After years of drought, many are working to revitalize their pastures. Knowing the ins and outs of perennials can help.

Why post-drought pasture management matters for beef farmers

Knowing how perennial plants function can help producers make better decisions

Pasture management is always important, but it is especially important following a drought. During these challenging periods, pastures may suffer and degrade, resulting in the loss of valuable forage, soil erosion and diminished fertility. Drought effects linger, affecting land and plant life productivity even after the rains return. Effective management strategies are essential to support […] Read more



lab test results for testing forage seeds

Benefits to farmers of testing forage seed

The benefits of testing forage seed can be long-lasting

When establishing a new forage stand that will ideally be productive for five or 10 years, producers want to set themselves up for a good outcome. Using high-quality perennial or annual forage seed that is certified — or tested for purity, germination and viability — is a good place to start. “There is a certain […] Read more



cattle on a very dry-looking pasture during a drought

Drought preparation is better than reaction

News Roundup from the June 2025 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Glacier FarmMedia – When it comes to drought, imagining the worst may be the best way to start planning for it. Wayne Knight, executive director for Holistic Management International, is originally from South Africa, a country known for drought and dry conditions. Because of his background, he’s learned to always be prepared for drought. “I […] Read more

forage research plots in Quebec

Evaluating forage performance in different environments

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

About 20 years ago, Doug Wray drove in from Irricana, Alta., for an informal meeting at the Alberta Beef Producers’ office, where I worked at the time. He asked why the beef industry didn’t fund more forage breeding. Back then, the usual beef industry response to forage breeding proposals was “Let the government and forage […] Read more


Manitoba crops 99 per cent planted

Manitoba crops 99 per cent planted

Five points ahead of average

Seeding operations across Manitoba largely wrapped up during the week ended June 10, with 99 per cent of intended acres in the ground, according to the latest provincial crop report. That was up four points from the previous week and compares with the five-year average of 94 per cent done.

two people conducting a prescribed burn of grasses

Reintroducing fire to Saskatchewan pastures

Prescribed burns can be effective at 
revitalizing native grasslands when done right

Pastures evolve over time. Woody plants and shrubs, which cattle can’t eat, may encroach on natural grasses. Invasive species, such as Kentucky bluegrass, may also move in, cutting into native grass productivity. One way of managing this is through fire. At the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Conference, Eric Lamb and Renny Grilz presented recent research regarding […] Read more