
Tag Archives livestock feed

Feed weekly outlook: Good quality, yields amid rising feed prices
MarketsFarm – With harvesting operations coming to a close, there were very few complaints about the quality and yields of new crop feed grains, according to one Lethbridge, Alta.-based trader. “Quality-wise, everything’s been sounding good for the most part. A couple of areas might have a bit of lighter bushels, but for the most part […] Read more

Turning weeds into feed
A variety of noxious weeds have been deemed as safe alternative forages for cattle
A noxious weed is an invasive non-native species that may reduce the yield of existing crops and forages if not controlled through herbicide application or by other means. Many weed species can be consumed by cattle and provide nutritive value during drought-induced feed shortages, while at the same time reducing herbicide use. Kochia (Bassia scoparia) […] Read more

Five steps to good gains on grass and grains
Know the fundamentals of growth-promoting implants to find the right fit for your cattle
There’s a reason why the practice of implanting feedlot cattle is almost ubiquitous in Canada — it works. Growth-promoting implants substantially improve cattle feed efficiency and muscle deposition. Their economic effects are hugely positive, with savings ranging from $40 to $100 per head. There is even a case for using them as a tool to […] Read more

Warmer weather boosts ergot risk in cattle
Researchers found symptoms ranging from decreased weight gain to heat stress even though ergot levels in feed didn’t breach CFIA limits
New research has found that feedlot cattle can develop problems when fed ergot even within allowable limits. Ergot is a fungus that can grow on certain grasses and grain plants when moisture conditions are just right. It becomes a problem mainly after a wet growing season. The fungus replaces the seed head with a dark […] Read more

Canadian barley market outlook
Market Talk with Jerry Klassen
Old- and new-crop barley prices have been under pressure throughout the summer. For one thing, old-crop values have been softening due to a lack of demand. Most feedlots have sufficient volumes of corn booked through August until new-crop barley comes on the market. Second, farmer selling has increased. Falling prices tend to spur producer selling. […] Read more

Klassen: Light test of feeder cattle reflects hot demand
Compared to last week, Western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged; prices for mid-weight calves were $2 to $5 higher. Calves under 550 pounds were up $6 to $8 on average while feather light bawlers were up a sold $10 above week-ago levels. Weaker feed grain prices along with strength in the deferred live cattle […] Read more

Grass tetany relates to magnesium deficiency
Two ratios can be used when looking at feed
Glacier FarmMedia – Mature cattle are most likely to experience a magnesium deficiency especially when grazing immature cool-season grasses and lush early growth. They are less able to quickly mobilize magnesium from their bones to meet the body’s needs, and also have a reduced ability to absorb this mineral. Springtime brings risk for metabolic and […] Read more

Feed weekly outlook: Barley, wheat prices starting to soften
MarketsFarm – It appears that the days of feedlots on the Prairies primarily using corn may be coming to an end. After nearly a year of feedlots importing corn from the United States, due to tight supply and higher prices for feed barley and feed wheat in Western Canada, demand has mostly turned towards cereal […] Read more

Canada launches offset credits to help tackle emissions
Landfill gas protocols now launched; ag-related protocols soon to follow
Reuters — Canada on Wednesday launched a credit system for greenhouse gas offsets, a major part of its plan to cut carbon emissions, starting with a set of rules stipulating how projects can generate tradeable credits by capturing gas from landfills. The government said protocols for four other sectors including agriculture and forest management are […] Read more

Union Forage rising
Thinking outside the box, customer consultation key to Union Forage’s success
In the Union Forage warehouse, general manager Geoff Barker explains the process of creating custom forage seed blends for clients, his voice denoting his Australian roots. Towering shelves lining the south Calgary warehouse are stacked with pallets and large totes of seed, neatly labelled for traceability purposes. On the wall, a large promotional poster states […] Read more