Crops, pastures and haylands throughout Western and Central Canada are parched.

Today’s forage research provides tomorrow’s solutions

Research on the Record with Reynold Bergen

Today’s research won’t help you weather this year’s drought, but the practical information and advice you’ll read elsewhere in the September issue of Canadian Cattlemen (and at beefresearch.ca) will. Those tips, covering everything from alternative feeds to weaning, all originate from past research done by scientists and refined by producers. But producer-funded research underway today […] Read more

History: New grazing lease policies discussed at SSGA convention

Reprinted from the July 1953 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

Saskatchewan Stock Growers Hold Annual ConventionBy Grant MacEwan ‘In the final moments of the Fortieth Annual Convention, Saskatchewan Stock Growers’ Association, held at Shaunavon, James Michell, Battle Creek, was elected president to succeed F. L. Bettis, Maple Creek, who presided at the recent meetings. Ben Jahnke, Main Centre, became the first vice-president and John Minor, […] Read more


AAFC’s Drought Monitor map as of Aug. 31, 2021.

Drought maps show little change at end of August

MarketsFarm — Much of Western Canada remained in some state of drought at the end of August despite widespread rains late in the month, according to updated maps compiled by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The area mapped out as dealing with ‘exceptional drought’ in south-central Manitoba’s agricultural regions contracted slightly compared to the previous month […] Read more

pasture

Kenyon: The job interview

From the Ground Up with Steve Kenyon

GPR: Good Morning. Welcome to Greener Pastures Ranching. Thanks for taking the time to come in for this interview. AMF: Good morning. I was so excited to get your call. I’m sure you had a lot of resumés and a lot of great candidates apply for this job. GPR: We have multiple positions available so […] Read more



(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Optimistic fed cattle outlook supports feeder market

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 higher. Strong demand was noted on yearlings, which spilt over into the lighter weight categories. Major feedlot operators in Alberta set the price structure, with aggressive orders flowing across the Prairies. Some operators have been holding back on purchases due to higher prices; however, […] Read more


Left to right: Cooper, Chad, Renee, Ricki and Riata Seelhof of Woodjam Ranch, 2020 TESA recipients.

The Environmental Stewardship Award reaches 25-year milestone

National recognition has contributed to the sustainable beef conversation, but people in the industry see more opportunities to reach the public

The most recent recipients of The Environmental Stewardship Award weren’t seeking praise when they implemented conservation-minded practices on their ranch. However, the opportunity to share their story with a national audience was incredibly meaningful. “For us to be recognized was a true honour,” says Ricky Seelhof of Woodjam Ranch at Horsefly, B.C., who along with […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Stronger live cattle futures lift yearling market

Recent rains rejuvenate Prairie pastures

Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling prices were quoted $3 to as much as $6 higher; calf markets once again traded $3-$5 on either side of unchanged depending on the region. Unbridled buying interest was noted on larger groups of high-quality yearlings. Despite the grass conditions this summer, cattle characteristics are rated above average […] Read more


Former federal and provincial community pastures operated for decades in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, many of them on ecologically sensitive lands. These pastures held habitat for wildlife and provided grazing allocations to area farmers. Starting in 2013, the pastures transitioned to patron operation.

Pastures hold on to ecological benefits through transition

Pasture managers and patrons are working with conservation groups to preserve these islands of Prairie habitat

The following is the final in a three-part series exploring how community pastures shifted from government to producer operation. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration’s (PFRA) community pasture program began in the 1930s as a quest to stop drifting soil and provide stable grazing for the […] Read more