(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Few herds remain in B.C. bovine TB probe

The federal investigation into an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis affecting four animals in a domestic British Columbia cattle herd has pulled back to include just seven properties. As of Monday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s probe included one herd each in B.C. and Saskatchewan and four herds in Alberta under movement controls, along with the […] Read more



Questions remain around blockchain and beef traceability in Canada

Questions remain around blockchain and beef traceability in Canada

Will the technology sustain enough interest for the concept to reach its full potential?

Blockchain is a buzz-worthy concept in various industries, and companies around the world are investigating how this technology can improve traceability in the agri-food industry. However, there are numerous questions to be answered before the Canadian beef industry can determine if blockchain is feasible for traceability. A blockchain is a web-based record-keeping system used to […] Read more

CME May 2019 feeder cattle with Bollinger (20,2) bands, a gauge of market volatility. (Barchart)

Klassen: Feeder market incorporates risk premium following U.S. floods

Compared to the previous week, western Canadian feeder cattle sold steady to $4 higher the week ending March 23. Favourable spring weather enhanced demand for yearlings from major finishing operations; Lethbridge-area markets were notably $3-$5 higher as feedlots focused on local cattle. While feeding margins remain in negative territory, strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more


A calving ease EPD is a better measure than only looking at a potential heifer bull’s head, neck or shoulders, says Travis Olson.

Calving ease top priority when selecting heifer bulls

Calving ease EPD more important than assessing a bull visually, says Alberta producer

When it’s time to choose a heifer bull, expected progeny difference for calving ease tops one beef producer’s list. The birth weight expected progeny difference (EPD) is accurate but it’s simply an average, says Travis Olson of Ole Farms at Athabasca, Alta. For example, two bulls could have an average birth weight EPD of 75 […] Read more

Calves on clean straw. Scours remains a reality on cow-calf operations.

Developing a better diagnostic for cryptosporidiosis

Research: News Roundup from the March 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

University of Arizona researchers are developing better diagnostic tools for cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis, or crypto, is caused by a microscopic parasite. It’s a major culprit in scours in calves. It’s also a zoonotic and can cause serious infections in humans as well as other animals. Because the parasite can spread quickly and cause dangerous infections, early […] Read more


Swelling and yellow pus is visible in the vocal cords.

Dealing with diphtheria in calves

Animal Health: The condition is serious enough that swelling can restrict breathing to the point of suffocation

Diphtheria is an upper respiratory problem in cattle characterized by an infection or inflammation of the vocal folds. It can be serious if swelling restricts the airway and makes breathing difficult. Dr. Steve Hendrick of Coaldale Veterinary Clinic at Coaldale, Alta., sees quite a few cases of diphtheria in cow-calf operations and in feedlots. “It’s […] Read more




Setting up heifers for success in their first breeding season is crucial to earning back the investment in those animals.

Establishing reproductive momentum in replacement heifers

Make sure you take steps to get the most of your investment

Developing replacement females is an investment that can take years to earn back, making it essential to set them up early for reproductive success. Kathy Larson, research economist at the University of Saskatchewan, discussed the financial considerations of developing replacement females in a Beef Cattle Research Council webinar, including whether to purchase heifers or retain […] Read more