Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains a leading health concern in Canadian feedlots. Currently, pen riders quietly surveying thousands of cattle daily are a feedlot’s main defence against this challenging disease.

Cattle markets have rewarded producers over the last several years with historically strong prices. For many cow-calf and stocker operations, that has translated into significant equity built into today’s cattle inventories. But as prices rise, so does the amount of risk tied to every hundredweight.

Ranchers currently have exciting opportunities, but it’s important to position yourself appropriately. Operational costs as well as the price of critical inputs for cattle – such as feed and labor – have increased in recent years. To build a sustainable operation, ranchers should take advantage of the current market to develop financial resilience and thoughtfully manage risks.

Automatic lien laws in a handful of states offer protection for custom operators, but knowing how to enforce them – and what not to do – is just as important.

There are quite a few reasons Paige and Marcus Dueck’s farm in Kleefeld, Manitoba, stand out from most. They milk their herd of 50 Brown Swiss with a tiestall automated milking system. They also farm 900 acres, own a nutrient management consulting business, raise two daughters and keep the barn doors open to tours.

Longevity in your milking system is about more than just buying a quality product. How you manage your dairy along the way is going to determine how long your system lasts.

Late calving in a heifer’s first season is more than a timing issue – the consequences often extend beyond year one.