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Randy, Sandra and Luke Radau stroll through the bale yard.
Features, Livestock

Sustainable practices reap rewards for longtime Hereford breeders

Coulee Crest Farm takes pragmatic, down-to-earth approach when making improvements to its operation

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Sustainability has always been a guiding principle for the Radau family at Coulee Crest Farm. “It’s something that we’ve always practiced before we even knew what the word meant, just to ensure the long-term viability of our operation and the environment and the profitability of farming on this land,” said Randy Radau, who farms near […] Read more
“Trying to produce crops that are not suited to your soils leads to low yields, high production costs and a higher land requirement to meet production goals.
Features, Forages

Yield and quality pillars of forage production

Grow well-adapted varieties and match your forages to soil and climate conditions

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When it comes to cost of production and efficiency, Bill Thomas considers yield and quality to be the two pillars of forage production. In order to keep these pillars standing strong, careful planning is the key to creating an effective forage production program. Thomas, retired director of Perennia’s field services division, delivered his recommendations at […] Read more
The Ference family runs a 4,000-head cow herd, plus a feedlot and a large farm.
Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Creativity and efficiency pay for young producers

Being named Canada’s OYF was overwhelming “because there’s such a high calibre of people there”

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Creativity and efficiency have served Craig and Jinel Ference well on their family farm. These qualities also distinguished the couple when they were named one of two national winners of the 2018 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program. “Being nominated to be part of the program was a real honour, and then as we went […] Read more
Beef Cattle, Features, News

Questions remain around blockchain and beef traceability in Canada

Will the technology sustain enough interest for the concept to reach its full potential?

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Blockchain is a buzz-worthy concept in various industries, and companies around the world are investigating how this technology can improve traceability in the agri-food industry. However, there are numerous questions to be answered before the Canadian beef industry can determine if blockchain is feasible for traceability. A blockchain is a web-based record-keeping system used to […] Read more
A map of the Bighorn Country proposal. There would be one large provincial park (Bighorn Wildland) along with three smaller ones (David Thompson, Ya Ha Tinda, and North Saskatchewan River). The largest area on the map is the proposed West Country Public Land Use Zone. A second such zone, Kiska/Willson, already exists but would have enlarged boundaries. Within the Kiska/Willson zone would be four provincial recreation areas: Bighorn Dam, Snow Creek, and Shunda (in the upper part of the zone) and Hummingbird in the middle.
News, News Roundup

Western Stock Growers’ Association weighs in on land use proposal

News Roundup: Bighorn Country proposal could create a larger parks area with multiple designations

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The Western Stock Growers’ Association is joining the conversation around a controversial land use proposal in Alberta. The provincial government’s Bighorn Country proposal, a project that could create a larger parks area with multiple designations, was one of the issues discussed at the WSGA’s annual general meeting, held March 12 at Red Deer, Alta. This […] Read more
Setting up heifers for success in their first breeding season is crucial to earning back the investment in those animals.
Cow-Calf, Features

Establishing reproductive momentum in replacement heifers

Make sure you take steps to get the most of your investment

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Developing replacement females is an investment that can take years to earn back, making it essential to set them up early for reproductive success. Kathy Larson, research economist at the University of Saskatchewan, discussed the financial considerations of developing replacement females in a Beef Cattle Research Council webinar, including whether to purchase heifers or retain […] Read more
Rafael Ramírez González judges the President’s Classic Show during Canadian Western Agribition in 2018.
Beef Cattle, Features, Livestock

Mexican beef producer finds top genetics in Canada

Producers in Mexico appreciate high quality of Canadian cattle herds

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Canadian beef producers frequently brave winter weather to attend bull sales and cattle shows. In the stalls and by the sales rings, breeders learn about each other’s operations in the hopes of starting partnerships, finding new genetics and sending their best into other herds. A western Canadian ranch or cattle show is also the perfect […] Read more
Environment plays a big part in the potential for an animal to express its genetics, says PJ Budler.
Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

EPDs only one part of the genetic selection formula

EPDs most valuable when used with best practices

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It’s not everyday you visit a 7,000-head beef operation in Kenya, but that’s not the only reason the experience was memorable for PJ Budler. When he visited this herd of Boran cattle, a breed native to Kenya, for a consulting project, their quality left him amazed. “You could hardly find an animal that didn’t have […] Read more
News, News Roundup

Delta Genetics sells livestock genotyping services

Research: News Roundup from the February 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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Canada’s first complete DNA laboratory dedicated to livestock has sold its genotyping services in order to expand the livestock industry’s use of genomic technologies. Delta Genomics Centre announced in early January that its genotyping services were sold to Neogen Canada Inc. Neogen’s acquisition is projected to provide genomic services at a more affordable price, in […] Read more

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AGCanadaTV: In Case You Missed It – Your National Ag News Recap for the week ending May 17, 2019.

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