The majority of cattle feeding in Western Canada has been centered in Alberta. But since the early ’70s, an operation in Saskatchewan has stood out. The corporate vision statement of “Leadership in sustainable, innovative agriculture” of Pound-Maker Feedlot at Lanigan, Sask., illustrates the company’s unique approach with the synergies of Canada’s first livestock feeding operation […] Read more
Finding synergy with farming, cattle and ethanol
Even with more than 50 years in the feeding business, Pound-Maker is still finding ways to dial in its various ag businesses
Couple find love, learning at Lakeland College
Corey Bloder and Maxi Biederstadt credit their college experience with helping them dial in their farming operation
Corey Bloder and Maxi Biederstadt not only credit Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alta., as the place where their romance blossomed, but also the place of incredible learning and networking. Bloder grew up on a mixed farm near Unity, Sask., with a focus on Simmental cattle. Biederstadt came from Edmonton and although she did not grow […] Read more
B.C. ranchers honoured for protecting watersheds
The Seelhof family works hard to protect the river and tributaries that run through their ranch, as well as manage invasive species and rotate grazing and feeding grounds
In a truly strange set of circumstances, when Chad Seelhof heard about the BSE announcement, he was in a cattle liner about to relocate from Paradise Hill, Sask., with his parents Louis and Ellie, to the Cariboo region of British Columbia. Chad recalls hearing the report on a radio broadcast. “I really wondered what the […] Read more
Ranching in northeastern Alberta
In 1918, the Hines family shipped over 800 head of Hereford to Kitscoty by rail, and they’ve been raising cattle in the Marwayne area ever since
The roots run long and deep for the Hines family of Marwayne, Alta. They have been ranching in the Marwayne area for over 100 years. Over that time the family has grown to include many that are well-known in the cattle industry. In 1906, Jim Hine’s grandfather, George (Judge), had come north from Montana to […] Read more
Managing finances on the farm
Whether you’re managing through a black swan event such as a pandemic or so-called normal times, it’s vital to have a solid understanding of your operation’s finances
Many consider financial literacy to be a basic life skill. And further, one that is not always covered in traditional school settings. As ranchers and farmers, does this gap extend into our knowledge base? Certainly those that specialize and like “numbers” have a good grasp, but beyond that, how can we improve ag financial literacy […] Read more
Talking succession planning with Annessa Good
As a young woman and the daughter of a well-known farm transition consultant, Good brings an interesting perspective to succession planning
[UPDATED: May 27, 2020] – Annessa Good refers to the transition process as a roller coaster ride and it is quite the ride, she says. If anyone should know, it is her. Not only is she a transition specialist in southern Alberta with Farm Credit Canada (FCC), but she is also the daughter of another well-known […] Read more
Lessons learned growing cocktail crops
Despite an adverse start, cocktail crops have become a regular part of the Hale family’s crop rotation over the last six years
It is a long, long way from Dallas, Texas to Hines Creek, Alta. But the distance did not deter Curt Hale’s grandfather and father from making the move to Alberta’s Peace Country. The Hale family calls their operation Maverick Livestock, an apt name, with a maverick being an unorthodox or independent-minded person. The pioneering spirit […] Read more
Succession planning 101
The first step to succession planning is to call a family meeting
If you asked farmers and ranchers what keeps them up at night, besides markets and weather, many would say the succession plan or lack thereof. When is the best time to start the process? Similar to planting trees, 25 years ago. But the second-best time is now, was a comment made by a recent Entreleadership […] Read more
Young cattle producers managing risk on the ranch
Whether it’s growing feed or selling cattle, Trent Macnab likes to spread out risk
For Trent Macnab, diversity in the winter feeding program has been a way to reduce risk and help build soil nutrients. The regime includes standing corn, straight barley for swath grazing, a cocktail crop mix for swath grazing and bale grazing. It also allows them to have a rotation on their fields, “which cattlemen typically […] Read more
Determination the crucial ingredient to TK Ranch’s success
This Alberta ranch has seen its share of tough times but the Biggs family keeps moving forward
The challenges and hardships encountered by the pioneers in the short grass prairie of central Alberta are difficult for us in modern day agriculture to fathom. But the direct marketing storyline for Dylan and Colleen Biggs of TK Ranch near Coronation, Alta., has distinct parallels. Overcoming adversity, challenges beyond one’s control and constant change are […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
