Manure Archives | Canadian Cattlemen

Milk fever, minerals and chemistry: It’s just one big interaction!

By John McKinnon September 5, 2020

Mineral nutrition has been a topic of this column on numerous occasions, particularly from the point of view of meeting requirements of cattle as they move through various stages of production. One aspect of mineral nutrition that we have not paid as much attention to is how different minerals interact with one another and how […] Read more

Crops

U.S. mushroom giant buys major Manitoba grower

Loveday Mushroom Farms joins South Hill Champs

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News July 21, 2020

A major player in the North American mushroom business expects to expand its reach in the U.S. Midwest and Canada’s Prairies with a deal for a storied Winnipeg producer. South Mill Champs, formed in 2018 from the merger of Philadelphia-area producer South Mill and Aldergrove, B.C.-based Champs Mushrooms, announced Tuesday it has expanded to include […] Read more

Finishers, Livestock

U.S. beef ranchers sour on Burger King lemongrass ration

RBI arm launches '#CowsMenu' program, 'Reduced Methane' Whopper

By Dave Bedard, GFM Network News July 16, 2020

A new U.S. sustainability campaign from one of the world’s biggest fast food chains, training its lens on beef cattle passing gas, has “disappointed” some cattle producers while also proposing its own new feedlot ration as a way to help cut emissions. Burger King, owned by Toronto-based Restaurant Brands International, on Tuesday launched the “#CowsMenu” […] Read more

Dung beetles break down manure on grasslands and convert it into plant nutrients. They also facilitate water infiltration and soil aeration.

Features, Livestock

Dung beetles may be small but they play a big role on pastures

These beetles turn manure into nutrients, improving the soil, increasing water infiltration and cutting pest fly populations

By Tara Mulhern Davidson July 15, 2020

On pasture ecosystems, the spotlight is often on grass and cattle, yet a well-functioning grassland may depend, at least in part, on behind-the-scenes work performed by dung beetles. With a skillset that includes converting manure into nutrients, improving soil aeration, minimizing pest flies and increasing water infiltration, dung beetles can help beef producers set the […] Read more

Smoke hangs over a pasture in a dry year. Maintaining perennial systems is critical to avoiding more carbon losses to the atmosphere, says Denis Angers.

Crops, Features, Forages

Perennial forage systems offer environmental, production benefits

More research is needed to better understand the effects of specific management practices in forage production under Canadian conditions

By Piper Whelan May 21, 2020

By optimizing the amount of carbon returned to the soil, forage production can play a major role in carbon sequestration while improving soil quality. Not only does this benefit yield, it has environmental advantages. “Soils contain two to three times more carbon than the vegetation or atmosphere, and that’s why we talk about soil carbon […] Read more

Regenerative grazing is designed to mimic the symbiotic relationships in nature.

Features, From the Ground Up, Livestock

The impact of herbivores

From the Ground Up with Steve Kenyon

By Steve Kenyon May 5, 2020

Grasslands need the herbivore just like the herbivore needs the grasslands. It is a symbiotic relationship that has lasted thousands of years without us. Nature already had this figured out long before humans came into the picture and we need to respect the laws of nature. The problems occur when we try to manipulate nature. […] Read more

Cereal crops are high in starch which allows them to ferment easily. Almost any crop can be harvested for silage, however, as long as it is harvested at 60 to 70 per cent moisture.

Crops, Forages, Hay

Silage packs a punch when harvested carefully

Protect your investment with these tips on everything from harvest timing to inoculants

By Tara Mulhern Davidson April 24, 2020

For some producers, silage is a mainstay, but for others who may be new to the process, there is a learning curve. Regardless of experience, there are several variables producers must consider when ensiling a crop. Gains or losses can occur during seeding and feeding silage. However, management during harvest may be pivotal to promote […] Read more

The cow is a big part of ranching, but she is only a part of it.

Features, From the Ground Up, Livestock

The mobile hotel

From the Ground Up with Steve Kenyon

By Steve Kenyon February 27, 2020

If you own your own business, you know one of the most difficult tasks is acquiring and holding onto good employees. We all know that it’s important to provide desirable working conditions to keep employees happy. We try our best here at Greener Pastures Ranching, but there is one other aspect that we work on […] Read more

Livestock, Reuters

No turkeys, pigs, goats: U.S. to let airlines limit service animals

Miniature horses still up for discussion

By David Shepardson January 23, 2020

Washington | Reuters — The U.S. Transportation Department on Wednesday proposed giving airlines the power to bar emotional support animals from cabins and limit the definition of a service animal to a trained dog. The proposed new rules are aimed at preventing passengers from falsely claiming their pets are service animals aboard U.S. airline flights. […] Read more

General, Reuters, Weather

Trump administration scales back U.S. water protections

By Timothy Gardner, Valerie Volcovici January 23, 2020

Washington | Reuters — The Trump administration finalized a rule on Thursday to pare back the types of waterways protected from pollution under federal law, easing burdens on industries such as agriculture and mining but angering environmental groups. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule could win political points ahead of the November election for Republican President […] Read more

U.S. livestock: CME cattle futures end up on firm cash trade

Prairies can expect far better harvest weather this fall

Funds’ net long keeps growing in canola

GFM Network News