Cow-calf operation Archives | Page 2 of 3

Genetic improvement lays the foundation

Prime Cuts with Steve Kay: from the February 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Steve Kay March 1, 2017

Ask any winemaker how he or she produces a great drinking experience and all reply “It starts in the vineyard.” The same is true of the beef industry. A great beef eating experience starts on the ranch or farm. And just like constantly improving the quality of the grape, it should include upgrading the genetic […] Read more

Livestock, Nutrition

The makings of a perfect storm

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By John McKinnon February 21, 2017

The winter of 2016-17 is shaping up to be a challenge for cow-calf operators across Canada. While much of October and November were relatively stress free in terms of winter’s wrath, as we moved into the new year, extreme cold and snow has gripped much of the country. Coupled with hay shortages in Eastern Canada […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Cow-Calf, Features

A sampler of ranchers’ views on 2017

As might be expected, their plans range from expansion to standing pat and retirement

By Lee Hart February 17, 2017

Rebuilding and expanding herds, or staying about the same — that seems to be what western Canadian ranchers have in mind as they head into 2017. Despite a sharp downturn in the cattle markets in 2016, only one member of this Ranchers’ Panel was talking about downsizing, with retirement in mind. The 2016 fall market […] Read more

Cow-Calf, Features

An industry in crisis

Is there a way back? Cow-calf producers hold the key

By Charlie Gracey December 23, 2016

A cattle-feeding industry that by year-end will have lost an estimated billion dollars since August 2015 plus a cow-calf sector that has lost more than one million cows and over 20,000 producers in the past decade strongly suggests an industry in crisis. Cattle feeders might be excused if they are not quite as optimistic about […] Read more

Beef Cattle, CCA reports, News

CCA Report: Cattle transport rules need to remain science based

From the October 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Dan Darling October 14, 2016

Fall is always a busy time for beef producers, as they manage through the fall calf run and make herd management and culling decisions. Producers consider a number of factors, including the outcomes of the harvest on their own farm, the farms they buy feed from, and if there is enough feed overall to winter […] Read more

Taste-testing during a Canadian Beef Advantage Seminar in Shanghai in 2013.

Livestock, Nutrition

Some thoughts on China’s beef business

Nutrition with John McKinnon, beef cattle nutritionist

By John McKinnon September 2, 2016

Recently I had the opportunity to visit China and spend some time with beef and dairy producers in this vast and truly interesting country. As this article goes to press in midsummer, I thought it would be interesting to provide you with a few insights into beef production in this part of the world. This […] Read more

When beef supplies are growing, the futures market anticipates that increased supply and deferred futures trade at discounts to nearby months.

Market talk, Markets

Understanding cattle markets

By Jerry Klassen August 31, 2016

Whenever I provide a market outlook for a producer group or convention related to beef production, I always start off by asking how many producers subscribe to market information. Inevitably, maybe three or four hands go up. The market outlook is always the last topic of discussion at the convention and needless to say, given […] Read more

Producer Bob Lowe says the Canadian beef industry needs to get behind producing verified sustainable beef.

Beef Cattle, Features, Livestock

Sustainable beef is within our grasp

McDonald’s Restaurant project set the tone for Canadian beef industry

By Lee Hart August 15, 2016

Alberta cattleman Bob Lowe didn’t have to do any management back flips on his ranch to produce cattle that under a recently completed pilot project qualify as “verifiable sustainable beef.” He has always aimed to apply sound production and environmental practices with his 500-head commercial cow-calf operation and 7,000-head-capacity southern Alberta feedlot. He and family […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock

Weatherproof feeder betters your chances of correct mineral intake

By Peter Vitti July 27, 2016

Beef cows can’t live without minerals and vitamins, which are often deficient or biologically unavailable in many pastures. I routinely recommend cattle producers feed sufficient well-formulated loose cattle mineral on a regular basis. I find that most people will take time in choosing a commercial beef mineral that’s formulated to meet their cows’ respective seasonal […] Read more

Calvin Lamport, along with his sons Layne and Cole and daughter Kayla, got to see a quad birth in early March at their farm at Alida, Sask. The five-year old Charolais cross cow had birthed twins two years in a row so it wasn’t too surprising when Calvin pulled three calves from her. The bonus calf came about a half hour after the new family was put into a fresh pen. They weighed 50, 47, 46 and 46 pounds a couple of hours after the birth.

News, News Roundup

Cowboy politics

News Roundup from the April 2016 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff April 19, 2016

Beef Farmers of Ontario BFO is looking forward to another year of advancing its Beef North initiative as well as projects in southern Ontario, all aimed at expanding the province’s cow herd by at least 100,000 head. That’s the number of calves needed just by the Ontario Corn-Fed Beef value chain to meet its requirements […] Read more

Plant protein processor backed for expansion

Tyson to shut Iowa pork plant against COVID-19 outbreak

Rite Way proposes to buy Morris Industries

GFM Network News