
Pasture

Manitoba crops still in good shape
Rain ranges from nothing to 41 mm
Manitoba cereals, oilseeds and pulses continue to develop nicely, the province’s latest crop report said.

Alberta Crop Report: Rains in the south, dryness in the north
Rain fell onto the southern half of Alberta last week, while hot and dry conditions persisted in the northern half, according to the province's crop report released on July 18.

Manitoba Crop Report: Rains not enough to curb dryness
Some areas receive deluge; others still dry
Many areas of Manitoba received varied amounts of rainfall during the week ended July 6, 2025. However, it was not enough to replenish moisture in some areas.

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

How farmers and ranchers can manage a gopher boom
Ranchers and farmers have fewer options for controlling gophers, but encouraging predators and managing the environment may help
The Richardson’s ground squirrel has been a challenge for prairie farmers for over a hundred years. Records of gopher bounties and provincial holidays for gopher hunting go back to 1917, but a lot of research has gone into the effectiveness of predatory mammals and birds. Foxes, weasels, snakes and badgers are efficient rodent hunters, said […] Read more

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

Comment: Trying to keep ahead of the fire
Back in May 2002, a guy was running a log skidder in some bush pasture on the north side of Turtle Lake, Sask. It was hot and dry, one of those days when the temperature was higher than the humidity. I’m not sure exactly what happened. Perhaps it was just a spark from the log […] Read more

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

VIDEO: Doing the math on cattle grazing
Depth of Field with Kelly Sidoryk
An integral component of good grazing management is tracking yield or production. It is how we project carrying capacity and adjust for drier or wetter conditions. It’s also an important part of the planning process. When we switch to a more intensive grazing approach, with multiple paddocks and grazing periods based on plant recovery, tracking […] Read more

A case study of lupines and crooked beef calves
Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke
Jim called one night concerned that his Holstein milk cow could not deliver a calf. The cow, a seven-year-old female bred by artificial insemination, had never had problems. But a trip to the Maritimes two summers ago was an unexpected catalyst for a new issue. Nova Scotia offered an array of “new things” for Jim […] Read more