Many stockmen who graze rotationally create permanent paddocks with traditional fencing or electric hard wire, such as high tensile wire. They then divide those paddocks with portable fencing such as poly wire. A portable fence can be moved every few days, daily, or even several times daily to strip graze or mob graze. There are […] Read more
Portable fencing tips for rotational grazing of cattle
“No matter how many fence posts you have and how many rolls of poly wire, it won’t work if you’re not thinking ahead,” says Tim Hoven
Restoring depleted soils with cattle
Adding grazing back into the equation increases soil organic matter, doubles forage production
Michael Thiele’s mission today is to acquaint more farmers and ranchers with a holistic view of agriculture. Thiele grew up on a farm west of Dauphin, Man., just north of Riding Mountain National Park. His father had a small grain farm and a few cows. “We were busy trying to farm and make a living […] Read more
Seeding tips for perennial forages
Managing plant residue from the previous year is important
Traditional annuals and cocktail cover crop mixtures can make great forage for cattle on a temporary basis, but over the long haul a good stand of perennial pasture may be the best choice, according to Lorne Klein, range management extension specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture at Weyburn. As a resource for producers who want to […] Read more
Be prepared for vaccination reactions in cattle
Vaccines can sometimes hyper-stimulate the immune system
Occasionally cattle react to vaccine. An allergic reaction can be mild and local, with swelling at the injection site. But if the animal goes into anaphylactic shock, it can be serious and even fatal. Vaccines contain antigens that are foreign to the body. The goal is for the body to recognize them as foreign and […] Read more
Planting summer annual crops for fall and winter pasture
Extending the grazing season can reduce production costs for cattle. Annual crops can fill in some gaps, or improve soil health before replanting a permanent pasture or seeding another crop. “A good perennial stand is the most cost-effective forage, and a good long-term investment, but annuals can be a good interim plan,” says Graeme Finn […] Read more
Calving ease top priority when selecting heifer bulls
Calving ease EPD more important than assessing a bull visually, says Alberta producer
When it’s time to choose a heifer bull, expected progeny difference for calving ease tops one beef producer’s list. The birth weight expected progeny difference (EPD) is accurate but it’s simply an average, says Travis Olson of Ole Farms at Athabasca, Alta. For example, two bulls could have an average birth weight EPD of 75 […] Read more
Dealing with diphtheria in calves
Animal Health: The condition is serious enough that swelling can restrict breathing to the point of suffocation
Diphtheria is an upper respiratory problem in cattle characterized by an infection or inflammation of the vocal folds. It can be serious if swelling restricts the airway and makes breathing difficult. Dr. Steve Hendrick of Coaldale Veterinary Clinic at Coaldale, Alta., sees quite a few cases of diphtheria in cow-calf operations and in feedlots. “It’s […] Read more
Winter nutrition for bulls
When feeding bulls, the main thing is to assess your goals for those animals, says Dr. Bart Lardner
The bull supplies half the genetics for a calf crop so producers will want to make sure bulls are fertile, healthy and sound, and in good body condition through winter. Young bulls are still growing, so they need adequate energy and protein to support growth as well as maintenance and body condition, and body heat […] Read more
Dealing with frostbite in calves
Animal Health: Warm air is usually better than warm water for treating a hypothermic calf
Calves born in cold weather may suffer adverse effects, including frostbite, especially if they are unable to get up and nurse before they chill. Dr. Andy Acton of Deep South Animal Clinic at Ogema, Sask., says there are two problems when dealing with cold weather. “One is hypothermia, and the other is frostbite, and they […] Read more
Nerbas Brothers zero in on efficiency
Angus operation aims for smaller-framed, grass-efficient cattle
Efficiency is a word Arron Nerbas of Nerbas Brothers Angus, near Shellmouth, Man., uses often when describing his family’s moderate-framed Angus cattle and their forage-based farming operation. Originally his dad and uncle farmed together, and that’s where their ranch name came from. “My dad, Gene, is still involved with our ranch and my mom, Cynthia, […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
