Any producer who is dealing with cattle needs some type of handling facilities, whether he/she has 10 steers or 1,000. Handling facilities are—and will continue to be—an important part of a successful cattle operation, allowing the producer many advantages and options. The following is the first of a three-part series […]
Gary Sliworsky – Agricultural Report
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo If you haven’t finalized your cropping plans for 2013 to provide feed for your beef cattle, you may want to give peas some consideration. The following is Part 1 of an article on using peas from Ron Lackey, Feed Ingredients and By-products Feeding Specialist, […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo The following is Part 2 of an article on frost seeding, which is used to improve productivity and forage quality of pastures and hay fields by broadcasting seed on frozen ground. This article will deal with species selection, seeding rates, and harvest management: Red […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo There is still plenty of snow around but it’s always good to plan ahead. The following is Part 1 of an article on frost seeding dealing with time of seeding, equipment, and site selection: Frost seeding is used to improve productivity and forage quality […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo As with other living organisms, morbidity and mortality also occurs in cattle. During the production year, the mortality for cattle operations ranges from one-five percent. A combination of factors involving cattle susceptibility, the environment, and the presence of a disease agent is necessary for […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo As cattle producers start to think about purchasing bulls and gear up for another breeding season, they need to remember the power of cross-breeding. The boost in performance that comes from cross-breeding is called heterosis, and sometimes is referred to as “hybrid vigour.” Many […]
With winter looking like it will be hanging on for a while, it’s time to revisit the impacts of harsh weather on any cattle you plan to transport this season. Winter truck travel can induce hypothermia—a severe reduction in deep body temperature that can cause death. Temperature fluctuations of more […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo The following is the conclusion of a two-part article on feeding straw to help extend rations: An alternative to processing is to feed the different roughage sources on alternate days. With enough feeder space, all of the cows will be able to consume their […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo Winter feed supply for the beef cow herd is an issue in many parts of Ontario. A combination of low forage yields and poor harvesting conditions have some farmers digging deep for feeding alternatives. Getting the cows through the rest of this winter may […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo The last three months before calving is a critical time for cows and heifers. Nutrition needs are high with a rapidly-growing calf, milk production coming on stream, and cold weather to overcome. Energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals are important. Cows on an adequate diet […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo Another year has come and gone. Many businesses take year-end inventories of goods on hand and farm businesses are no exception. Producers, don’t forget to get inventories on your livestock, home-grown grains and forages, and any purchased feed and supplies you have on hand. […]
Announced in the 2011 budget as a permanent program, Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) helps farmers manage risks beyond their control, like fluctuating costs and market prices. The program is available for the cattle, edible horticulture, grains and oilseeds, hog, sheep, and veal sectors. RMP complements AgriStability and Production Insurance. […]
