USDA’s cattle on feed report, released on Friday, provided little drama as the numbers fell closely in line with expectations. Due to the Memorial Day long weekend in the US, the report was released mid day and the market closed slightly higher after the report was released. Total cattle on feed was estimated at 11.6… Read more »
Category: Cattle
Alberta cattle groups planning plebiscite on return to non-refundable check-off
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) and the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA) have announced they’re aiming to hold a plebiscite this fall, with the goal of returning to a non-refundable provincial check-off. The two organizations announced a joint agreement “to strengthen our investment in the future of the beef industry” on Friday. They say they’re looking… Read more »
Beef School, Ep 9: A flexible approach to year-round grazing
Year-round grazing may mean different things to different people, but to Doug Wray, it essentially means providing ‘locally grown’ sustenance to his herd — that is, feeding where the forage was grown. Wray implements strategies like swath grazing and bale grazing to achieve his goals, driving the cost of winter feeding down to about $0.80/head/day… Read more »
Beef Market Update: “Frustrating” prices heading into grilling season
Live cattle led the futures market lower this past week, with cash prices in tow, thanks to large supplies hitting the market. Cash cattle values in Canada fell by ten to 12 dollars, while U.S. prices were five to six dollars lower on the week. What’s frustrating for beef producers is demand and retail prices… Read more »
Saskatchewan rancher challenges consumers with “What if?” in TEDx talk
“What does someone who raises cattle look like?” Adrienne Ivey, a Saskatchewan cattle rancher, stood in front of a TEDx audience in Regina recently and asked this question. Soon after, she openly admitted to some pretty shocking things — like running a corporate farm, using growth implants in cattle, and even using antibiotics. She also… Read more »
Prairie ranchers monitoring pastures for predicted drought
As farmers in Western Canada are working hard at seeding across the Prairies, many ranchers are branding and taking stock on the quality of the spring 2018 calf crop. Also on the minds of many ranchers on the southern half of the Prairies: pasture conditions and what the bleak spring moisture outlook could mean for… Read more »
U.S. groups raise hackles over the definition of ‘meat’
The issue The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) has submitted a petition to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), asking that labeling rules exclude certain products from being called ‘beef’ or ‘meat’. The group is asking that ‘meat’ only be used as a descriptor for products derived directly from animals… Read more »
Waterbed design aims to keep cows comfy and cool
Better cow comfort can deliver a host of benefits for both the animal and the milk tank. Improving overall cow health, increasing cow longevity, and putting more milk in the tank are all byproducts of cow comfort. Dairy equipment suppliers are also focusing on the growing impact of heat stress, and French manufacturer Bioret Agri… Read more »
Alberta RCMP investigate reports of calf rustling
The Southern Alberta RCMP Livestock section is investigating four separate reports of stolen calves in the area. The deets From February 19 to April 22, a total of 26 calves were reported stolen: 17 in the Picture Butte area (over the course of a month); 2 in the Cardston area; 1 more reported stolen from… Read more »
Proposed food guide and label changes prompt #HandsOffMyPlate campaign
A group of people concerned about the impact of Health Canada’s plan to revise Canada’s Food Guide and introduce new labels on food packaging have launched a campaign to raise awareness of and opposition to the government’s proposed changes. The campaign, which uses the slogan “Hands Off My Plate,” includes a website, a hashtag (#HandsOffMyPlate,… Read more »
Standard Nutrition Canada acquired by La Coop federee
Quebec-based cooperative La Coop fédérée is expandings its presence in Western Canada, announcing the acquisition of Standard Nutrition Canada. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Standard Nutrition Canada sells animal nutrition products and services in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Formed in 2004 after the amalgamation of Standard Nutrition USA’s Canadian operations and Max Pro Feeds of Winnipeg,… Read more »
Snow and ice weighing on an already struggling calf crop
It’s been a difficult — if not devastating — start to the year for many in the agricultural community. And just when areas of North America were finally seeing a respite, and what could possibly have been called spring-like conditions, we’re hit with another round of ice pellets, freezing rain, rain, and/or snow. For ranchers,… Read more »
AgriClear online cattle market shuts down
An online marketplace for buying and selling cattle that was launched in 2015 has closed, as of Monday, April 16. AgriClear sent a notice to participants and stakeholders last week that a decision had been made to discontinue the AgriClear platform and website. “After careful consideration of the challenges in creating a robust online livestock… Read more »
Quebec cattle producers join Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
Canada’s national cattle producer organization now includes representation from Quebec’s provincial cattle producer organization. Les Producteurs de bovins du Québec (PBQ) has officially become a member of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), announced PBQ chair Claude Viel, alongside the CCA’s Dan Darling and John Masswohl, at the provincial group’s annual general assembly in Quebec City… Read more »
Beef Market Update: Trade news and cold weather keeping folks up at night
Whether we’re talking calving or barbecuing, it’s not ideal when temperatures are 20 degrees below their seasonal normal. The delayed onset of spring is not doing ranchers any favours, with calves hitting the ground in difficult conditions this spring (if we can call it that). At the same time, with large cattle supplies hitting the… Read more »