Piper Whelan Archives | Canadian Cattlemen

Cargill consumer research shows gap in protein knowledge

Meat: News Roundup from the September 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Piper Whelan 2 days ago

Consumers aren’t as aware of beef’s high protein content as one may assume, according to a recent Nielsen survey. Cargill is redesigning its ground beef packaging to better communicate the protein content, using this information and other insights gained from its latest consumer research. This lack of understanding wasn’t surprising, said Glendon Taylor, Cargill’s marketing […] Read more

News, News Roundup

Harvey’s sourcing certified sustainable beef

Sustainability: News Roundup from the September 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Piper Whelan 5 days ago

A Canadian restaurant chain is the next retailer to announce its commitment to sourcing sustainably raised beef in partnership with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). Harvey’s Restaurants will now source part of the beef for its Original Burger in accordance with CRSB’s Certified Sustainable Beef Framework. Harvey’s already sources 100 per cent Canadian […] Read more

Features

Using data to drive decisions

By Piper Whelan September 5, 2019

The family behind Echo Sand Ranching and Korova Feeders challenges  conventional thinking in seedstock production and sales

Data has always driven herd management decisions for Doug and Helga Price, though their methods for using data have greatly evolved over the years. At one time, they calculated performance data for Echo Sand Ranching on paper. Helga spent long hours working this information to rank the females in their herd. Today, with an easy-to-use […] Read more

(Left to right) James Ritchie, Dana Stoyberg, Vladmir Tadic, Heidi Trenson and Claye Harsany.

Features

Taking a page from Australia’s quality grading playbook

By Piper Whelan August 29, 2019

Could a new premium program and grading system boost consumer satisfaction? 

A student project at the University of Alberta suggests that introducing an additional quality grading system could benefit the Canadian beef industry. Five animal science students in the final year of their undergraduate degree have proposed the development of a voluntary muscle-based grading system, modeled after a similar program that has had positive results in […] Read more

Left to right: Megan Clifton (CYL), Jessica Giles (CYL) and Ben Miller (chef) cooking chili over an open fire.

Features, News

Young beef producers connect with top chefs

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program works with the nation’s most talented young chefs to create meaningful connections

By Piper Whelan August 23, 2019

Campfire smoke and laughter filled the air as some of the brightest young talents in the Canadian beef and culinary industries met on the banks of the Pekisko Creek. On the menu today: chili cooked over a fire, plus the opportunity to build vital relationships. The beef industry is frequently told to share its story […] Read more

Pea straw has higher protein levels than oat, barley or triticale straw.

Cereals, Forages, Peas

What to consider when choosing alternate cattle feed sources

Anything from pea straw to cull potatoes can help producers plug the feed gap

By Piper Whelan August 2, 2019

With a hay shortage looming across much of the Prairies, many cattle producers will need to look further afield for feed. There are numerous options for alternate feeds, such as salvaging hail-damaged or stressed crops. Nitrate toxicity is a concern if the crop was highly fertilized with nitrogen, but Barry Yaremcio, beef and forage specialist […] Read more

Swidersky trains cattle to walk under the wire by setting up two risers like a gate.

Beef Cattle, Livestock

Tips for using risers with electric fencing

Grazing: News Roundup from the June 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Piper Whelan June 18, 2019

Replacing gates with risers that lift up electric fencing may be beneficial to producers looking to save time and money. Several producers are taking advantage of tools that lift electric wire, allowing cattle to walk under the wire instead of through a gate. “I love using these lifters. They are by far one of my […] Read more

Dr. Calvin Booker has been involved with Feedlot Management Service’s carbon offset projects since the company first explored the programs in 2009.

Features, Livestock

Carbon offset projects may provide financial opportunities

There are two types of carbon market structures

By Piper Whelan June 17, 2019

Opportunities are emerging for beef producers to benefit from carbon dioxide emission offset markets at both the cow-calf and feeder levels. Agricultural emission offset projects are attractive to companies required to purchase emission offsets and those voluntarily making a positive environmental impact. The added benefits of these projects, a result of sustainable production practices, are […] Read more

Wild pigs raise several litters a year, and litters average six piglets on the Prairies.

Features, Livestock

Invasive wild pigs a growing threat to agriculture

By Piper Whelan June 10, 2019

The rapid spread of wild pig populations across Canada could have serious implications for agriculture. Ryan Brook, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Land Management Institute and Department of Animal and Poultry Science, warns that the expansion of this invasive species can lead to destructive consequences for livestock and crop production, as well […] Read more

Electric fencing can be an effective way to give pastures or cells a break between grazing.

Features, Forages

Management key when evaluating forage production

By Piper Whelan May 28, 2019

What should you consider when evaluating the performance of grazing systems and forage production? According to Sean McGrath, management is the factor least often measured in the forage industry, but doing so can keep you accountable for your management decisions and positively impact performance. McGrath, who ranches with his family at Vermilion, Alta., discussed this […] Read more

Dutch distributor buys Manitoba Claas dealerships

Cash wheat: Bids get support from U.S. gains

Ample world malt barley supply to limit export prices

GFM Network News