Research into the suitability of biochar as a livestock feed supplement will look for a reduction in methane or hydrogen emissions.

Biochar could be a game changer

Environment: News Roundup from the June 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

A multi-pronged research project based in Alberta aims to assess whether feeding biochar in backgrounding and finishing rations could be a way to reduce methane emissions created during enteric fermentation in the ruminant digestive system. Biochar can be manufactured from any type of feedstock with a fibre component — wood waste from saw mills, coconut […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. livestock: Cattle rise in rebound on technical buying, cash trades

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures gained more than one per cent on Thursday, rebounding from a two-month low on chart-based technical buying and slightly firmer trades in cash cattle markets, traders said. Most-active CME August live cattle knocked out Wednesday’s session low early in Thursday’s session but found downside support near its […] Read more

This barn will remain, but most of the rest of the facilities will be demolished at the University of Guelph’s Elora Beef Research Station to make way for new beef research buildings. (John Greig photo)

Guelph gets new beef research facility

The federal and provincial governments and the Beef Farmers of Ontario have all announced funding for buildings and programs at the University of Guelph’s renewed beef research station this week. The funds announced are to help create a completely new cow-calf and heifer research facility next to the current beef research station, and a new […] Read more


Special Livestock Central guest Curt Pate — internationally recognized stockmanship instructor.

Livestock Central adds exhibits and programming

Cattle farmers can not only take a look at the various systems on offer, they can actually see them in action

Livestock Central at Ag in Motion has expanded the scope of experience for visitors this year. This is sure to be a marked stop for livestock producers on their visit to the expo. BMO Financial Group is proud to present Livestock Central this year as it celebrates its bicentennial. “We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

U.S. livestock: Cattle slump to two-month low

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures extended losses to a more than two-month low on Wednesday as investors liquidated long positions amid declining wholesale beef prices and expectations for weaker cash cattle markets, traders and analysts said. Higher corn futures also boosted feed costs for fattening cattle, weighing on feeder cattle futures, while […] Read more


Japan’s Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge, in Tokyo. (CIA.gov)

EU, Japan officials seal trade agreement

Brussels | Reuters — Japan and the European Union should agree on Thursday to a free trade pact that could be completed within months, after senior officials removed final snags to a political deal intended as a signal to U.S. President Donald Trump. “We ironed out the few remaining differences,” European Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom […] Read more

New Lacombe research abattoir in the works

New Lacombe research abattoir in the works

Research: News Roundup from the June 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

The official start on a new abattoir and food safety laboratories for meat research will mark the Lacombe Research and Development Centre’s 110th year as a federal research facility. The new facility entered the detailed-design stage by May 1 but it will be 2019 before it is up and running to federal standards for harvesting […] Read more