Cow-Calf Archives | Canadian Cattlemen

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

Research suggests trace mineral source matters

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

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 5 days ago

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

Cow-calf producers can also ease stress by practicing low-stress animal handling.

Cow-Calf, News, News Roundup

Tips for weaning calves

Animal Care: News Roundup from the September 30, 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff October 21, 2019

Canadian Cattlemen reader Christine Pike of Waseca, Sask., wrote to us to share her strategy for reducing weaning stress. We’ve outlined her method with her permission. Pike makes a “calf door” by creating a small opening into a pen with a rail across the top that is a couple of inches higher than the tallest […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Finishers

Coming up in Canadian Cattlemen: Sept. 9, 2019

The September issue will include several articles focused on animal health, plus a profile on the family running TK Ranch.

By Lisa Guenther September 2, 2019

As the sun sets on another summer, those of us at Canadian Cattlemen are gearing up for a busy fall. Subscribers will receive two issues this month. Here’s a look at what’s in the first September issue. Colleen Biggs shares what it’s like to market beef directly to consumers in a profile written by Kelly […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock

Klassen: Feeder cattle markets remain firm

By Jerry Klassen July 30, 2019

Western Canadian feeder cattle prices were unchanged from seven days earlier. Strong buying interest was noted from finishing feedlots in Alberta. Orders flowed across the prairies keeping prices relatively even. U.S. feeder cattle markets traded $3 to as much as $8 higher in the Northern Plains which also underpinned prices in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. There […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Finishers, Livestock

Klassen: Yearling prices surge

By Jerry Klassen July 23, 2019

Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were $3 to as much as $10 higher while calves traded $2 to $5 above week-ago levels. Most auction barns remain in holiday mode; however, order buyers were extremely busy fielding calls for available cattle. This caused the yearling market in Western Canada to divorce from the […] Read more

When roping calves during processing, ropers should be experienced and consistent.

Cow-Calf, Features

Tapping into animal behaviour while processing calves

Cattle handlers must be willing to learn from experience and the knowledge of others

By Bruce Derksen May 23, 2019

With calving season coming to a close for many producers, it is time to plan an efficient and safe branding and processing day for the calves. It is important that cows and calves are handled calmly and with as little stress as possible to reduce negative impacts on their health and productivity, plus make the […] Read more

Castration can be one of the most stressful and painful experiences for livestock.

Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Castration tips and pain control

Better to castrate bull calves at a younger age, otherwise growth can be affected

By Bruce Derksen May 2, 2019

There are numerous reasons for bull calf castration beyond reducing sexual activity and reproduction. Bulls are naturally aggressive and so castration becomes necessary for the herd’s welfare and the protection of those that work with them. Bulls exhibit a lower-quality, inconsistent, tougher, less marbled carcass than steers. They also deliver a much larger number of […] Read more

The Ference family runs a 4,000-head cow herd, plus a feedlot and a large farm.

Cow-Calf, Features, Livestock

Creativity and efficiency pay for young producers

Being named Canada’s OYF was overwhelming “because there’s such a high calibre of people there”

By Piper Whelan April 8, 2019

Creativity and efficiency have served Craig and Jinel Ference well on their family farm. These qualities also distinguished the couple when they were named one of two national winners of the 2018 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program. “Being nominated to be part of the program was a real honour, and then as we went […] Read more

Blood in the feces is one symptom in a calf with coccidiosis.

Cow-Calf, News

Coccidiosis affecting young calves in North Dakota

Coccidiosis may produce symptoms in calves three weeks to one year old, but it can infect all age groups

By NDSU Agriculture Communication April 3, 2019

North Dakota cattle producers have been losing young calves to coccidiosis this spring, according to Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several animal species. In cattle, it may produce clinical symptoms in animals 3 weeks to 1 year old, but it can […] Read more

CBOT weekly outlook: Trade uncertainty weighs

U.S. grains: Soybeans sag on diminishing hopes for China deal

Corn harvest a struggle for three U.S. states

GFM Network News