On February 20, 2022, the graduated enforcement period for feed, water and rest (FWR) intervals under the Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII: Transport of Animals ended. The regulations in effect include a reduced transport time of 36 hours before feed, water and rest must be provided, as well as record-keeping and transfer of care provisions….
Whether calving has already started, or you’re months away, it’s a good time to revisit some behaviour and warning signs that a calving cow or heifer may need attention. There are three stages to parturition (calving). Stage one involves cervix dilation, and must be complete before any pull assist; Stage two begins with the fetal…
Last week the Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $161.75/cwt, $1.75/cwt higher than the previous week. Fed cattle prices have strengthened for three weeks in a row, gaining $5/cwt. Last week dressed sales were reported from $269.00-273.50/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for the week of March 28th…
Even on the coldest January nights, BBQ pit master Mel Chmilar Jr. is still firing it, making tropically inspired meals to chase away the winter blues. He also offers unusual tips (including using welding supplies) to enhance your winter grilling experience. In the November issue, we met Albertan Mel Chmilar Jr., who welds by day…
There’s more than one kind of branding going on at the MGM Cattle Company, and that’s just the way Meghan Marshall likes it. She’s a busy Mom and ranch hand, but throws her own unique enterprise into the mix, to make for a full and varied life she wouldn’t trade with anyone. The family’s livestock…
Last week the Canfax fed steer and heifer price closed around $160/cwt, $1.50/cwt higher than the previous week. Last week dressed sales were reported from $267.50-273.50/cwt FOB lot. Cattle that traded last week were being scheduled for the week of March 14 and 21 delivery. The Canfax average feeder steer price closed the week $2/cwt higher…
Gochujang Beef Lettuce Cups are a quick weeknight dinner, an easy prep ahead lunch, or double up for a good freezer friendly batch cooking recipe. If you are not familiar with Gochujang paste it is a staple in Korean cooking. It is a red chili paste that also contains fermented soy beans. It is a…
Across Alberta last fall cattle came off pasture light. This is a serious concern, especially when it comes to preparing for and protecting the health of the next generation. We asked beef nutrition consultant Barry Yaremcio for some recommendations to support pregnant heifers through late gestation and calving. Here is his advice. Recognize unique requirements…
It might be difficult to keep top of mind while pastures and native grassland are frozen this winter but, under the snow, the land that suffered through extreme heat and drought in 2021 is in distress. As we look ahead to the 2022 grazing season, it will be important to engage in pasture rejuvenation strategies…
It’s been a tough year for many cattle producers in Western Canada who have suffered through the worst drought in 70 years. Last summer, I visited some of the hard-hit regions of the Prairies during the peak of the drought. It was heartbreaking to see the sun-scorched fields and to meet farm families forced to…
The western Canadian fed market has been disappointing on many levels. Weekly dressed sales were reported from $260-275/cwt delivered. Cattle were being scheduled for the week of March 14th delivery. On some sales, a $2/cwt dressed premium would be added to the negotiated sale price if the cattle graded over 70% AAA. Western Canadian steer…
Barbed wire, nicknamed “the Devil’s rope,” was the first wire technology capable of restraining cattle. Introduced across Canada in the late 19th century, it was seen as an inexpensive way for landowners to fence in large fields and maintain control over their herds. The Devil’s rope has thus far withstood the test of time, still…