If you’re a cattle feeder who’s been following the value of the Canadian dollar, you’ll know it’s not moving in the right direction for people in the export market. Combine that with rising feed costs and the price of feeder cattle, the input costs for the feeder are not headed toward higher profitability. Lethbridge barley… Read More
If you’ve been watching the feed market, it’s been quite fascinating to say the least. Despite reaching record levels of production of barley in 2020, we are seeing feed barley as high as $6 in Southern Alberta. The numbers we are seeing are in the range of 50 cents higher than malt prices, and feed… Read More
If hay has seemed in shorter supply over the last few years, it’s because it has been. In a recent webinar series exploring grazing cover crops and annual forage, Ontario forage specialist Christine O’Reilly shared a nearly 40 year trend line of both hay production and livestock numbers for the province. Since the early 90s,… Read More
Farmers are taking a closer look at their soil’s health lately, and measuring the impact of cover crops or different types of strip-tillage. In this episode of Soil School, we’re talking about overall soil health and nutrition and we’ve got a great example of what you can achieve when you combine soil health and balanced… Read More
When winter kill makes it tough to grow alfalfa, what can dairy producers turn to for a protein source for milking cows? Believe it or not, forage soybeans may be a fit. That choice is gaining popularity with dairy farmers in eastern Ontario. “It’s hard to beat good alfalfa from a protein-grown-on-the-farm standpoint, but the… Read More
A new transmission will help Massey Ferguson mid-range 5700 Global Series tractors be more efficient workhorses for livestock and and hay operations, says AGCO, the tractor’s manufacturer. Two new models, the MF5710D (100 HP) and MF5711D (110 HP), will feature the convenience of the Dyna-4 transmission, making the tractors a strong fit for loader work,… Read More
Dairy calves experience many challenges in early life, and producers need to be diligent in the hours and days after birth to ensure calf health and reduce mortality. Overall, research shows that eight percent of calves die within 48 hours of birth — this includes those born dead or those that die within the first… Read More
Highline Manufacturing has released the first North American designed and manufactured self-propelled feed mixer on the market last week at Ag in Motion at Langham, Sask. The AccuMix 1000 was designed for feeding cattle in all conditions — including extreme ones. “It’s a thousand cubic foot tub, 300 horsepower CAT engine,” says Bob Cochran, general… Read More
Whether you’re spraying fungicides on corn, soybeans or cereals, the application can deliver a solid return on investment if it suppresses disease and builds and protects yield potential. The story is the same for alfalfa, says BASF business representative and agronomist Ken Currah. He says livestock farmers are looking for yield and protein to make… Read More
The Canadian dairy industry has made great strides in cow comfort over the past 20 years. It’s a story EastGen genetics veterinarian Dr. Tim Henshaw feels all dairy farmers should be actively telling all friends, neighbours ,and consumers within earshot. From mats and bedding for cows to lie on, to adequate stall space and better… Read More
Milking with single-box automated milking systems (AMS) has revolutionized the way dairy producers manage their herds. Current estimates indicate that 10 percent of the Canadian dairy herd are now milked by automated systems, and it’s growing. Globally, nearly 30,000 farms employ robots, according to a 2014 survey. Much of the conversation around dairy robots focus… Read More
Lukáš Jurek’s father came to Canada from the Czech republic in 1996 to look at a new innovative technology – storing cattle feed silage in plastic bags. Jurek Sr. liked what he saw, bought the technology, adapted it to European conditions and, in 1998 Euro Bagging was born. The company has since established itself in… Read More
Masterfeeds, an Alltech company, has announced that Mark Bodenham will take on the role as general manager for Ontario. Peter Peacock, who has been with Masterfeeds since 2012, will retire from the role effective March 22, 2019. Bodenham joined Masterfeeds in 2013 after 26 years in monogastric sales and sales management. The company says he… Read More
In mid September, the federal government announced the list of prescribed regions eligible for drought-related livestock tax deferral. The break was welcomed, however ranchers and producer groups criticized the government’s approach, saying it left out too many drought-affected producers. Announced October 31st, the federal government says it is taking steps to answer some of that… Read More
Automated feed pushers save time and reduce workload. These robots can free dairy producers from the constant grind of pushing feed back within reach of their animals. It’s a win/win, as having feed within reach of the animals is just part of the recipe for higher feed intake and great milk production, too, notes Gravin… Read More