Johne’s disease is a sneaky production-limiting disease that damages herd health. We introduced Johne’s in the November 2021 issue. A new digital risk-reward calculator has been developed to help beef producers predict the future spread of Johne’s in their herds, and compare costs and benefits of different management strategies. As cattle herds grow and consolidate,…
When it comes to the Tomahawk steak, we refer to it as the “showstopper.” For those of us who grew up watching cartoons, it’s the steak that Fred Flintstone ate. Its massive presentation on the bone makes the steak look primal – which is all part of its appeal, and of course when prepared to…
A good vaccination program for your calves is vital in protecting the health of your animals and ensuring your bottom line when it comes time to sell them. Kent Fenton is a veterinarian with Feedlot Health Management Services powered by TELUS Agriculture. “Calves can probably go through more stress of all sorts and still be…
It has been a busy few months out and about with Alberta Beef Producers. I was able to attend a number of bull congresses, bull sales, our producer meetings and our AGM in Red Deer. While the Bull Congresses were perhaps smaller than they have been in previous years, the quality of the cattle on…
We’ve given our buddies help with processing cattle, or picked up parts for them because we were in town anyway, but how often do we take the time to ask how they’re really doing? Last year the Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP) added a character to their ever-growing list of personas. This is Clay. Clay was developed…
Since I joined ABP in November 2020, there has been a constant flurry of activity tackling an unprecedented number of issues. I am grateful for the learning experience but more candidly, we all keep hoping and expecting things to return to normal. I work with politicians and other government staff to provide input on programs…
Since 1992, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has recognized farms and ranches across the province whose natural resource stewardship practices contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profitability. This year, Ribbon Creek Ranch, near Linden, Alberta, has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA). “The judges were really impressed with…
The following resolutions were brought forward and voted upon at the 2022 ABP Producer Meetings held throughout January and February. Delegates met in-person for the Annual General Meeting in March, where they heard from members of the ABP executive and staff, and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). In support of ABP’s move to strengthen our producer outreach…
Actively engaging the Government of Canada on the priorities of the Canadian beef industry is a key focus of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). In early December 2021, Bob Lowe, CCA Past President, and Carley Henniger, President of the Young Cattlemen’s Council (YCC), had the unique opportunity to interview the Federal Agriculture Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau,…
Plastics are integral to most of our businesses, whether you are wrapping up bales or covering your silage pit. They are cheap, convenient, and resilient, which makes them useful but also difficult to get rid of. In the past, the most common practice for dealing with used ag plastics was to burn it – a…
It is hard to believe it’s that time of year again! Hopefully these few months feel more like “tagging season” than “calving season.” However, if things don’t go quite as planned, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has put together some fantastic resources to help you improve the outcome for any compromised calf that hits…
Ruminant Nutritionist Lynne Girardin provides supplement recommendations to support health in weaning calves. Getting calves off to a healthy start depends on a combination of factors, including good genetics, a healthy heifer, and ample, high quality colostrum. “A healthy cow means healthy milk, and healthy milk means a healthy calf,” suggests Lynne Girardin, ruminant nutritionist…