The results of the Alberta Beef Producers’ plebiscite on the future of the producer check-off model were announced at the start of the AGM in December. The tight results, released by the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council, stated that 51.3 per cent voted for a refundable service charge model, while 48.5 per cent voted for […] Read more
Alberta Beef Producers’ plebiscite results in
Associations: News Roundup from the January 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Canadian beef yield grade standards change in January
Grade: News Roundup from the January 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
*[UPDATED: Jan. 15, 2018] Canadian beef yield grade standards were updated in the new year to match those south of the 49th parallel. The Canadian Beef Grading Agency announced that the three yield grades of the Canadian beef grading standards will be replaced in January 2019 with five yield grades. The quality grades will remain […] Read more
Historic ranch provides top grazing opportunities for cattle
Waldron Ranch has been a cattle producer’s paradise since Duncan McNab McEachran established it in 1883
You know a winter range is excellent grazing land when a cow will cross every fence she can to get there. Mike Roberts, manager of the Waldron Ranch Grazing Co-op, pointed out a herd of cows grazing in low-lying pastures while hosting participants of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s pre-conference tour in November. This […] Read more
Consider more than cost during a winter feed shortage
Producers need to ruminate on logistics, pasture conditions and animal welfare, too
After a hot, dry summer in the Cypress Hills, Rick Toney knew some budgeting was in order to ensure his cows would be properly fed this winter. Toney, who ranches near Gull Lake, Sask., and serves as the chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, runs around 500 cows in addition to a small backgrounding lot. […] Read more
Genomic tools for crossbred cattle in the works
The structure of the beef industry poses challenges
Genomic technologies may soon be available to predict traits in commercial cattle, according to University of Alberta researchers. Graham Plastow, CEO of the University of Alberta’s Livestock Gentec Centre, spoke about current opportunities for commercial producers to benefit from genomic tools and technologies in development during the Canadian Beef Breeds Council’s Technical Forum. This was […] Read more
W.A. Ranches’ gift to veterinary medicine and bovine health
The ranch will be home to the University of Calgary’s beef research and extension programs
Students at the University of Calgary’s faculty of veterinary medicine receive hands-on experience at various beef operations. In many ways it’s been a successful approach — after only 10 years, the University of Calgary vet college is ranked among the top 50 vet schools globally. But conducting research at partnering cow-calf operations poses challenges for […] Read more
Ed Pajor takes the reins at W.A. Ranches
The donation of W.A. Ranches also kicks off an exciting new chapter for Ed Pajor, who has been appointed the ranch’s first director. Pajor was raised on a tobacco farm in southern Ontario and studied biology as an undergraduate at the University of Waterloo. There, he participated in a co-op program as part of his […] Read more
Cottonseed hulls gaining favour in Canadian show cattle
Some producers in the U.S. are turning cattle out on cotton fields after harvest to graze
It may not be pretty, but a roughage source popular south of the border is drawing interest from Canadians on the show circuit. Cottonseed hulls, a popular livestock feed in the United States, is becoming more sought-after in Canada, particularly for exhibitors looking for extra fill in their show cattle. Byproducts of the cotton industry, […] Read more
Tranberg takes the lead at Alberta and National Cattle Feeders’ Association
Janice Tranberg’s career has taken her on an impressive journey through many facets of the agriculture industry. This fall, she’ll bring her expertise to the top leadership role in the Canadian cattle feeding sector. Tranberg is moving into the dual position of president and chief executive officer of the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and […] Read more
Alberta feedlot harnesses the power of sun
Solar panels supply some power on this feedlot, but they probably wouldn’t be here without government funding
Feeding cattle in sunny southern Alberta offers an opportunity to producers interested in alternate energy sources. Les Wall and his family saw this potential with their bright location and have recently installed solar technology to help power part of their operation. Les and his wife Lisa started KCL Cattle Company in 1999, beginning with their […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
