Cattlemen welcomes new editor in New Year

NewsMakers from the December 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Lisa Guenther of Livelong, Sask., will become the editor of Canadian Cattlemen in January 2019. She was raised on a commercial cow-calf farm near Bright Sand Lake, Sask., and joined Cattlemen as associate editor in October. Previously she worked as a field editor for Grainews and Country Guide, sister publications to the Cattlemen. She replaces […] Read more

Lupine

Beware of toxic plants in pastures

There are many toxic plants in Western Canada cattle producers need to steer clear of

Different regions have different problem plants, and to make it even more confusing these same plants are only toxic if eaten in certain amounts or in certain stages of growth, while others are toxic at all times. Rachel Turnquist, a forage extension specialist in Saskatchewan, says there are many toxic plants in Western Canada. You […] Read more


The study tracks the performance of pregnant beef cows swath grazing a polycrop mixture versus straight barley.


Polycrop grazing goes under the microscope

Research: News Roundup from the November 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Those wondering about polycrop potential to sequester carbon, improve soil health and benefit animal performance will have some answers by the fall of 2019 thanks to research underway at the University of Saskatchewan. Jacqueline Toews, a graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, is halfway through a two-year study comparing the costs and […] Read more

Beef Cattle Research Council hires new extension co-ordinator

NewsMakers from the November 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Ellen Crane is the new extension co-ordinator for the Beef Cattle Research Council. In her new role she helps co-ordinate the development, maintenance and utilization of various extension resources, including the BCRC’s webinars, blog articles, and other content on BeefResearch.ca. She started with BCRC last month after spending six weeks in Japan as part of […] Read more


Low-stress weaning for calves

Low-stress weaning for calves

A less stressful weaning process makes for healthier calves

Weaning time has traditionally been traumatic for calves, mama cows and ranchers, but it doesn’t need to be. “There are better ways to wean calves, says Bart Lardner, a beef and forage research scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. “Abrupt weaning is the most stressful, for both the cow and calf. The question has been […] Read more

cattleman on a horse

Saskatchewan Stock Growers remains focused on conservation

Associations: News Roundup from the August 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

The importance of conserving habitat for species at risk on native grasslands was one of many topics discussed at the 105th Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association annual general meeting and convention. The event, held in Swift Current, kicked off with an announcement from outgoing SSGA president Shane Jahnke on the creation of the association’s new grass […] Read more


Appearances are deceiving when it comes to water quality as evidenced by the sulphate levels in these 2016 samples: 1,731 mg/l in jug 1; 2,056 mg/l) in jug 2; 21  mg/l in jug 3 and 15 mg/l  in jug 4.

Use caution when testing livestock water quality with hand-held meters

Study compared test results of hand-held meters to laboratory results

Livestock and feed specialists with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have learned that not all methods of testing water quality are equal, especially when it comes to total dissolved solids and sulphates. Leah Clark, livestock and feed extension specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, took part in a study comparing the accuracy of water […] Read more

Red Williams: A remarkable life!

Nutrition with John McKinnon

This year is one of reflection and celebration for the staff and readers of Canadian Cattlemen as it celebrates 80 years of publishing. In the spirit of this celebration, I would like to reflect on and celebrate the life of a man whose passion for Canada, Canadian agriculture and in particular the Canadian beef industry […] Read more


Haywood-Farmer acclaimed CCA president

NewsMakers from the May 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

At the March annual meeting of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association in Ottawa David Haywood-Farmer of British Columbia was acclaimed president replacing Dan Darling from Ontario. Nanton, Alta.       Cow-calf and feedlot operator Bob Lowe was elected vice-president of the national cattle organization, and next in line for the top job. Lowe served as […] Read more

Alberta studies showed 25-57 more grazing days and 31-92 per cent more profit from grass-legume stands versus grass alone.

A plug for grass-legume mixes for grazing

An ideal pasture depends on the goals of the producer

Research over the years in various regions has looked at the potential and advantages of grass-legume mixtures for pasture. A diversified pasture stand allows for different plants to thrive in different conditions, adding drought resistance. Legumes have a deep tap root and can penetrate deeper into the soil profile where there’s more moisture. Pastures with […] Read more