A new research project aims to help beef producers better interpret the production data they’re already collecting to make informed management decisions. Currently in its first stages of development, the Arm-Chair Rancher mobile application, a collaboration between Livestock Gentec and David Wishart, professor of biology at the University of Alberta, will analyze data on production […] Read more
Leveraging data in beef production
New mobile app development, networks of smart farms highlight the potential to use data tools in agriculture
Negligible risk status may mean more market access for Canadian beef
Historic designation opens doors for conversations on removing BSE-era trade restrictions for beef products, feeder cattle access and processing requirements
This spring, a difficult chapter for the Canadian beef industry came to a close after almost two decades. In late May, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Scientific Commission approved Canada as having negligible risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), moving from controlled risk status to the disease’s lowest risk level of transmission. This […] Read more
Watch for high sulphate levels in salvaged canola
Supplementation necessary to prevent trace mineral and vitamin deficiencies
If salvaged canola is your alternate feed of choice this fall, be aware of the potential health issues posed by its high sulphate levels. “White muscle disease can be caused by selenium deficiency or vitamin E deficiency or a combination of both, and both of these nutrients can be impacted by feeding canola,” says Dr. Cheryl Waldner, professor of large animal clinical […] Read more
Ag leaders lean in to gender equity
Across the country, women and men are not only identifying remaining barriers to equity, but also finding ways to make agriculture a more welcoming industry for everyone
Despite the incredible strides made by Canadian women in agriculture over the past decades, challenges persist for many. You don’t have to dig far to find stories of women being disrespected by salespeople, having trouble securing loans, or fending off sexual harassment at agricultural events. One challenge that often comes up in the Ag Women’s […] Read more
Beware of high nitrate levels in drought-stressed forages
Feed tests the ideal starting point when managing forages with nitrate accumulation
Feed testing is your first priority when it comes to dealing with high nitrate levels in drought-stressed forages. Bart Lardner, professor of animal and poultry science at the University of Saskatchewan, says that nitrate accumulation can be more of an issue with annual forages during a dry, hot summer, and it’s important to know exactly […] Read more
How to reduce health effects of wildfire smoke at weaning time
A strong calf vaccination program is the most important step, experts say.
Reducing stress at weaning time may be even more important this year, due to challenging conditions over the summer. With wildfire smoke persisting across much of Canada, coupled with extremely dry conditions in some regions, producers need to be aware of how these factors can affect the health of their calves at weaning. “This is […] Read more
Building foundational skills
If you’re new to beef production or looking to expand your skillset, start with our roundup of resources for practical skills and knowledge No matter where you are in your career, there’s always value in learning something new. When the Maritime Beef Council created the Atlantic Beef School, the goal was to provide the region’s […] Read more
Open-pit mining on Eastern Slopes one of the biggest issues facing our generation, says rancher
Beef producers encouraged by recent developments, but still see threat to grazing lands and watersheds
The Blades family of Nanton, Alta. has been linked to Cabin Ridge Mountain for a century. Named for the family’s original cabin, the mountain overlooks summer grazing land vital to the Rocking P Ranch. It’s remained constant as generations fostered a deep love and sense of responsibility for this landscape, and endured the hardships and joys that ranching […] Read more
EPDs: Inside the numbers
Breaking down a real-life EPD report to understand how to evaluate and apply genetic predictions
Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) predict the average performance of an animal’s future progeny for a specific trait, compared to other individuals’ progeny within the breed. They predict average group performance, rather than foretelling individual performance. “If you have a bull with a weaning weight EPD of +50 and another one with a weaning weight EPD […] Read more
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan launches tool to gauge potential wildlife habitat
Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool helps producers choose management practices to protect habitat for at-risk wildlife
Alberta Environmental Farm Plan has introduced a tool to analyze the habitat potential for species at risk, highlighting the concept of every farm and ranch having wildlife habitat. The Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool was launched in March as part of a new chapter in the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan workbook on habitat management, meeting […] Read more
