Health & Production

Dr. Greg Penner, professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS) Canadian Industries Award in Extension and Public Service. The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to extension, education, and public service in support of…

New COP Network benchmarks reveal what drives forage production costs in Canadian cow-calf operations, from hay and silage to greenfeed, and where producers can improve efficiency. Forage is the backbone of every cow-calf operation — but how much does it really cost to grow? While feed is often viewed as a “homegrown” input, the reality…

Public comment period nearing close on proposed updates to national beef cattle care standards.The Beef Code outlines expected and recommended animal care practices for beef cattle. The public comment period is an opportunity for anyone who has an interest in how beef cattle are raised in Canada, including consumers, veterinarians, food service professionals, and producers,…

Every cow-calf producer has either lived it or knows someone who has. Breeding season wraps up and everything looks fine, until fall preg-checks tell a different story: open cows, late calvers and a breeding window that slipped wider than planned. While cow nutrition, body condition and management are frequently evaluated, one critical factor is often…

Growth implants are among the most researched and cost-effective technologies in the beef industry. However, adoption on Canadian cow-calf operations remains relatively low, despite similar performance and economic benefits seen in backgrounding and feedlot cattle. Questions around labour, economics, animal health, and confidence in the implant procedure often influence producer decisions. These issues were the…

Effective grazing management is one of the most powerful tools beef producers can use to enhance cattle performance, improve pasture productivity and support the long-term sustainability of their operation. Whether refining an existing plan or starting from scratch, these key grazing management facts can help get the most out of every acre. 1. Balance forage…