Resources for Beef Producers during Market Disruptions

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Retrieved: November 12, 2024, 11:59 pm



Beef supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 are challenging producers to make difficult decisions and adapt to changing situations. As beef farmers consider making strategic production and management adjustments in response to shifting cattle markets, the resources listed below provide information and may support you in assessment, planning, and decision-making.

If you are looking for additional information, let us know in the Comment box at the bottom of this page. We will continue to add to this resource list as needed or as more information becomes available.

Feeding & Nutrition

Find information about feed testing and feeding conventional forages as well as using available alternate feeds. For pasture production systems see the link on grazing management.

Feed Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle

Alternative Feeds

Stored Forages

Grazing Management

Considerations for Slowing Feedlot Cattle Growth Due to the COVID -19 PandemicUniversity of Wisconsin and Iowa State University

Feed Options for Holding Feedlot Cattle GainsSaskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Feed Shortages or Drought Conditions

Whether producers are worried about uncertain markets and possible drought conditions or faced with keeping cattle longer than expected and have an urgent need to stretch feed supplies, these links contain tips, tools, and ideas for getting the most out of what is available.

Feed Cost Comparison Calculator

Plan to Adapt when Grazing

Stretching Feed Supplies

Extended Grazing

Drought Management Strategies

Time for a Back-up Plan: Managing the Impacts of Drought

Cattle Health & Welfare

During challenging times, beef producers still have a responsibility to maintain animal health and welfare. The resources listed below provide helpful information.

Body Condition Scoring

Preventing Reproductive Failure in Cow-Calf Herds

Value of Calving Distribution Calculator

The Cost-Benefit of Using Vaccines in Beef Cattle

Pain Mitigation

Culling Cattle

Lower value cattle, including cull or market animals, need to receive proper care and management. The following resources include information on transport and pre-transport decisions, taking the next steps when an animal’s condition cannot improve, as well as how to best to dispose of mortalities.

Transport

Talking About EuthanasiaCanadian Cattlemen, The Beef Magazine

Disposal of Cattle Mortalities

Financial Management

Visit these links to access financial calculators and other tools and information to help pencil out different production scenarios.

Value of Pre-Conditioning Calves

Economic Considerations on Preconditioning CalvesCanfax Research Services

Considérations Économiques du PréconditionnementCanfax Research Services

Replacement Heifers – Money, Management, and Momentum

The Economics of Preg-checkingCanfax Research Services

Economics of Pregnancy Testing Beef Cattle Model

Mental Health Support

Find information on where to reach out and get support to help cope with stress during these difficult times. Your health and well-being matters.

The Do More Agriculture Foundation

Mental Health & StressCanadian Agricultural Safety Association

Rooted in StrengthFarm Credit Canada

Additional resources and regular industry updates to help navigate the challenging landscape of COVID-19 can be found through the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association.

For generations, beef producers have proven themselves to be resourceful and adaptable. Stay safe during these difficult times.

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