A microscope-level view of damaged brain tissue from a cow infected with BSE. (USDA photo via U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

U.S. reports case of atypical BSE

Chicago | Reuters — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Friday an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), in an older beef cow at a slaughter plant in South Carolina. USDA said the animal never entered slaughter channels and the agency did not expect any trade impacts as a result. It was

Photo: Canada Beef Inc.

Klassen: Feeder market remains firm on fed cattle strength

Alberta's disastrous wildfires may disrupt calf marketings

Compared to last week, western Canadian prices for yearlings over 800 lbs. were quoted steady to $4 higher; feeders between 600-800 lbs. were relatively unchanged while calves under 600 lbs. were $5-$10 higher. The market for calves under 600 lbs. was hard to define due to limited volumes. Alberta packers were buying fed cattle on


‘…we are probably reaching the point where an increase in scrotal size could have a detrimental effect on fertility.’

More information is better when looking for your next herd sire

Beef 911: Scrotal size is a key indicator and getting reliable, consistent measurements isn’t difficult

Scrotal circumference and scrotal palpation are among the quickest, repeatable and fact-revealing pieces of information we can get on bulls. Some breeds get away with less scrotal size, but we have also seen that scrotal size, on average, has gone up through selection. Because it is quite heritable, fertility improves. However, we are probably reaching

“ It will take years to prove the benefits of carcass data being shared with CBIN.” – Deborah Wilson, TrustBix.

Big genetic data and the future of beef marketing

While a genetic data-sharing system is in the works, some fear the cow-calf sector isn’t ready to buy in

Cow-calf producers may miss out on marketing opportunities if they’re not able to harness genetic data to improve and sell their cattle. Big data is the future of beef, industry and tech leaders said at a recent webinar hosted by the Beef Cattle Research Council, and it’s a future that some ranchers are tapping for


Brazilian meatpacker JBS SA’s logo on a tower in Jundiai, northwest of Sao Paulo in southeastern Brazil, on June 1, 2017. (File photo: Reuters/Paulo Whitaker)

JBS to pay US$25 million in latest beef price-fixing settlement

Settlement calls for co-operation in cases against other defendants

Reuters — JBS SA has agreed to pay US$25 million to commercial beef purchasers that accused the meat-packing company of conspiring with industry rivals to restrict market supply in order to keep prices artificially high. The proposed settlement in Minnesota federal court was disclosed on Friday from plaintiffs’ lawyers representing a class of businesses that

photo: diane kuhl/istock/getty images

Cow, calf records offer valuable insight

When looking to improve calving and herd records, online resources and other producers are sources of aid

Most cattle producers keep some form of calving and herd records but there’s always room for improvement. In fact, there’s almost no limit to how much one can ‘geek out’ on herd data collection. “To try to track everything is overwhelming and just about a full-time job in itself,” said Andrea Bertholet, a provincial livestock


Detection and prevention of rectal and anal tears

Beef 911: They’re rare, but the consequences may make slaughter necessary

It is worthwhile to discuss ways to recognize, treat and prevent rectal and anal injuries in livestock. They are rare, but occur often enough to warrant a review in case producers or veterinarians encounter them in cattle or other animals. The causes are many and varied but some preventive measures may be obvious. Depending on

“Try not to select the bull as they come through the ring without doing your homework. You’ll be most happy with your decision if you do your homework and take a closer look ahead of time.” – Andrea Bertholet

Make the most of bull selection

It represents half your herd genetics so it’s important to get it right

Bull buying season is here and Manitoba Agriculture livestock and forage specialist Andrea Bertholet recommends that buyers take their time when selecting a bull. “Buying a herd sire is a big decision that makes up 50 per cent of the genetic makeup of your herd,” she said. Bertholet offered tips and guidelines for bull selection at Manitoba


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Japan lifts last of BSE-era restrictions off Canadian beef

Canadian processed beef regains access to Japan

The last of Japan’s import restrictions on Canadian beef and beef products stemming from the BSE crisis has been lifted, allowing access for Canadian further-processed beef. Canada’s federal agriculture department announced Monday that Japan has reopened to imports of “processed” Canadian beef — just days ahead of a significant reduction in Japan’s tariffs on imports

Photo: Thinkstock

U.S. livestock: CME hog futures recover after ‘complete downhill slide’

Chicago | Reuters – Chicago Mercantile Exchange lean hog futures ended higher on Friday as the market recovered after sliding to life-of-contract lows this week. The market was due for a bounce as losses were overdone, brokers said. “We’ve been on just about a complete downhill slide,” said Karl Setzer, brokerage research lead at Mid-Co