In a place described by poets as “the forest primeval,” Dean and Catherine Manning have built a business to be proud of in Nova Scotia’s agricultural paradise. With a unique climate and fertile farmland developed from salt marshes more than 300 years ago, all kinds of agricultural production flourish near the Minas Basin, from orchards […] Read more
Using natural advantages for a sustainable cow-calf operation
The 2021 TESA recipients discuss managing risk by working with the environment and the importance of building trust with customers
Finding equilibrium in forest grazing
Fire suppression, managing invasive species among benefits of grazing forested areas
If producers want to reap the benefits of grazing forested areas, they can’t ignore the balance needed for the health of these ecosystems. Creating balance in forest grazing systems involves managing for risks, such as erosion, particularly in steep areas, soil compaction in places where cattle tend to gather and impacts on water quality if […] Read more
Into the woods
A focus on balance required to get the most from grazing forested areas, producers say
On Kingsclere Ranch, the balance between forestry and beef production is mutually beneficial for both its business model and the environment. “The cows have a role to play in the total balance of the equation, and that’s a pretty significant role,” says Jeff Braisher, who produces high-end timber as well as raising cattle at Golden, B.C. Here […] Read more
Testing virtual fencing’s potential in B.C.
Pilot underway to develop technology fitting the needs of grazing in B.C.
When the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association initiated a targeted grazing project to reduce wildfire risk in the wildland-urban interface, the prospect of rebuilding lost fencing to facilitate this was costly. An estimated 900 kilometres of fenceline in B.C was burned in wildfires during 2017 and 2018, with a staggering projected rebuild cost of $14 million. […] Read more
Pandemic upends retail business for the long term
Price sensitivity, brand recognition and positive beef messaging are all areas to watch, says grocery industry consultant
March 2020 brought a seismic shift to the grocery industry, forcing Canadian supermarkets to completely change their everyday operations. Before COVID, grocery stores were generally stocking fewer packaged goods and offering more fresh products, and prepared in-house meals were popular. Online grocery shopping had drawbacks and only made up a tiny percentage of grocery volume. […] Read more
Sendero seeks continuous improvement across supply chain
New program offers improved efficiency and profitability by improving data flow through the beef value chain
Continuous improvement opens the doors to greater possibilities, as the cattle producers behind Sendero Limited know well. By working to improve efficiency at each stage of production, this innovative new program offers tools to increase profitability across the beef supply chain. “All of our founders have been in the business for generations, and we’ve always […] Read more
Making food waste work in your feeding program
There are several benefits and challenges to weigh when introducing food waste as a feed source
When customers visit Mike Buis’ on-farm retail store to purchase beef, they often ask what unusual product he’s feeding his cows that day. “It keeps it interesting,” says Buis, who farms at Chatham, Ont., and feeds cull vegetables and processing byproducts to his herd. “They need to almost drive directly by the feed bunk to […] Read more
Study delves deeper into preconditioning calves
Researchers are exploring disease prevention, economics and performance benefits on feeder calves
Though the practice of preconditioning calves is relatively well known, not everyone agrees on the definition of the term. Confusion over what preconditioning entails may be partly to blame for reports of inconsistent returns on investment, says one researcher. “To me, it’s way more than just optimizing a vaccination protocol,” says Dr. Karin Orsel, veterinary […] Read more
A closer look at your feed test
A ruminant nutritionist provides us with an in-depth look at a real-life feed test for hay
In a year like this, feed testing is “prudent,” says Courtney O’Keefe, ruminant nutritionist with Blue Rock Animal Nutrition at Innisfail, Alta. “It’s going to help you make those decisions and balance that ration accordingly.” O’Keefe takes us through a recent feed test (see example below) for mixed grass-legume hay, noting that nutritionists tend to […] Read more
Beware vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the cow herd during drought
News Roundup from the September 27, 2021 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
As ranchers pull cattle from parched pastures this fall, veterinarians and livestock nutritionists advise watching for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. “This year we’re going to be seeing a lot of guys feeding some alternative feeds, maybe a little bit more straw in their rations, so it’ll be important to balance off those important macro minerals […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
