Livestock , Latest & Featured - Canadian Cattlemen

Many strategic deworming concepts have been developed for calves and replacement heifers, but have fallen short for the cow herd, the real economic engine of commercial cattle operations.

Rethinking strategic deworming in beef cattle

Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke

By Dr. Ron Clarke March 30, 2016

Concepts around deworming the beef cow have moved from “not necessary” to “routine” in many progressive cow-calf operations. The evolution of internal parasite control as an integral component of health management shadowed development of highly effective chemical families that revolutionized parasite control. Reasons for the shift include: Economic studies that clearly demonstrated deworming pays. Evidence […] Read more

Crops, Livestock

Three traits of profitable farms

By Alberta Agriculture March 30, 2016

“Recently, farm management expert Professor Eric A. DuVuyst of Oklahoma State University shared three traits common to all successful producers, drawing on observations and experience gained from working within five U.S. land grant universities,” said provincial farm management specialist Rick Dehod. “We definitely see these same three common traits in our successful Alberta producers.”

(Regis Lefebure photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: CME hogs finish higher

By Theopolis Waters, GFM Network News March 29, 2016

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures gained for a second straight day on Tuesday in a quiet session, with help from short-covering and technical buying, traders said. April closed up 0.325 cent/lb., to 70.25 cents (all figures US$). May ended 0.575 cent higher at 78.85 cents and June finished up 0.475[...]
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In many grasslands, including those of Western Canada, moderate grazing actually boosts overall plant diversity.

Forages, Livestock

Making hay of environmental goods and services

Researchers wrestle with turning an abstract concept into concrete profits for producers

By Jeff Melchior March 29, 2016

If you were to ask most cattle producers about the goods and services their grasslands provide, it might seem like an obvious question. Most would say that quality forage promotes the health of their cattle, provides high-quality protein and boosts their bottom line. Others might talk about how their grazing practices promote biodiversity and overall[...]
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Beef Cattle, Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder cattle trade lower

By Jerry Klassen March 29, 2016

The “one-week wonder” from seven to 10 days ago appears to have evaporated; a softer sentiment blanketed Western Canada this week, with feeder markets dropping $4 to $6 on average. A significant slide in live cattle futures, along with softer cash prices, caused feedlots to move into a risk-averse mentality. Heavier replacements took the brunt[...]
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Beef Cattle, Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. livestock: Hog futures jump on fund buying, USDA report

By Theopolis Waters, GFM Network News March 28, 2016

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures closed higher on Monday, driven by short-covering and fund buying after contracts broke through technical resistance levels, traders said. They said last Friday’s U.S. Department of Agriculture quarterly hog report stirred additional deferred-month buying. The survey showed modest U.S. herd growth during the December-February quarter[...]
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Livestock

Premium Brands buys meat supplier C+C

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff March 28, 2016

Montreal meat distributor and processor C+C Packing is set to become a new eastern arm for Vancouver food firm Premium Brands. Premium Brands last Tuesday announced a $146 million cash-and-stock deal to buy C+C and its in-house processing arm Premier Meat Packers. The company supplies fresh and frozen meats to grocery chains, the hotel and[...]
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(Gloria Solano-Aguilar photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Hogs, Livestock, Markets, Reuters

U.S. hog herd ekes out new high as PED impact ebbs

By Theopolis Waters March 28, 2016

Reuters — The U.S. hog herd in the December-February quarter modestly grew from a year earlier to a record high for that quarter, according to Friday’s U.S. Department of Agriculture quarterly hog report. Farmers cautiously added to herds while shoring up their bottom lines following the surge in hog numbers as the industry recovers from[...]
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Features, Livestock

Be prepared for calls if you winter graze

Grazing with Steve Kenyon from the March 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Steve Kenyon March 28, 2016

I was excited this fall to get my swath/bunch grazing underway as all 450 acres are right by the highway. Normally I am swath grazing down some back gravel road and no one really gets to see it. This year I get to show it off! My neighbours already think that I’m crazy, so now[...]
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Livestock, Poultry/Eggs

Mexico clears Canadian poultry meat for import

By Canadian Cattlemen Staff March 27, 2016

Duck and other poultry from Canada may again be exported to Mexico, for the first time since 2004. Canada’s Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay and International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday announced Mexico had reopened its border to fresh poultry meat including chicken, turkey and, “most significant in terms of historical trade,” duck. Mexico had[...]
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U.S. livestock: Hog futures hit contract highs on shock herd decline

Alberta Crop Report: Harvest more than three-quarters finished

NFU says proposed plant breeders’ rights come at farmers’ expense

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