Health & Production

If you are in the Canadian cattle industry right now, you are well-aware of the severity of drought conditions that exist across much of western Canada and the United States. Unfortunately, we are at a point where even if the forecast miraculously changed and it rained for a week, it would be too late for…

This week, Jim Gerrish of American Grazing Lands Services LLC partnered with Foothills Forage & Grazing Association and MaiaGrazing to present a drought management webinar for primary producers. Hear Gerrish talk about drought, Standardized Precipitaiton Index, water infiltration, pasture productivity in a drought, and management strategies that can help producers manage through it. ‘What We’re…

The following is a preview of a two-part series by the Beef Cattle Research Council. It was originally published in 2019, but remains relevant today. Fear of bloat costs more money than actual cases of bloat do Respect it, but don’t fear it. That’s the message from cattle producers and beef specialists alike who through…

Producers often prefer to cut alfalfa or alfalfa-grass hay as the crop reaches its peak volume, but that could result in a need for additional supplementation at feeding time. If you’re fortunate enough to have a hay crop to harvest, you might be curious how the heat can affect crop maturity, as well as the…

Producers are urged to take precautions this summer because of how dry it has been; vaccinations are recommended By Heather Smith Thomas, published in Western Producer Anthrax is one of the oldest killers of humans and livestock, mentioned in some of the earliest recorded history. It has been called splenic fever, charbon, milztrand and woolsorter’s disease…

From semen quality to conception rates, prolonged heat stress can take an incredible toll on cattle, and acute heat stress can even be life-threatening. “These several days in a row is really what adds to the heat stress,” says Dr. Roy Lewis, semi-retired veterinarian and regular contributor to various ag publications. “Long-term affects can add…

You’ve likely already noticed grasshopper nymphs at your feet, but are you keeping a close eye on your fields and pastures? If not, start packing your scouting essentials. “This is the week. If you haven’t scouted for grasshoppers yet, please absolutely do,” says Jennifer Otani, pest management specialist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Grasshoppers in…

Test stock water and reduce worry By Beef Cattle Research Council When stock water appears abundant and water quality has been consistent in previous years, it’s easy to focus on other things — but don’t overlook water testing. Poor-quality stock water can lead to reproductive inefficiency, poor gains, disease and in extreme circumstances, death. Even when water…