixed rations (TMR) delivered via mixer wagons, while in cow-calf operations we see everything from pail-feeding grain and ad libitum bale feeding […] Read more
How can you ensure your cows get an adequate supply of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly during late pregnancy and early lactation?
Livestock, Nutrition

Vitamins to consider when cattle feeding

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to discuss winter feeding programs with numerous cow-calf producers across the country. One positive trend that I have noticed from these discussions is the widespread acceptance of mineral feeding. However, when it comes to vitamins, there seems to be confusion or in some cases skepticism about the […] Read more
There are a number of steps producers can take to ensure that cattle maintain relatively high levels of feed intake while on high-grain rations.
Livestock, Nutrition

Feed bunk management key to a sound feeding program

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
In my last two columns, we have looked at issues with starting cattle on feed, as well as providing insight into the design of backgrounding and finishing programs. In this column, the focus will be on management of the feeding program, particularly feed bunk management. At its most basic level, feed bunk management is the […] Read more
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Nutrition

Some thoughts on cattle feeding program design

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
In my last column, I discussed some of the issues cattle feeders — particularly those new to feeding — face when starting calves on feed. The basic message was that with feed intake, these animals need to get off to a fast start to minimize issues associated with weaning stress and the various disease challenges […] Read more
Livestock, Nutrition

Tips for starting calves on feed

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
Retained ownership is a marketing strategy that is used to manage market risk. As opposed to selling weaned calves into a potentially depressed market, retaining ownership and selling at a later stage of production (i.e. as short or long yearlings, or even finished animals) offers the possibility to sell into a more favourable market, as […] Read more
Producers should score cattle at least twice a year, once in the fall coming off pasture and at calving.
Livestock, Nutrition

McKinnon: Interested in feeding your cattle more efficiently this winter?

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
As we move into fall, one of your “to-do” tasks will be to book a herd health visit with your veterinarian. This will include administering any needed vaccinations, structural soundness evaluations as well as pregnancy checking bred cows and heifers. One management tool that may not be included is body condition scoring. If this is […] Read more
Nutrition

McKinnon: It’s silage season again

By
For many readers, as this article comes to press, silage season is either just starting or about to start. Putting up high-quality silage is both an art and a science. With this article I will review some of the key aspects of silage fermentation management that relate to putting up high-quality silage. Before we focus […] Read more
How does corn compare with other feed grains when it comes to cattle nutrition?
Livestock, Nutrition

McKinnon: Feed grain options expanding for cattle

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
One of the questions I get from beef producers relates to the relative feeding value of the various feed grains. Typically this question has focused on barley, wheat and oat grain. However, increasingly producers are asking how corn grain compares as both an energy and protein source. While to some this may seem like a […] Read more
Beef Cattle, Nutrition

Don’t delay planning your winter feed supply

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
This past winter was challenging, particularly for those of you who experienced drought in 2018. Feed supplies were extremely tight and compounded by unseasonably cold weather in February and March. As a result, many producers had to scramble to get sufficient feed to carry their cattle through the winter. While it is too early to […] Read more
Once a calf has been weaned, providing a low-cost, balanced ration that supplies the required nutrients for the desired rate of gain is key to success.
Livestock, Nutrition

The nature and design of backgrounding rations

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By
Over the past number of years, I have had the opportunity to work with several operations whose business plans focus on backgrounding weaned calves. These programs generally fall into one of two categories. The first involves feeding calves weighing 550 to 650 pounds over the winter and marketing them in the spring at weights ranging […] Read more

AgCanadaTV

AGCanadaTV: In Case You Missed It – Your National Ag News Recap for the week ending January 24, 2020.

Sponsored By:
More Videos →

Daily Newsletter

You'll receive current daily news every morning free, as well as market updates and special features.