Despite serious setbacks from the pandemic, an innovative beef branding program is on track to make even greater gains that benefit consumers and beef producers. CARVE Premium Ontario Beef is a brand launched by Flanagan Foodservice in 2017. Flanagan’s is a food distributor with 8,000 customers across the province, including restaurants, health care institutions, caterers, […] Read more
CARVE beefs up its offerings
While the pandemic has presented challenges, the people behind this made-in-Ontario beef brand are confident about its future prospects
Research may yield new approaches to managing pneumonia in cattle
Researchers are now focusing on inflammation’s role in pneumonia cases in cattle
University of Guelph research could lead to revolutionary new approaches to preventing pneumonia in beef cattle while reducing the use of antibiotics. Dr. Jeff Caswell, a professor in the pathobiology department at the Ontario Veterinary College, says the traditional thinking has been that risk factors such as weaning, transportation, inclement weather, castration and viral infections […] Read more
New livestock transport rules may cause tie-ups at rest stops
A lack of capacity at rest stops for calves moving to Eastern Canada has some Ontario feedlots looking south for cattle
[Updated: March 9, 2022] The federal government has decided to stick to its February 20, 2022 deadline for enforcing new feed, water and rest (FWR) rules around transporting cattle despite a one-year extension request by several industry organizations. “We wanted to ensure ongoing research around the effects of rest stops for beef cattle was completed […] Read more
Financing for first-timers
Two bankers offer tips for young producers preparing to talk to a lender
Getting prepared to meet with a banker to get a loan can be fraught with anxiety, especially if you’re young, eager to build a cattle business, and don’t have a lot of financial experience. Canadian Cattlemen talked to two experts about how to better equip yourself for success. “First and foremost, I’d want to know […] Read more
Livestock research a high priority for VIDO
COVID has highlighted the need to connect human and animal health, and for resources to address pandemics in either sphere
Canada’s ability to rapidly respond to emerging human and animal diseases was given a $59.2 million shot in the arm last fall in the federal budget, due to the pandemic. The funding is going to the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). It, combined with $15 million from the province, $250,000 from […] Read more
New nasal spray may provide relief from BRD
By focusing on the microbiome in the respiratory system, a new startup hopes to control shipping fever without antibiotics
Research into a promising alternative to antibiotics that prevents and treats bovine respiratory disease (BRD) has investors and the beef industry buzzing. “My interest is to understand how the microbiome influences the animal’s overall health and response to disease,” says Dr. Christopher Belnap, co-founder and CEO of Resilient Biotics, based in North Carolina. The Microbiology […] Read more
Pandemic-battered beef industry may still be in for a rough ride
While Cargill has improved its pandemic protocols, the union representing plant workers wants to see more changes as they head into contract negotiations this winter
Cargill’s Canadian meat plants have made some progress in rebounding from the initial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a possible strike in the new year may pose a major setback for the company and the beef industry. “The company has to fix the structural problems that led to the outbreak,” says Michael Hughes, the […] Read more
Whither the wind: How to decide on windbreaks
Find out what your options are for protecting your herd from wind and snow this winter
Find out what your options are for protecting your herd from wind and snow this winter
If beef producers want to have healthy, productive herds, making sure they’re protected from the wind is crucial, says Jenifer Heyden. “We want the cattle to be able to maintain condition on cold, windy days,” says the livestock and feed extension specialist with the Government of Saskatchewan. While beef cattle are tough, and can handle […] Read more
Surviving the pandemic on a small beef farm
When COVID-19 struck, the Tait family pivoted their retail strategy, and some of those adaptions will serve them in the long-term
Bouncing back and thriving from a pandemic-caused blow to the business taught Maryjo and Rob Tait of Celtic Ridge Farms a number of valuable lessons. “We’re very much supported by our local people, which is awesome,” says Maryjo. “And with the online business, our reach is much wider.” The Taits have a 100-head mixed herd […] Read more
Developing a vaccine to combat Johne’s disease
Canadian researchers are trialling vaccine candidates, and plan to have results in the fall
Just as researchers around the world are racing to find a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus, Canadian scientists have been diligently working to discover a vaccine that works on Johne’s disease in cattle. “We have successfully established and validated our research model using a commercial MAP vaccine currently licensed for use in Australia and Spain,” […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
