A Western blot analysis, used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples, is used to confirm BSE in cattle. (Peggy Greb photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Brazil’s ag ministry investigating suspected BSE case

Evidence suggests 'atypical' BSE, source says

Sao Paulo | Reuters — Brazil’s agriculture ministry said Wednesday it was investigating a suspected case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the country, according to a statement. An industry source told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that the suspected case occurred in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. The ministry said such investigations are […] Read more

File photo of a steak sandwich with chimichurri sauce at a street food market in Buenos Aires. (Aleksandr_Vorobev/iStock/Getty Images)

Argentina extends beef export cap, stoking farm tensions

Move seen as 'giving markets to other countries'

Buenos Aires | Reuters — Argentina extended beef export restrictions until the end of October on Tuesday, stoking tensions with the powerful farm sector as the government seeks to bolster domestic meat supply to help contain rising food prices. The move comes months before key mid-term elections, with centre-left President Alberto Fernandez keen to avoid […] Read more


Farmer or rancher sitting on pickup tailgate, in a field, using a Smart Phone with his cattle in the background. Horizontal image would be good for agriculture use.

Leveraging data in beef production

New mobile app development, networks of smart farms highlight the potential to use data tools in agriculture

A new research project aims to help beef producers better interpret the production data they’re already collecting to make informed management decisions. Currently in its first stages of development, the Arm-Chair Rancher mobile application, a collaboration between Livestock Gentec and David Wishart, professor of biology at the University of Alberta, will analyze data on production […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures lift yearling market

Recent rains rejuvenate Prairie pastures

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $3 to as much as $6 higher; calf markets once again traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged depending on the region. Unbridled buying interest was noted on larger groups of high-quality yearlings. Despite the grass conditions this summer, cattle characteristics are rated above average […] Read more


File photo of a platter of sliced raw beef served in Singapore for use in shabu-shabu, a Japanese-style hotpot dish. (Kenneth Chew/iStock/Getty Images)

Singapore clears all Canadian beef for import

Country first to lift BSE-era restrictions under new status

Canada’s new official international status as a “negligible risk” country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy now has its first recognition from a beef-importing nation. Singapore has approved the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s certificate for exports of all Canadian beef, including beef offal, with no restrictions on the age of the cattle from which the beef was […] Read more

Boosting forage quality through ammoniation

Boosting forage quality through ammoniation

Anhydrous ammonia can improve poor-quality forage, but it comes with challenges and safety risks.

Ranchers and beef farmers who have sourced straw for their cows may now be looking for ways to boost the ration quality. Ammoniation is one option, but it’s not easily done.  Applying anhydrous ammonia is a “tried-and-true technique” for improving poor-quality forages, says Dr. John McKinnon, speaking during a Beef Research Council of Canada webinar on […] Read more


Matching economics with reality on the ranch

Matching economics with reality on the ranch

As Laura and Grant Smith expand their cow-calf operation, they’re applying what they learned from Ranching for Profit to decisions ranging from buying cows to grazing plans

Grant and Laura Smith own and operate Brush Hills Ranch near Bentley, Alta. The couple ran an oil and gas service company for 14 years, but recently sold their share of the business and expanded their cow-calf operation from 25 to 180 head, while also adding a small heifer development program. “We have a real […] Read more

Updating the handling requirements for specified risk material in processing facilities is a priority with Canada’s negligible risk designation.

Negligible risk status may mean more market access for Canadian beef

Historic designation opens doors for conversations on removing BSE-era trade restrictions for beef products, feeder cattle access and processing requirements

This spring, a difficult chapter for the Canadian beef industry came to a close after almost two decades. In late May, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Scientific Commission approved Canada as having negligible risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), moving from controlled risk status to the disease’s lowest risk level of transmission. This […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Strong demand underpins yearling market

Western Canada will be seeking U.S. corn

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were unchanged to as much as $4 higher in some cases; calf markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged as prices were quite variable across the Prairies. Major feedlot operators were extremely aggressive for yearlings. Larger groups of one-cut cattle were very well bid. April live […] Read more