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Tag Archives cow-calf — page 2

Michaela Stoneman, of JPD Angus in Oro-Medente, a 60-head purebred black Angus operation, places value on top-end genetics and quiet temperament for the breeding program. The farm purchased Merit Aftermath from Saskatchewan sight unseen based on the bull’s balanced EPD profile of low birth weight, above-average growth, docility and foot traits that are in the top 10 per cent for the breed.
Livestock

New strategies drive improvements for cow-calf operators

Ontario farmers describe how they achieved better herd health and a healthier farm business

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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 farmer and former Honda employee. “So, I always tried to save money, even if a deadline got missed.” Why it matters: A recent BFO cow-calf […] Read more
Doug Shelswell, left, rests a foot on the gate of his feedlot barn while discussing the merits of submitting applications to federal and provincial funding programs to offset the cost of farm updates. He spoke during the Beef Farmers of Ontario’s cow-calf management tour. Shelswell and his son Cal run a 170 cow-calf crossbred operation in Oro-Medonte.
Livestock, News

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

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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 for grains and livestock, we’re in AgriInvest, but we’re not in AgriStability because we have enough things on the go with our losses spread out […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Feeder market ratchets higher

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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 on the internet sales. Prices on the internet appeared to be significantly stronger than smaller groups under 10 head moving through auction rings. Feedlot operators […] Read more
(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)
Livestock, Markets

Klassen: Hot demand sustains yearling market

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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. were quite variable. There were limited numbers on offer in the lighter weight categories and the market remains in price discovery mode. Larger strings of […] Read more
Decreasing inflammation and stress could be a strategy to prevent disease in early lactation, improve the welfare and performance of dairy cows and lower disease-related costs for producers.
Livestock

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

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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 acid (Aspirin or ASA) after calving had lower metabolic stress and produced more milk than untreated cows. Why it matters: Decreasing inflammation for cows that […] Read more
Good records will show which bulls worked out and which didn’t in a given year.
Livestock

Heterosis an overlooked way to improve less heritable cow traits

Elite animals can be best to use as crossbreds

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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 breeders should have better cattle than any purebred breeder because they’ve been able to capitalize on heterosis,” said Lance Leachman, a cattle producer from Maidstone, […] Read more
(Vaclav Volrab/iStock/Getty Images)
Crops, Markets

Feed weekly outlook: Alternatives in greater demand

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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 shot up 25 to 40 per cent, according to Prairie Ag Hotwire. “Any time you run into a high-priced commodity market, the cost of feeding […] Read more
Eastern Canadian beef farmers vaccinate at a lower rate compared to those in the west, resulting in cattle more likely to become ill.
Livestock

Cow-calf management has big effects in feedlots

In-utero management of calves can assure a better functioning immune system

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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 Services veterinarian. “And potential things that could be done a little bit differently that can end up with a better-finished product at the end and […] Read more
There are a host of factors to take into account if you’re thinking of changing your calving season, but the main question to answer is: What works best for you?
Livestock, News

The right time for calving depends on your farm — and you

While many producers are calving earlier, some have gone the other way

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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 moved to later calving, some have gone the other way. Here are the experiences of three ranching families. Late summer/Fall calving Taralea Simpson has been […] Read more

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