Three mixers at the Ag in Motion field demonstrations in 2018, north of Saskatoon, Sask.

Matching a TMR machine to a livestock operation

When choosing a machine, start with the feed type going into the ration, then look at the features

Total mixed ration (TMR) mixers have become a fixture on feedlots, dairies and mixed farms. They are the “must have” machines to process, mix and deliver multiple variations of feed to the livestock industry. These heavy-duty blenders have improved feeding efficiency and provide exacting energy requirements without sacrificing the physical characteristics needed for proper rumen […] Read more

Hereford calves eating corn from a feed bunk. Introducing calves to a feed ration while they’re still on the cow helps ease weaning stress.

Backgrounding basics – easing the transition from weaning to feeding

Backgrounding calves can add value, but does come with more risk. Learn how to manage those risks and shepherd calves through the post-weaning phase

Adding weight to calves through backgrounding can be an effective way to increase the worth of both lower-value cattle and feeds. However, beef producers have to do their homework to make sure cattle transition successfully from weaning to feeding. “If you have a good source of cheap feed, you can put a lot of pounds […] Read more


During the pandemic, Maryjo and Rob Tait of Celtic Ridge Farms have made a lot of sales of their beef using social media and their website.

Surviving the pandemic on a small beef farm

When COVID-19 struck, the Tait family pivoted their retail strategy, and some of those adaptions will serve them in the long-term

Bouncing back and thriving from a pandemic-caused blow to the business taught Maryjo and Rob Tait of Celtic Ridge Farms a number of valuable lessons. “We’re very much supported by our local people, which is awesome,” says Maryjo. “And with the online business, our reach is much wider.” The Taits have a 100-head mixed herd […] Read more

Brett McRae and his wife Chantel on the farm in southwestern Manitoba.

Mentorship program leads Manitoba producer to regenerative ag

After participating in the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders program, Brett McRae rejigged his mixed farm to abide by the five principles of soil health

Brett McRae is a fifth-generation rancher in southwest Manitoba, near Brandon, but not the fifth generation on the same ranch. “I was born and raised here and my parents are still actively farming. I farm next to them; we farm separately but share equipment, labour, facilities and ideas. It’s the best of both worlds; we […] Read more


Hereford genetics were introduced to Mongolia’s Bulgan and Selenge provinces from Russia in the 1950s. The breed did well, but the cattle industry declined after the Soviet Union fell and state-run farms closed.

Canadian producer builds pasture-to-plate beef business in Mongolia

Blending modern feedlot practices with tradition is opening new doors for a small feedlot in Mongolia

When Jeremy and Roxy Thiessen first served their home-finished beef to friends, their guests declared they’d never tasted anything like it. While this is often how stories of direct-marketing success begin, the Thiessens had a distinct advantage based on their location and market demands, providing a unique opportunity for this family. At first glance, the […] Read more

Separating heifers from mature cows reduces competition at the bunk and allows producers to formulate a diet specific to the needs of growing heifers.

Nutrition 101 for replacement heifers

Six tips to create a nutrition plan to give replacement heifers the best start possible in your herd

Setting clear benchmarks is an ideal place to begin when creating your heifer development program. This is where Kristin Thompson, ruminant nutritionist for New Life Mills, begins when she works with cow-calf producers to develop nutrition programs for replacement females. Monitoring your heifers’ growth begins with knowing how much they need to gain by the […] Read more


Handling cattle is a physical act that requires handlers to constantly assess changing risks, says Reg Steward.

The health and safety shield of stockmanship

By making good stockmanship a regular practice, producers can reduce risk to themselves, their families and their workers

A standard of Canada’s manufacturing plants and production facilities is safety programs, work processes and procedures designed to keep equipment running and workers safe. Farms and ranches are not immune to accidents or incidents, nor to regulation and litigation, but continue to lag behind the modern world’s pursuit of this benchmark. “Health and safety roles […] Read more

Todd Hermanson’s Wire Shark mounts on a skid steer to ease the job of pulling and rolling wire.

Removing old wire fences

Custom fencers share their tips for cleaning up old fencelines more efficiently and with less risk of injury

When an old wire fence has deteriorated and needs to be replaced, removing the old posts and wires can be time-consuming. Then there’s the task of hauling them off and disposing of them. Custom fencers have the goods on removing those fences with less hassle, whether you’ve got a wire-winder or are rolling by hand. […] Read more


(Left to right) Ruby, Jacob, Rita and Ross Canning at their beef operation near Geelong, Victoria in Australia.

Passion for raising cattle brings youth to Canada

Young Australian producer drawn to Canada for opportunities to benefit her herd back home

No matter where in the world you travel, family is at the heart of agriculture. Above the main show ring at Canadian Western Agribition in 2019, Ruby Canning was taking a short break in the International Business Centre. Backpack and camera at her side, the young Australian lit up when she talked about how much […] Read more

The Rosetown Hutterite Colony aims to feed 90 per cent of its calves next year and market those animals to Ben’s Quality Meats in Picture Butte, Alta.

Beef producers share insights into certification programs

Two beef producers talk about why they decided to certify their operations and the differences between the VBP+ and EU certification programs

Canadian beef producers are rightfully proud of the cattle they raise. Due to the care they provide their animals and their environmental stewardship, this country’s farmers and ranchers produce arguably the best beef in the world. Increasingly, producers are turning to certification programs like Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) and various European Union (EU) certifications […] Read more