Echo Sand Ranch bulls on display.

Using data to drive decisions

The family behind Echo Sand Ranching and Korova Feeders challenges 
conventional thinking in seedstock production and sales

Data has always driven herd management decisions for Doug and Helga Price, though their methods for using data have greatly evolved over the years. At one time, they calculated performance data for Echo Sand Ranching on paper. Helga spent long hours working this information to rank the females in their herd. Today, with an easy-to-use […] Read more

Photo: Thinkstock

Cattle volumes remain low as pasture conditions improve

MarketsFarm – Manitoba cattle markets observed characteristically light volumes during week ended July 26, due in part to improving pasture conditions. “There hasn’t been any panic-selling in the western and southern parts of the province,” agreed Rick Wright of Heartland Order Buying Co. Wright mentioned the Northeast region of the province is drier than most, […] Read more


Many regions in Western Canada and Quebec are eligible for livestock tax deferrals due to dry conditions this year.

Feed Watch: July 22, 2019

While rain has generally improved conditions in Western Canada, a hay shortage looms in many regions. On Monday morning, the federal government released its initial list of regions eligible for livestock tax deferrals. The tax deferral allows livestock producers in designated areas to defer some of their 2019 sales to 2020, in order to restock […] Read more

Mogulones crucifer root weevil on houndstongue. This root weevil has been highly successful in 
controlling houndstongue in British Columbia.

Using insects to control invasive weeds on pasture

Houndstongue biocontrol project in B.C. has been highly successful

Once invasive plants reach a point of domination, elimination is generally not feasible. Land managers sometimes turn to biologic control, a last resort for reducing a widespread weed’s populations to below an economic or environmental damage threshold. Eradicating the weed may be impossible, but biocontrol agents may reduce it to manageable levels. Since 1951, 82 […] Read more


In the foothills south of Calgary, July 14, 2019.

Feed Watch: July 15, 2019

As the summer wears on, the precipitation situation varies greatly across the Prairies. Rain has been plentiful in some areas, but other regions are looking at hay yields well below average. Parts of Manitoba are also losing hope for a decent second cut. Alberta The next Alberta crop report won’t be released until July 19. […] Read more






(Dave Bedard photo)

Flexibility available for farmers on FCC loan payments

Farm Credit Canada says it remains willing to work around the various forces majeures standing between its farmer clients and their cash flows this year. The Crown lending agency reiterated Monday it will work with customers “to come up with solutions for their operations on a case-by-case basis” in view of this spring’s weather worries […] Read more

Electric fencing can be an effective way to give pastures or cells a break between grazing.

Management key when evaluating forage production

What should you consider when evaluating the performance of grazing systems and forage production? According to Sean McGrath, management is the factor least often measured in the forage industry, but doing so can keep you accountable for your management decisions and positively impact performance. McGrath, who ranches with his family at Vermilion, Alta., discussed this […] Read more