Jim Whitley is employing his automotive auditing systems skills to drive his cow-calf operation goals. “Being farmers, it’s always about costs, and we’re always driven by cost,” said the fourth-generation […] Read more
Tag Archives cow-calf
New strategies drive improvements for cow-calf operators
Ontario farmers describe how they achieved better herd health and a healthier farm business
Funding, quality industry programs play a big part in on-farm beef sector investments
Cow-calf producers say programs offer benefits, and encourage others to take part
Doug Shelswell loves a good farm program. Whether it improves his bottom line, increases consumer confidence or supports farm growth, he’s on it. “Programs? We’re basically on them all; RMP […] Read more
Klassen: Feeder market ratchets higher
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices markets traded $2-$5 higher on average. Calves were quite variable. This was the first week when larger groups of calves were featured […] Read more
Klassen: Hot demand sustains yearling market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $2-$3 on either side of unchanged. Heavier calves over 700 lbs. were quoted $2-$4 higher on average. Calves under 700 lbs. […] Read more
Klassen: Negative feeding margins temper strength in feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearlings weighing over 800 lbs. traded steady to $2 lower on average. Feeder cattle under 800 lbs. were relatively unchanged. Alberta packers were buying […] Read more
Aspirin may ease calving stress in dairy cows
Cows can experience inflammation and stress during calving, which can increase the risk of diseases such as mastitis
Glacier FarmMedia – Aspirin could become another inflammatory medication to provide pain relief for dairy cows. A year-long American research study found cows that received a short course of acetylsalicylic […] Read more
Heterosis an overlooked way to improve less heritable cow traits
Elite animals can be best to use as crossbreds
Glacier FarmMedia – Many cow-calf operations don’t use heterosis to full advantage in their herds, according to two producers who recently discussed breeding goals. “I was always told that commercial […] Read more
Feed weekly outlook: Alternatives in greater demand
MarketsFarm — Price increases for feed barley and wheat in Western Canada have caused more feeders to look elsewhere for sustenance for their livestock. Prices over the last year have […] Read more
Cow-calf management has big effects in feedlots
In-utero management of calves can assure a better functioning immune system
Making minor adjustments to health management may result in higher returns for cow-calf and feedlot operators. “I think there’s money being left on the table,” said Greg Dimmers, Metzger Vet […] Read more
The right time for calving depends on your farm — and you
While many producers are calving earlier, some have gone the other way
Calving season looks different on every operation — there is no one right method or time of year to calve a cow herd. While more producers in Western Canada have […] Read more