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It appears core body temperatures can be used to identify feed-efficient cattle on forage diets.
Beef Cattle, Livestock

The search for affordable ways to track feed efficiency at the ranch

Core body temperature can be used to identify feed-efficient animals

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A two-year collaborative study led by the University of Saskatchewan is looking for affordable technology beef producers could use to track feed efficiency in their herd. “The collaboration and co-operation across different universities and provinces and states… is pretty novel and key,” said Bart Lardner, a research scientist at the Western Beef Development Centre and […] Read more
Testing forage generally requires a minimum of 10 to 15 samples to get an accurate representation.
Features, Forages, Livestock

Testing forage even more necessary in a dry year

With many parts of the country having endured a dry season, knowing feed nutrient levels is crucial

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A startling amount of beef producers run the risk of nutrient deficiencies in their herd by not testing their forage sources. Analyzing forage sources to better plan for feeding and supplementation is even more crucial in a dry year to ensure cattle receive the nutrients they require as the colder months and calving season approach. […] Read more
In addition to working on her own cattle operation, Kelly Smith-Fraser is vice-chair of the Alberta Beef Producers and president of the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association.
Features, Livestock

Leading with an eye on the beef industry’s next generation

Kelly Smith-Fraser's NuHaven Cattle Company a testament to a long family history of beef producers

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Kelly Smith-Fraser’s deep roots in agriculture helped develop her present leadership role in the Canadian beef industry. The vice-chair of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and president of the Canadian Maine-Anjou Association, Smith-Fraser’s path in the cattle business was shaped by the previous generations, a legacy she continues on her family’s operation, NuHaven Cattle Company of […] Read more
Two-month-old calves were numbered to identify them as they were sampled for blood and weighed through the chute.
Features, Livestock

Pain control in cattle remains a complex issue

The age of the animal is often a factor when considering pain mitigating options

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When it comes to pain mitigation practices for her cattle operation, Cecilie Fleming believes it’s the right thing to do. It’s also proven to be practical and cost-effective, factors that many beef producers consider when deciding whether to implement pain control. Fleming, who raises purebred Angus, Simmental and Charolais cattle with her family at Fleming […] Read more
Curt Pate demonstrates his pressuring technique with cattle in the chute.
Beef Cattle, Features, Livestock

Effective stockmanship adds to the bottom line

... and it’s the right thing to do

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For Curt Pate, handling cattle in an effective manner is vital to a stockman’s success. “What we really need to think about are what the effects of our cattle handling are doing to the performance of our cattle,” he said during the 2018 Western Canada Feedlot Management School in Regina. Pate, who came into the […] Read more
Livestock

Five tips for easier cattle processing

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As part of his appearance at the Western Canada Feedlot Management School, Curt Pate gave a processing demonstration at Ceylon Gap Feeders in Ceylon, Sask. Here are some of his tips for effectively creating flow through a processing system.
Features, Livestock

Animal health protocols keep everyone on the same page

Vet-client relationships are essential to help ensure livestock remain healthy

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While any type of beef operation can benefit from establishing consistent animal health protocols, this is especially evident when caring for the health of thousands of feeder calves at a time. Kristen Hunter, feedlot manager at Buffalo Plains Cattle Co. at Bethune, Sask., knows this firsthand. Hunter, a veterinary technician who has worked in feedlot[...]
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Features, Livestock, News

Ranchers prove essential in fighting B.C. wildfires

One of the main issues the BC Cattlemen’s Association confronted was animal welfare

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The 2017 British Columbia wildfires, the largest in the province’s history, at that time, will likely loom in the collective memory of cattle producers for years. While the devastating scope of the fires is what many remember about that disastrous summer, ranchers contributed greatly to the firefighting efforts and set important precedents about the role[...]
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“I’m not an anomaly. I would guess that there are many technicians like me, that have ambitions like me, but they’re not being given the opportunity.” – Ashley Gaudet
Features, Livestock

Are veterinary technicians ready to take on a larger role?

Ashley Gaudet says they already are

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Whether she’s working to advance her skills in veterinary medicine or teaching Air Cadets to fly, Ashley Gaudet’s ambition takes her to great heights. Gaudet, a veterinary technician at Veterinary Agri-Health Services (VAHS) in Airdrie, Alta., grew up in Cornwall, P.E.I. Her family’s neighbours gave her an introduction to agriculture, allowing her to help with[...]
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Enright Cattle Company ships 95 per cent of their beef to high-end restaurants in Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston and smaller locations in southern Ontario.
Features, Livestock

Direct marketing is their path to full-time farming

Marketing: Enright Cattle Company is meeting the challenges of building their brand and informing their customers

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When consumers recognize your brand, it’s a sure sign that you’re doing something right. At restaurants across southern Ontario, to see the name of one particular beef operation on the menu is a testament to the hard work of Kara and Darold Enright. “Something that we are always trying to promote to the consumers is[...]
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