Cow Numbers/Profitability – for Sep. 6, 2010

We have had some challenging times in the cow-calf business in recent years. We have all been struggling to do the best we can. One common response has been to increase our cow numbers. This has happened because cull cows have been cheap and we think more cows may translate into more profit. One of […] Read more

Managing Drought

No one can prevent or predict a drought but there are a lot of things we can do with our management to lessen the effects of drought. Drought will impact our people, our land and our finances. All are equally important and our drought strategy must cover all three areas. People A great starting point […] Read more


Grazing 2010

Grazing season will soon be upon us. For some it will be a sigh of relief, wow I can finally turn the cows out and be rid of them until fall. Another group will say, wow its grazing season again, another opportunity to use my cows to improve my land and increase my grass. Which […] Read more

Create The Future You Desire

This article will come out in early 2010. Times have been difficult in the cattle business. There are some indicators of better times ahead but no one knows how long before things improve, how large the improvement will be or how long the improvement will last. I believe we are masters of our own future. […] Read more


Profit Before Production

I will begin this article with a saying an old rancher shared with me. YOU NEVER GO BROKE MAKING A PROFIT. I think there is some wisdom here. Times are difficult. We need to focus on profit. If your operation is profitable I congratulate you. I encourage you to continue what you are doing and […] Read more

Cows Are A Tool

As you increase production on a set land base without increasing the costs you are more likely to be profitable in the short term and sustainable in the long term In Holistic Management we tend to see our cows as a tool. There are two primary functions that this tool must perform. One is to […] Read more


Succeeding At Succession

For those of us fortunate enough to have sons or daughters who want to ranch, succession is a major event. Done properly the results can draw the family closer together, give each generation what they desire and be a positive event. When done poorly the results can be devastating. Families can be torn apart. My […] Read more

HOLISTIC RANCHING – for Oct. 5, 2009

Most of you who read this article will likely know that Allan Savory is the founder of Holistic Management. For those who weren’t aware you now know. It is good to give credit where credit is due. Allan had four key insights that help explain why his work is different and why it produces such […] Read more


Defining Holistic Management

HM is about caring for your people, improving your land and making a profit. All three are essential. We can’t afford to sacrifice one for the other Holistic Management was introduced into Western Canada in the early 1980s. Since then it has spread across the West and into Ontario. However, there are still many people […] Read more

The Benefits Of Stockpiled Grass

It was a late, cool (cold) spring locally and I think most areas in Western Canada have had similar weather. I travelled quite a bit this spring and became very aware of the great differences in when people start to graze their animals. Some producers turn out in April or early May. They may still […] Read more