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
Sustainable practices reap rewards for longtime Hereford breeders
Coulee Crest Farm takes pragmatic, down-to-earth approach when making improvements to its operation
Yield and quality pillars of forage production
Grow well-adapted varieties and match your forages to soil and climate conditions
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
Creativity and efficiency pay for young producers
Being named Canada’s OYF was overwhelming “because there’s such a high calibre of people there”
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
Questions remain around blockchain and beef traceability in Canada
Will the technology sustain enough interest for the concept to reach its full potential?
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
Western Stock Growers’ Association weighs in on land use proposal
News Roundup: Bighorn Country proposal could create a larger parks area with multiple designations
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
Collaboration to continue between Alberta cattle groups
The Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association plans to collaborate with the Alberta Beef Producers on industry initiatives, despite the outcome of the 2018 ABP checkoff plebiscite. Greg Schmidt, ACFA vice chair, reported on the plebiscite results and the New Era Beef Industry Agreement at the organization’s annual general meeting on March 12 in Red Deer, Alta. […] Read more
Establishing reproductive momentum in replacement heifers
Make sure you take steps to get the most of your investment
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
Mexican beef producer finds top genetics in Canada
Producers in Mexico appreciate high quality of Canadian cattle herds
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
EPDs only one part of the genetic selection formula
EPDs most valuable when used with best practices
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
Delta Genetics sells livestock genotyping services
Research: News Roundup from the February 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
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
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
