For generations, cattle producers have proudly advocated as stewards of the land – protecting native grasslands, watersheds and landscapes in which they reside. In fact, it is quite common for ranchers to profess that our cattle merely play a role in the true focus of our business of growing grass and turning it into a…
Is the vigor of your cattle herd waning? The genetic vigor, that is. It might be time to dig deeper than hide color to discover the actual genetic makeup, and then to refresh, the heterosis of your herd. The what? ‘Heterosis’ is the science term for the Hybrid Vigor factor, and while its known benefits…
By Duane McCartney, for Canadian Cattlemen Magazine Forage extension veteran Grant Lastiwka shares his winter-feeding strategy and explains how it fits into his year-round grazing system Grant Lastiwka eats, sleeps and dreams forages. As one of Canada’s most enthusiastic forage extension specialists, Lastiwka is the go-to man for information on year-round grazing management. Past winner…
The winners of this year’s virtual Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture (AYSA) event have roots that run deep in agriculture. Alyson Katerenchuk and Christopher Mills took home top honours in the Senior and Junior divisions, respectively. Their wins come in a year where the event saw more participants than ever before. This was the sixth…
Canfax fed steer and heifer prices last week were around $153/cwt, $2.50/cwt lower than the previous week. This is the lowest fed prices have been in nine weeks. Dressed sales were reported from $254-256/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being booked for the second half of November delivery. On a cash-to-cash basis,…
The Government of Alberta is looking for public feedback on ways to promote economic development in rural Alberta. Increasing investment plays a key factor in recovering economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, the global collapse of energy prices, and the worst economic downturn in almost a century. Discussions and feedback collected will ensure our rural communities…
This Easy Beef Taco Salad is perfect at any time of the year with its crisp lettuce, delicious beef topping, cheese, and condiments. Everyone can build a salad as they want to. This makes an excellent back-to-school dinner when you are trying to get a meal on the table, homework started, or after-school activities worked into the…
As the days of summer fade away and we face the briskness of fall it is time to carefully consider livestock marketing plans for the farm and ranch. Traditionally, this time of year is referred to as ‘the fall run’ as most of the calves, yearlings and cull cows are offered for sale and the…
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is hosting a series of four webinars from November through March. The webinars will cover a variety of topics, including backgrounding, record keeping, and grazing planning. Registrants will receive reminders to attend the live event, additional resources, and a link to access the webinars at any time after they’re…
In 2003, just as scientists were putting the finishing touches on the human genome mapping project, and while 32 countries struggled to stop the spread of SARS, a single domestic case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) was detected on an Alberta farm, closing international borders to Canadian beef and cattle sales for almost two decades….
Fall on the farm is busy, no question about it. Moving cattle, weaning calves, hauling feed, preg-testing…it’s easy to get caught up in the fast pace. And while moving fast can get lots done, we need to make sure that it doesn’t come at a cost. There are many important areas under the VBP+ program,…
By Jeff Melchior, Alberta Farmer Express In response to recent provincial restrictions, all Farmfair attendees will have to show proof of full vaccination before entering the event. It’s either that or offer proof of a medical exemption or a privately acquired COVID test. The move by event organizer Explore Edmonton is in response to provincial restrictions…