The best strategy to keep dust down is to avoid a buildup of organic matter.

Managing dust in beef feedlots

Management: News Roundup from the September 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Dust can become an issue in feedlots under hot, dry conditions which encouraged Nebraska extension educator Larry Howard to round up some advice on ways to minimize the aggravation dust creates for the cattle, and the people looking after them. Most often, he says, the worst time for dust is during the late afternoon and […] Read more

cattleman on a horse

Saskatchewan Stock Growers remains focused on conservation

Associations: News Roundup from the August 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

The importance of conserving habitat for species at risk on native grasslands was one of many topics discussed at the 105th Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual general meeting and convention. The event, held in Swift Current, kicked off with an announcement from outgoing SSGA president Shane Jahnke on the creation of the association’s new grass […] Read more


An AAFC study found that while most unfit animals were being dealt with properly, there was room for improvement in terms of assessing cattle prior to transport.

Better tools needed to keep unfit cattle off the truck

Research: News Roundup from the August 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Researchers have found that improving guidelines for identifying compromised and unfit cattle prior to transport could help lower the number of these animals being transported. A study by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) on the prevalence of compromised and unfit cattle coming into Alberta auction markets and abattoirs has found that while most of these […] Read more

Water and fire dominate BCCA meeting

Associations: News Roundup from the August 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Concerns about biodiversity and balancing resources were among the issues voiced by the members of the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association at its 2018 annual general meeting. Newly elected BCCA president Larry Garrett says topics such as disappearing grasslands, water scarcity and using grazing to minimize wildfire risk came to the forefront during the meeting, held […] Read more


Low-stress cattle handling instruction with Dylan Biggs.

Ag in Motion livestock programming draws impressive crowds

Farm Shows: News Roundup from the August 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

A well-curated collection of useful exhibits and engaging demonstrations awaited the droves of livestock producers that took in Ag in Motion 2018. Vehicles lined the roads leading to the Ag in Motion site at Langham, Sask., each morning of the show, running July 17-19. Numerous attendees visited Livestock Central, located in the southwestern corner of […] Read more

With meeting season well under way, the co-chair of the Alberta Beef Producers AGM shares her thoughts on discussing tough issues without being hard on people.

Keep your cattle breeding season short

Breeding: News Roundup from the June 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

It is my experience that there is no single best calving season for all operations. Each is unique in terms of labour, facilities, feedstuffs, and ultimately, the selection should be determined by the likelihood of achieving the highest conception rates and calf crop percentage weaned with your available resources. Regardless of when you calve, there is […] Read more


Producers need to choose a grazing plan that best suits their operation.

Set your grazing strategy early

Grazing: News Roundup from the June 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Weather is unpredictable, so developing a grazing strategy for the rest of the season is an important tool. Beef, forage, and livestock specialists at Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) recently offered some thoughts on the factors that producers should keep in mind when formulating a plan. “May and June are typically Alberta’s wetter months, so […] Read more

All producers raising beef or dairy cattle between 2003 and 2005 would be eligible for a share of the award if the suit is successful.

BSE class-action suit takes another step

Legal: News Roundup from the June 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

The BSE class-action lawsuit against the federal government launched on behalf of producers that was moving toward a possible trial date last fall is still moving through the courts. Duncan Boswell, a senior partner with Gowling WLG in Toronto, says an amended litigation plan was approved by the court on April 30 and offers hope […] Read more


To tackle a plant pathogen, get the ID right first

Forages: News Roundup from the May 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

With more advanced equipment and technology, experts like Dr. Sarah Hambleton from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) continue to refine our understanding of different plants and fungi. A recent case in point occurred when Hambleton, whose specialty is identifying fungi, and in particular rust, was sent a sample of contaminated switchgrass from Ontario to identify […] Read more

A drug initially developed to help treat BRD has been shown to reduce pain from foot rot.

New drug targets pain from foot rot in cattle

Health: News Roundup from the May 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

A new topical drug promising pain relief from a specific ailment affecting cattle is now available in Canada. Banamine transdermal, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) produced by Merck Animal Health, was released at the end of January. This pour-on product, with flunixin meglumine as the active ingredient, is used to reduce fever related to bovine […] Read more