As September comes to a close, it’s time to check your mailboxes for the latest issue of Canadian Cattlemen.

This month, our cover features the Macnab family of Mervin, Sask. In this story written by Kelly Sidoryk, Trent Macnab shares how his family spreads out the risks around winter feeding by relying on diverse feed sources. The same strategy also builds the soil. Macnab also touches on other topics of concern to beef producers these days, from selling yearlings to succession planning.

Unfortunately, many beef producers are facing a hay shortage this year, either due to not enough rain in the growing season or too much rain during haying. Duane McCartney has talked to several researchers and extension folks about the problem and written a comprehensive article on strategies for a winter feed shortage. The bottom line is to think of feed as a means of delivering nutrients.

Despite many advances, shipping fever or bovine respiratory disease remains a perennial problem. Piper Whelan explains the latest research by Dr. Thomas Inzana on the biofilm that protects these bacteria from antibiotics. By finding a way to dissolve that biofilm, Inzana hopes to combat chronic respiratory infections.

Those are just a few of the stories we’ve got lined up for you, in addition to our regular departments and columns. If you’re not already a subscriber to the magazine, you can sign up today online.