Different regions have different problem plants, and to make it even more confusing these same plants are only toxic if eaten in certain amounts or in certain stages of growth, while others are toxic at all times. Rachel Turnquist, a forage extension specialist in Saskatchewan, says there are many toxic plants in Western Canada. You […] Read more
Beware of toxic plants in pastures
There are many toxic plants in Western Canada cattle producers need to steer clear of
Strategies for year-round grazing
With careful forage management, cattle can harvest their own feed year-round
Winter feeding is the biggest input cost when raising cattle, so many producers try to minimize the number of days they have to feed hay. In some situations, with careful forage management, cattle can harvest their own feed year-round, especially in mild climates. Even in northern climates with cold weather and snow, year-round grazing can […] Read more
Protein kick needed for mature, dry forages
Nutrition: Supplementation will be important this year in many parts of the Prairies
In the fall and winter, most native forages and tame pastures are low in protein (unless fall rains have stimulated new growth), yet many stockmen try to extend grazing as long as possible through winter because winter feeding is the most expensive part of raising cattle. Depending on the protein source, adding a protein supplement […] Read more
Winter water systems for cattle
Keeping livestock water ice-free can be a challenge during colder months. In some pastures water availability is also an issue. Dr. Nora Paulovich with the North Peace Applied Research Association (NPARA) in northern Alberta says her family ranch uses a system that brings water from a dugout into an insulated trough nearby. It uses a […] Read more
Low-stress weaning for calves
A less stressful weaning process makes for healthier calves
Weaning time has traditionally been traumatic for calves, mama cows and ranchers, but it doesn’t need to be. “There are better ways to wean calves, says Bart Lardner, a beef and forage research scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. “Abrupt weaning is the most stressful, for both the cow and calf. The question has been […] Read more
Extending fall and winter grazing
Crop residues are probably the most underutilized source of winter grazing, says extension specialist
Extending the grazing season for cattle can help reduce production costs and there are various ways to increase forage production/utilization to ensure adequate fall grazing that can often be extended into winter. Lorne Klein, range management extension specialist, Ministry of Agriculture in Weyburn, Sask., says there are four sources of forage. “These are native prairie, […] Read more
Two views on direct marketing to consumers
There are many ways to market your cattle today but for a growing number of producers dealing directly with the consumer makes a lot of sense. Trails End Beef “We are in southern Alberta, about an hour south of Calgary. This is great for us, because we have a huge market nearby for our beef […] Read more
Make them pay their own way
That sort of sums up Brian Chrisp’s view on rearing purebred cattle
When Brian Chrisp went to college with plans of becoming a veterinarian, he didn’t think he would ever want to come back to the family farm near Vermilion, Alta. But life intervened. “While I was in college I switched course and got an ag economics degree at the University of Alberta. As graduation neared, I […] Read more
Be prepared for nitrate problems in forages
High nitrite levels in cattle can literally see them 'starving for oxygen'
Nitrate levels in forages can sometimes be a problem for cattle. Depending on growing conditions, certain plants may accumulate too much nitrate to be safely fed to cattle unless those high-nitrate feeds can be diluted by mixing with other forages. Colby Elford, livestock and feed extension specialist, Ministry of Agriculture, Moose Jaw, Sask., says it […] Read more
When should they go?
Make the best decision you can for the time
We all want to sell our cattle at the best times and in ways to make the most money, but just when is that. The short answer is, it depends. “Breeding can be easily scheduled — as a day on the calendar when you turn the bulls out with the cows,” says Joe Stookey, a […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
