AgriProfit$ key indicators for cow-calf operations are referred to as GOLD: Growth (weaning weight), Open (rate), Length (of calving period) and Death (losses).  Photo: Canada Beef.

McKinnon: Tips for starting newly weaned calves on feed

Nutrition with John McKinnon

It is Thanksgiving weekend as I write this column, which implies that across the country, cow-calf producers have or are looking to wean calves. While some producers will retain ownership and either background and/or finish their calves, the majority will be marketed either through an auction market, satellite/video sale or directly to a destination feedlot. […] Read more

While feeding corn is not new to cattle feeders in Eastern Canada, it will be a new experience for many feeders in Western Canada.

Drought plus high feed grain prices equals imported corn

Nutrition with John McKinnon

From a feed grain perspective, this fall and winter promise to be challenging for cattle feeders. At the time of writing, the 2021 western grain harvest was nearing completion. Traditional feed grain supplies (i.e. barley and feed wheat) will be tight. Furthermore, feed grain prices remain at peak levels and have shown no inclination to […] Read more


Dried distiller grains are an excellent source of crude protein and intermediate to excellent sources of energy.

Are byproduct feeds the answer to a limited feed supply?

Nutrition with John McKinnon

In my last column, I addressed the use of low-quality roughages in wintering rations. That column was prompted by widespread drought across Western and Central Canada. Recent rains have helped alleviate dry conditions; however, they have not mitigated impending feed shortages. As a result, producers continue to scramble for winter feed, with many looking to […] Read more




There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a mineral for your cattle.

Navigating the commercial mineral market for livestock

Nutrition with John McKinnon

Are you looking for a mineral this spring and summer? If so, be prepared to navigate through an array of commercial options. Differences exist in the concentration of the macro and trace minerals, in vitamin content, the presence or absence of salt, anti-caking and fly control technology and in suggested daily consumption targets. Unfortunately, when […] Read more


Supplementing minerals on pasture — a necessary evil!

Supplementing minerals on pasture — a necessary evil!

Nutrition with John McKinnon

Hopefully, as you read this article, “spring has sprung” and pastures across the country are showing signs of early growth. For cow-calf operators, the arrival of spring signifies the transition from winter feeding to a new grazing season. Spring pasture growth is considered an excellent forage source for meeting the nutritional requirements of lactating cows, […] Read more

Choosing an appropriate mineral can help ensure the health and productivity of cattle on pasture.

Getting the most out of your grass cattle

Nutrition with John McKinnon

As this issue comes to print, we are likely 40 to 60 days away from turning yearlings out to grass. The vast majority of these animals are last year’s calves weaned in the fall or early winter. If we examine how these animals are overwintered, two different management approaches are evident. The first is to […] Read more



Late gestation rations for cows

Late gestation rations for cows

Nutrition with John McKinnon

As I write this column, 2020 is finally in the rear-view mirror. I am sure that I am not alone in hoping that 2021 brings better days and in particular an end to this pandemic that has had such a personal and economic impact on the lives of Canadians. Despite this disruption to normal life, […] Read more