Beef 911: Assess the risk when bringing in calves

Mingling animals, transport times, light weights, and even weather can be factors that increase the risk of BRD

There are many factors to consider when bringing in calves to feed in order to minimize BRD (bovine respiratory disease), which is still the No. 1 cause of morbidity and often mortality in our feedlots. Knowing the history of the calves regarding weaning time, distance transported, vaccination, and health history — as well as upcoming

Livestock industry must prepare for just about anything

Livestock industry must prepare for just about anything

Threats can appear from any direction and most aren’t even on the radar

While the livestock industry and governments have improved their ability to respond to disease outbreaks, they need to broaden their preparations. They must include new diseases and challenges, says a report from the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council. Rob McNabb, general manager of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, says the report is aimed at


CFIA expects the livestock industry won’t find any surprises in proposed amendments to humane livestock transportation regulations.

CFIA proposes new humane livestock transport regulations

The proposed regulations cover everything from assessment of livestock’s fitness for transport to dealing with unfit and compromised animals and hot and cold weather

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has released proposed amendments to its humane livestock transportation regulations, the first significant update of rules that date back to 1997. The regulations are available for comments from farm and other organizations until Feb. 15. Livestock groups say they’re studying the lengthy documentation and would offer any suggestions by the

Beef 911: We need to do better when it comes to castration

Doing it early and properly brings benefits to the producers, addresses animal welfare concerns, and prevents problems later on

We now have many tools at our disposal when it comes to castration of calves in the beef and dairy sectors of our industry. When used together in skilled hands, newer techniques at castration along with NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatories) will insure welfare issues are addressed. Much has changed in the feedlot industry. Cattle are



Robert and Margaret Smith have been running a honeybee operation in the province since 1977 and have been taking advantage of Growing Forward 2’s On-Farm Food Safety and Animal Welfare program since its inception nearly 10 years ago.

On-farm cost-sharing program quickly taken up by producers

Farmers say the program has helped them to keep operations up-to-date and more able to adapt

Manitoba farmers are giving a program aimed at improving on-farm food safety and animal welfare a strong passing grade. Producers who have participated in Growing Forward 2’s On-Farm Food Safety and Animal Welfare say they’d do it again, noting it cost shares improvements that help farmers. “If you have the chance to get involved with


Beef 911: The revised Beef Code of Practice a win for everyone

Beef 911: The revised Beef Code of Practice a win for everyone

Everyone involved in the cattle industry should keep a copy handy and consult it frequently

There has been a lot written about the revised Beef Code of Practice, which was released in 2013 and was the first revision since 1991. It is most definitely worth a read, whether you are a beef producer, transporter, marketer, nutritionist, veterinarian, or are involved with the cattle industry in any way. At 56 pages,

Dairy Farmers of Manitoba chair David Wiens described the Canadian dairy sector’s proAction initiative at the inaugural One Welfare conference.

Providing the proof consumers want on animal care

DFC’s proAction animal welfare assessment program helps farmers demonstrate that high standards are being met

In 2008 two brothers who farm near Ste. Anne built a new barn to replace the one their father erected in the 1960s. His was “a Cadillac barn” and the best of the best for its time, but by the mid-2000s times had changed. It wasn’t just a robotic milking system for their 220 cows


Farmer Sitting on a Bay of Hale on a Farm With His Pet Dog

Human and animal welfare closely linked: conference

International speakers visit Winnipeg to share research on animal welfare and human mental health

Healthy people take good care of animals they’re responsible for, whether they’re pets, or the farm’s livestock, but the reverse is also sadly true. Those who neglect the welfare needs of their animals, or who outrightly abuse an animal, often have serious psychological problems. A first-of-its kind conference held in Winnipeg Sept. 26 to 28