Amy Higgins is an industry co-ordinator with the Maritime Beef Council and a New Brunswick farmer.

Taking the guesswork out of selecting a data management program for your cattle herd

A recent Maritime Beef Council project analyzed various data management software from the producer’s perspective

When it came to determining the best data management software program for her herd, like many beef producers, Amy Higgins found the possibilities a tad overwhelming. “It was almost like analysis paralysis,” says Higgins, who runs the Maritime Beef Council and raises cattle at Quispamsis, New Brunswick. “There were four or five different options. I […] Read more



Photo: File

Klassen: Surge in feed grain prices shocks feeder cattle market

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$5 lower on average. Feeder cattle weighing 650 to 800 lbs. were relatively unchanged to $3 lower. Calves under 650 lbs. were steady to $4-$6 lower in Alberta, unchanged in Saskatchewan and $3-$5 higher in Manitoba. Fleshier yearlings and calves were heavily discounted last week with […] Read more

Failure to provide a ration that is balanced to meet a cow’s post-calving nutritional requirements will result in a loss of body condition and a likely drop in milk production.

Feeding the lactating beef cow

Nutrition with John McKinnon

In my last two columns (see links below), I have focused on how the cow prioritizes nutrient use for different physiological functions such as maintenance and pregnancy. This month I want to complete the discussion by focusing on the events leading up to and following calving. Read more: Feeding the pregnant beef cow Read more: […] Read more



(JBSs.infoinvest.com.br)

JBS to help fund home purchases for Brooks staff

Company offering zero-interest loans for down payments

One of the biggest beef packers operating in Canada is pledging $1.7 million for a one-year pilot program to help employees buy or upgrade homes. JBS Foods Canada, which operates Brazilian meat packer JBS’s plant at Brooks, Alta., on Tuesday announced the launch of what it calls the “Homebuyer Dream Fund,” providing zero-interest loans to […] Read more



A still from a Beef Cattle Research Council video on managing colostrum.

Calf 911: Managing colostrum so newborn calves thrive

 Ensuring newborn calves consume colostrum is one of the most important management strategies cow-calf operations can implement to promote healthy calves. Colostrum provides essential antibodies (such as immunoglobulin G or IgG) to a calf with virtually no immune system. Colostrum also contains fats, vitamins, proteins and other immune cells essential to provide the calf energy, […] Read more


Colostrum is an important source of nutrients for newborn calves in addition to providing passive immunity.

Updating the risk budget for newborn beef calves

Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke

Looking at the risk budget for newborns brings to mind the adage “I am what I do.” Organizations grow around ideas and things that get done, not people. The adoption of new tools and technology strengthens the industry’s unflagging resolve to improve animal health and welfare. Getting a running start on health starts with nutrition, […] Read more