Don’t pass on ionophores when backgrounding calves

Don’t pass on ionophores when backgrounding calves

Management: News Roundup from the Oct. 22 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Travis Peardon, a livestock and feed specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Outlook, is urging producers looking to background calves this fall to add ionophores to their rations. “Ionophores provide protection against coccidiosis, improve feed efficiency and stabilize the rumen environment by reducing the incidence of bloat. The three ionophores approved for use in Canadian feedlots […] Read more

Animal care is ongoing at the Lifv

New name and facilities for Western Beef Development Centre

A new facility at the University of Saskatchewan includes both cow-calf and forage research

There are changes afoot at the Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC) including a new name, additional locations and increased research, teaching and outreach capacity. On April 1, 2018, the Western Beef Development Centre, a division of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), rolled into the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).WBDC […] Read more



Understanding the forward curve in the futures market

Understanding the forward curve in the futures market

Market Talk with Jerry Klassen

I’ve received many calls from backgrounding operators and feedlot managers in regard to the feeder cattle market. Prices have strengthened throughout the fall period and it now appears that potential margins will be quite snug for all weight categories. The futures market for live and feeder cattle is reflecting two distinct price structures. Discerning the […] Read more


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Feeder cattle market surges

Western Canadian feeder cattle markets experienced a precipitous bounce over the past week. Compared to seven days earlier, yearling traded $4-$6 higher; calf markets were trading $3 to as much as $10 above week-ago levels; prices for feather-light bawlers surged with 300- to 400-pounders touching the magical $300 level in some areas. Optimal weather enhanced […] Read more

cattle in a feedlot

Feedlots bounce back in the West

Cattle Feeding: News Roundup from the May 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

The feedlot sector in the West is growing again, according to the Canfax annual demographic survey of finishing feedlots in Alberta and Saskatchewan with a minimum one-time bunk capacity of 1,000 head. As of January 1, 2017, there were 158 feedlots of that size on the Canfax list, which translates to eight more finishing lots […] Read more


Some thoughts on backgrounding

Some thoughts on backgrounding

Research scientist says it's all about cost-effectiveness

With feeder markets tumbling this fall, many people were thinking about holding onto their calves a bit longer in hopes of better prices ahead. Bart Lardner, research scientist at the Western Beef Development Centre and an adjunct professor at the University of Sask­atchewan, says there are several programs that can be used to grow weaned […] Read more

Canada sets the bar for feedlot animal care

Canada sets the bar for feedlot animal care

Buttons were bursting with pride at the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) with the recent release of the first national certified program in North America for assessing the care of beef animals in backgrounding and finishing operations. Officially known as the Canadian Feedlot Animal Care Assessment Program, it is an auditable seal of approval for […] Read more


Chasing carcass quality not as easy as it looks

Chasing carcass quality not as easy as it looks

Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist

This is an interesting time of year when one looks at feedlot placements. Most of last year’s yearlings are gone, with fall-placed calves well into their feeding program. As well, many lots have tried to keep pens full by bringing in short yearlings that were backgrounded over the winter or in some cases by feeding […] Read more

Cost per pound of gain or cost plus — is there a right answer?

Cost per pound of gain or cost plus — is there a right answer?

Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist

At last month’s Western Canadian Feedlot Management School, the focus was on backgrounding programs for newly weaned calves. As is often the case at these meetings, an idea for this column pops into my head as a result of discussions with producers or listening to speakers. It was no different at this year’s school where […] Read more