Winter feed costs are the largest variable cost for cow-calf production. With the increased availability and falling prices of alternative winter feeds in some areas, there could be a good opportunity to reduce wintering costs by using alternative feed sources this year.

The “red meat allergy” is often framed as an emerging and alarming public health issue. Although the allergy symptoms can be severe, the incidence is relatively low, even throughout the southeastern United States where the lone star tick is well established (meaning a presence of reproducing populations).

When it comes to withstanding drought, the best defence is a good offence. Drought planning and preparation is best done in advance. While that may be little comfort to producers currently coping with dry conditions, there are many strategies that can help farmers prepare for the long-term or help them to recover their drought-ravaged resources in the coming seasons.

Leah Clark, a livestock specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, talks about the importance of quality drinking water for livestock. She explains how poor stock water quality can impact animal performance through reduced gains and decreased reproductive success n severe cases and how water quality issues can lead to disease and death.

Veterinarians and producers from across the country weigh in on best practices to get calves settled in a feedlot. They all agree getting calves unloaded into a receiving pen, don’t over crowd them, make sure they have access to good quality grass hay, are drinking water, the lot is well bedded, and the cattle get a few hours of rest before processing.