For Trent Macnab, diversity in the winter feeding program has been a way to reduce risk and help build soil nutrients. The regime includes standing corn, straight barley for swath grazing, a cocktail crop mix for swath grazing and bale grazing. It also allows them to have a rotation on their fields, “which cattlemen typically […] Read more
Young cattle producers managing risk on the ranch
Whether it’s growing feed or selling cattle, Trent Macnab likes to spread out risk
Determination the crucial ingredient to TK Ranch’s success
This Alberta ranch has seen its share of tough times but the Biggs family keeps moving forward
The challenges and hardships encountered by the pioneers in the short grass prairie of central Alberta are difficult for us in modern day agriculture to fathom. But the direct marketing storyline for Dylan and Colleen Biggs of TK Ranch near Coronation, Alta., has distinct parallels. Overcoming adversity, challenges beyond one’s control and constant change are […] Read more
Building healthy soil for forages
Research group targets five basic principles to improve soil health
Feed the soil and everything gets better, says Brian Harper, Manitoba beef producer and 2018 Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) winner. Harper’s focus has moved from the livestock, down to the plants and now to the soil and the below-ground activity. “I have realized the cattle are just a tool.” Many ranchers are starting to acknowledge […] Read more
A farm succession story that went a different way
Camping with the cows motivated John and Deanne Chuiko to envision their future differently. The Chuikos, who run CJ Ranching near St. Walburg, Sask., lived in town with their two young children, Matt and Rylee, and managed calving by moving out to the cow herd. May camping can be chilly in north-western Saskatchewan and John […] Read more
Put the land first… and everything else will follow
Rotational grazing setup uses 16, eight-acre paddocks that cattle move through on four-day intervals
When Brian Harper first witnessed high stock density or “mob” grazing, his reaction was “there is no way I am moving cattle two to three times a day.” Yet the beneficial impact on the land from this approach ultimately convinced Harper that it could fit into their operation. He had already seen an improvement when […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
