Cow-Calf , Latest & Featured | Canadian Cattlemen

WLPIP calf price insurance deadline extended

Three-week extension includes nine purchasing days

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News May 15, 2020

Cattle producers in the western provinces will get extra decision-making time this year on the calf price insurance available through Western Livestock Price Insurance (WLPIP). The Prairies’ Crown ag insurance corporations announced Thursday that the deadline to buy WLPIP calf price insurance for 2020 has been extended to June 18. The new deadline, reset from […] Read more

Once a calf is lying flat and has a very weak or absent suckle reflex, it needs IV fluid.

Cow-Calf, Livestock

Scours in calves

Scours is a common illness in young calves. Understand the causes and effects of this disease to treat and prevent it

By Heather Smith Thomas March 18, 2020

Scours can be caused by certain kinds of bacteria, viruses or protozoa, but other factors come into play as well. “It’s often the interaction between the immune system, the environment and the pathogen load. The old saying is that the solution to pollution is dilution (or) minimizing the pathogen load,” says Dr. Paul Hardes, a […] Read more

By restraining the cow, the substitute calf can nurse without being kicked, stimulating milk let-down.

Cow-Calf, Livestock

Tips for grafting a calf

There’s more than one way to encourage cow-calf bonding, but hormones and smell are key

By Heather Smith Thomas March 3, 2020

When a cow loses a newborn calf, many stockmen will graft an orphan or twin onto the cow. Sometimes it’s prudent to graft an old cow’s calf onto a younger cow that has lost a calf, so that the old cow can be fattened and sold. But what’s the best way to get a cow […] Read more

Don’t forget everyday practices such as providing clean, dry bedding during calving season.

Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Reducing disease in newborn calves

Calving: News Roundup from the February 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Piper Whelan February 4, 2020

Extra vigilance before and during the calving season can pay off when it comes to producing healthy calves. “Newborn calf mortality can have a significant impact on calf crop percentage and ultimately your herd economics,” said Dr. Steve Hendrick, veterinarian with the Coaldale Veterinary Clinic in Coaldale, Alta. Hendrick spoke about reducing disease in newborn […] Read more

Cow-Calf, Features

Calving date shifting in Ontario

The onset of calving season often depends on the individual operation, says an Ontario cow-calf producer

By Lois Harris January 21, 2020

The vast majority of Ontario producers calve their cows either in the barn or very close to it early in the year, but the current trend is toward later calving dates on grass, according to Craig McLaughlin, a Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) board director and cow-calf producer in Renfrew County. A survey conducted in […] Read more

Colostrum from the dam, or another cow from the same herd, is the best option for a calf.

Cow-Calf, Features

The importance of getting quality colostrum

While colostrum from the dam is best, there are other options for emergencies

By Heather Smith Thomas January 15, 2020

The cow’s first milk is vital to the newborn calf’s survival. Calves that obtain adequate colostrum soon after birth stay healthier than calves that are slow to suckle or don’t get enough. “I have been working with many critical-care newborns and this is why I am interested in colostrum,” says Dr. Lisa Gamsjaeger. Gamsjaeger is […] Read more

Cow-Calf, General, Reuters, Weather

Brazil Amazon deforestation soars to 11-year high

By Marcelo Teixeira November 18, 2019

Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil | Reuters — Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest rose to its highest in over a decade this year, government data on Monday showed, confirming a sharp increase under the leadership of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. The data from Brazil’s INPE space research agency, which showed deforestation soaring 29.5 per cent […] Read more

Cow-Calf, Livestock, Reuters, Weather

Dorian swept swimming cows two miles to North Carolina beach

By Jonathan Drake November 14, 2019

Cape Lookout National Seashore, N.C. | Reuters — Three cows have been spotted beachcombing on a remote barrier island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, swept to an unlikely grazing spot when Hurricane Dorian whipped waves powerful enough to carry them two miles from their home. One of the bovine bodysurfers was seen soon after the […] Read more

The right mineral supplementation program can improve colostrum and calf immunity, according to a study on the University of Florida’s cow herds.

Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Research suggests trace mineral source matters

New research shows that organic trace mineral supplementation has benefits over its inorganic counterparts

By Piper Whelan November 12, 2019

When it comes to mineral supplementation for beef females, new research suggests that the source matters. Studies from the University of Florida show that organic trace mineral supplementation for cows has benefits compared to inorganic trace minerals in areas such as increased pregnancy rates, weaning weight and calf immunity. Dr. Matt Hersom is an associate […] Read more

Cow-Calf, Livestock, Nutrition

Some thoughts on cattle feeding program design

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By John McKinnon November 8, 2019

In my last column, I discussed some of the issues cattle feeders — particularly those new to feeding — face when starting calves on feed. The basic message was that with feed intake, these animals need to get off to a fast start to minimize issues associated with weaning stress and the various disease challenges […] Read more

ICE weekly outlook: Canola stronger after Canada Day

Ontario investigating 17 temp agencies after virus outbreaks on farms

U.S. grains: Corn pauses after fund buying spree, watches weather

GFM Network News