University of Saskatchewan Archives

Using an invasive weed to help fill the feed gap

When feed is in short supply, producers may want to harvest kochia.

By CC Staff June 26, 2019

For Prairie cattle producers looking for alternative feed sources this year, one possibility may be kochia. Kochia is an invasive weed, often seen growing on marginal land or tumbling across the Prairies. It’s a prolific seed producer, growing in saline soil and in arid or semi-arid conditions. A recent news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food […] Read more

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is conducting new research to find the best forage mixtures to plant to improve a variety of factors for producers.

Forages, News

Polycultures: A cocktail forage mix for semiarid prairies

By Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada June 12, 2019

Producers rely on grazing native, tame perennial pastures or stockpiled forages to typically feed their cattle. Annual diverse forage mixtures give producers an opportunity to provide high quality feed while also gaining additional benefits for the soil and ecosystem. Polycultures could even be integrated into a crop rotation or used as green manure (working it […] Read more

Wild pigs raise several litters a year, and litters average six piglets on the Prairies.

Features, Livestock

Invasive wild pigs a growing threat to agriculture

By Piper Whelan June 10, 2019

The rapid spread of wild pig populations across Canada could have serious implications for agriculture. Ryan Brook, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Land Management Institute and Department of Animal and Poultry Science, warns that the expansion of this invasive species can lead to destructive consequences for livestock and crop production, as well […] Read more

The Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence includes a 1,500-head feedlot, a forage-cow calf facility, a livestock research unit, two cow herds, and 27 quarters of land.

News

U of S livestock research centre receives $250K investment from Merck Animal Health

Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence to receive $250,000 over 10 years

By Supplied/Press release May 17, 2019

The University of Saskatchewan on May 16, 2019, announced details of a 10-year, $250,000 investment from Merck Animal Health for its Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE) – a visionary research facility located southeast of Saskatoon. The long-term investment will support the LFCE’s capital build project and underlines Merck Animal Health’s commitment to the […] Read more

Research showed that more complex forage mixtures are likely better able to cope with weather variations than monocultures.

Livestock, Research

Exceptional forages for marginal lands

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

By Reynold Bergen May 1, 2019

Tame forages often outperform native species in head-to-head comparisons under optimal growing conditions. This may not be the case on marginal land, with its tougher environments, poorer soil, rougher topography, harsher climates and precipitation extremes. Beef production is expected to rely more and more on marginal land, at least while returns from cash crops exceed […] Read more

Lucie and Wayne Sampson in the sale ring at the 2019 Pride of the Prairies bull sale.

News, Purely purebred

‘Pride of the Prairies’ hosts its 100th bull show

Purely Purebred with Mike Millar: News about you from the April 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Mike Millar April 23, 2019

Senior 4-H members participating in the 10th Annual Summer Synergy at Olds Regional Exhibition this summer have an exciting opportunity. The top eight finalists in the judging competition will represent the Summer Synergy Judging Team in the Canadian National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition at Canadian Western Agribition in November. There they will compete against […] Read more

Beef Cattle, News, News Roundup

University of Saskatchewan scientists investigating effects of sulphates on cattle health

Research: News Roundup from the March 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff March 8, 2019

University of Saskatchewan researchers are studying the effects of high sulphate levels in the drinking water of cattle. When cattle drink water with high sulphate levels, the sulphates bind trace minerals in the animals’ rumens, preventing them from absorbing necessary minerals. Potential effects include diarrhea, reduced fertility and milk production, slow growth, a depressed immune […] Read more

News, News Roundup

Boehringer and University of Saskatchewan announce partnership

Research: News Roundup from the March 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Staff March 6, 2019

The University of Saskatchewan and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada have launched a five-year partnership and announced a $250,000 funding boost from Boehringer. Boehringer’s contribution will support cow-calf research and data collection on animal safety and handling techniques at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence’s new Boehringer Ingelheim Cattle Handling and Teaching Unit, located at Clavet, […] Read more

News, Purely purebred

Alberta Supreme Show of Champions presented

Purely Purebred with Mike Millar: News about you from the December 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Mike Millar December 20, 2018

The winners of the Alberta Supreme Show of Champions presented by RAM were announced November 10 at FarmFair International. The Grand Champion Female (below) was GREENWOOD PLD ALLY 702A with calf at side GREENWOOD FLICK PYN 62F, shown by Greenwood Limousin and Angus of Lloydminster, Alta. The Grand Champion Bull (at top) was a Black […] Read more

Major innovations in the packing industry have helped ensure the safety of Canadian beef.

Livestock, Nutrition

In the blink of an eye

Nutrition with John McKinnon

By John McKinnon December 18, 2018

Writing this column is somewhat of a reflective event, as it is the last column I will write as a member of the University of Saskatchewan agriculture faculty. I have been blessed to have worked at the U of S for 32 years, the last 26 of which I have served as the Saskatchewan Beef […] Read more

Alberta, Ontario sugar beet producers hope for good year

Pea, canola protein processing plant planned for outside Winnipeg

Feed weekly outlook: Grain prices softer ahead of harvest

GFM Network News