Environment plays a big part in the potential for an animal to express its genetics, says PJ Budler.

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

Bulls will establish a pecking order when brought together, and breeding season brings out aggression.

Getting bulls ready for the breeding season

Take steps to make sure bulls stay healthy in the off season as well

Before breeding season starts, herd sire considerations should be front and center. Assess the condition of the bull battery well before the bulls are released into the cow and heifer herds. A good place to start is a breeding soundness exam which is a uniform method of determining a bull’s likelihood of establishing pregnancy in […] Read more


Steve Kenyon preaching the good word at an ag conference.

Just preaching the good word

From the Ground Up with Steve Kenyon

But which word is the good one? We have so many in our industry. Many years ago I was introduced to holistic resource management and my world changed. Allan Savory was preaching about better grazing management, desertification and climate change long before any of us were even in the game. “The Word” at the time […] Read more

Using permanent and portable infrastructure allows space to separate pairs or assist heifers if needed.

Breeding and calving heifers an evolution for Saskatchewan ranch

Synchronized breeding, AI program helps narrow down heifer-calving period at Grant Ranch

Breeding and calving heifers is a critical part of cow-calf operations. No specific model fits every ranch, and even successful systems require modification. “Heifers can be a challenge; it doesn’t matter who you are,” said Saskatchewan rancher Lynn Grant. Lynn, along with his wife Sherri, and brother Dean and his family, operate a large ranch […] Read more


Public still waiting for answers in romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak

Public still waiting for answers in romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak

The extensive romaine recall of 2018 is a testament to the difficulties in pinpointing tainted produce

We are often reminded that nature, not mankind, controls the universe. There is no shortage of examples: draconian fires and floods linked to climate change and tragedies such as the influenza virus in the early 20th century that killed millions. We also see people’s reluctance to prevent the damage nature asserts even though appropriate tools […] Read more

Winter feed requirements will vary depending on whether the bulls are weanlings, yearlings or mature bulls.

Winter nutrition for bulls

When feeding bulls, the main thing is to assess your goals for those animals, says Dr. Bart Lardner

The bull supplies half the genetics for a calf crop so producers will want to make sure bulls are fertile, healthy and sound, and in good body condition through winter. Young bulls are still growing, so they need adequate energy and protein to support growth as well as maintenance and body condition, and body heat […] Read more


Temperature, wind chill and time spent in cold conditions all contribute to frostbite.

Dealing with frostbite in calves

Animal Health: Warm air is usually better than warm water for treating a hypothermic calf

Calves born in cold weather may suffer adverse effects, including frostbite, especially if they are unable to get up and nurse before they chill. Dr. Andy Acton of Deep South Animal Clinic at Ogema, Sask., says there are two problems when dealing with cold weather. “One is hypothermia, and the other is frostbite, and they […] Read more

The Nerbas family poses for a family portrait. Left to right: Amber, Hailey, Arron, Emerson, Gene, Cynthia, Shane, Kane, Cash and Sacha.

Nerbas Brothers zero in on efficiency

Angus operation aims for smaller-framed, grass-efficient cattle

Efficiency is a word Arron Nerbas of Nerbas Brothers Angus, near Shellmouth, Man., uses often when describing his family’s moderate-framed Angus cattle and their forage-based farming operation. Originally his dad and uncle farmed together, and that’s where their ranch name came from. “My dad, Gene, is still involved with our ranch and my mom, Cynthia, […] Read more


NSAIDs should be used for major procedures such as C-sections at the time of delivery or at the beginning of surgery.

Pain medication at calving and in the feedlot

Pain control is simply the right thing to do in some situations

Pain medication may come with adjunct treatment such as antibiotics but sometimes this is unnecessary. When veterinarians prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, they may choose based on label claim, past experience in the field, price per treatment or per 100 lbs., duration of activity, ease of administration, advice of associates or slaughter withdrawal. […] Read more

Most cases of scours in calves occur at three days or older, meaning they are most likely viral in origin so electrolytes will do more good than antibiotics.

Lessons from a neonatal disease survey

Calving: Measuring the incidence of early calfhood diseases across Western Canada

A very comprehensive survey was completed a few years ago by Dr. Cheryl Waldner at the Western Veterinary College in Saskatoon looking at the incidence of early calfhood diseases across Western Canada. Surveys were distributed to veterinary clinics across this region and randomly distributed to their clients. Thanks should go to the participating veterinarians and […] Read more