From weaning practices to health care and calving success, national Beef Cattle Research Council survey pegs what cow-calf producers are doing on their farms and why.
Tag Archives cow-calf
Survey dishes out most common cow-calf practices: Where does your farm fit?
From weaning practices to health care and calving success, national Beef Cattle Research Council survey pegs what cow-calf producers are doing on their farms and why
New program focuses on data literacy for cow-calf producers
Case studies and mentoring will help give farm data decision-making power
The Data Literacy for Cow-Calf Producers project aims to give farmers and ranchers the chance to discuss best practices and learn from experts and peers about how to use data to make better business decisions.
Data management has varied adoption in the cow-calf sector.
Growing data for cow-calf producers
Alberta company aims to make easy cow-side data collection and traceability
When Bill Leask and Mark Olson met at a Lion’s Club meeting about four years ago, Leask was a cow-calf operator with a need and Olson was an information technology expert who could build him a solution. Why it matters: The technology is made for cattle farmers but the company now requires seed money to […] Read more
Pro tips for a calving crisis
When is it actually time to call in the vet?
Glacier FarmMedia – The calf was breech. Standing a few feet away, Brandon veterinarian Dr. Grayson Ross coached producer at the rear of the cow through the potential disaster. “Get it in your mind’s eye,” he said. “You’ve got the rump of a calf right in front of you. The tail’s there. You’ve figured out […] Read more
Research identifies cow efficiency
Study finds gain-to-feed ratio not the best measurement for cows; ability to maintain condition and calve more important
Glacier FarmMedia – Forage-efficient beef cows maintain their back fat during winter, calve earlier in the calving season and wean heavier calves relative to their own weight, according to a University of Saskatchewan study. Dr. Greg Penner said the study shows how cow-calf producers can assess their cows without relying on feed-use efficiency, which is […] Read more
Klassen: Weather forecasts underpin feeder market
High forage costs pose problem for cow-calf expansion
For the week ending Saturday, western Canadian feeder cattle markets were relatively unchanged from seven days earlier. The finishing feedlot operator appears to be dominating the feeder market across all weight categories. Ontario interest was creeping all the way into Alberta, especially for Limousin-type genetics. There were limited numbers on offer in Manitoba and Saskatchewan […] Read more
Solutions available for common calving malpresentations
It requires sharp observational skills and a little know-how
Glacier FarmMedia – Calving problems have been greatly reduced over the years but there are still issues we can’t control. One of these is malpresentations of the fetus. Some cows can deliver a calf with a foot back, but these are rare and most cows require birthing assistance. Producers must maintain sharp observational skills to […] Read more
Are your cows being overvalued?
Cow depreciation: the silent killer of cow-calf profitability
Dr. Jordan Thomas says knowing which cows to cull in a cow-calf operation, and when, can increase profitability and improve productivity. “We’re all businesses, and I think that’s a really important point that often gets overlooked in producer meetings like this one,” said Thomas. “We are really trying to generate a positive return on assets. […] Read more
Klassen: Stronger deferred live cattle support feeder market
Cow-calf operators seen hesitant to expand
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Calf prices were mostly unchanged compared to seven days earlier; however, there were pockets where buyers reported prices up $2-$3 on average. The Alberta calf market appeared to stage a minor recovery after softening over the past month. Manitoba markets […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market rations demand
Risk discount built in with adverse weather
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were relatively unchanged while calf prices were steady to $6 lower. Demand from Ontario buyers caused markets in Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan to hold value. Alberta prices were under pressure as the market appears to be rationing demand. Calf prices are 25-30 per cent higher than year-ago […] Read more
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