Sometimes what’s old is new again. That certainly holds true for sainfoin as forage breeders release new varieties designed for today’s beef and forage operations. Sainfoin is a non-bloating legume native to Europe and western Asia. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) released varieties such as Melrose and Nova in the 1970s and ’80s. But these […] Read more
Tips for managing sainfoin in your forage stand
Keeping sainfoin populations high beyond five years is a challenge
Comment: The trouble with science
From the April 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
To me, one of the most interesting aspects of working in agriculture is the ongoing research and the way that research is applied in the field (or the corral). There’s a good deal of science behind many of the products beef producers use regularly, whether it’s vaccines or new forage varieties. There’s science behind many […] Read more
Comment: Canada’s New Food Guide short on nuance
Canada’s Food Guide dropped earlier this winter, and there were some significant changes. While some revisions are positive, details are hard to find. I doubt anyone would argue with the food guide’s advice to regularly consume vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein. Nor does its recommendations to cook more often or enjoy your food seem […] Read more
Comment: Being a good steward
From the February 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
In November, I was at the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association conference in Calgary when Dr. Henry Janzen delivered an inspiring opening keynote. Janzen, quoting environmental scientist Donella Meadows, suggested we pay attention to what is important, not just what we can measure. Often we evaluate systems based on only what we can measure, he […] Read more
Kris Ringwall takes the reins at Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence
Extension’s role is “always to make producers think,” says former NDSU extension director
It’s a foggy November morning south of Clavet, Sask. Cattle grazing bales gradually emerge from the mist to eye strangers. Near the grazing cattle is the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence. The recently opened centre is focused on research, teaching and working with the livestock and forage industries. It comprises 27 quarters of land […] Read more
Comment: Moving on from the plebiscite
From the January 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
The Alberta Beef Producers plebiscite results were a disappointment for those hoping for a non-refundable provincial check-off. In case you haven’t been following it, here’s a quick summary of the situation. Each year the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) collects $4.50 per head on cattle sold within the province. The national check-off, which supports the Beef […] Read more
Managing weather risks to feed and water
You can’t control the weather but you can increase your operation’s resilience
Drought is a fact of life for beef producers. And if it’s not too dry, there’s a good chance it’s wet enough to complicate haying operations. Producers can’t control the weather, but they can mitigate risks to water sources, pasture and feed. Extension specialists with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry share ideas on protecting those resources […] Read more
Polycrop grazing goes under the microscope
Research: News Roundup from the November 2018 issue of Canadian Cattlemen
Those wondering about polycrop potential to sequester carbon, improve soil health and benefit animal performance will have some answers by the fall of 2019 thanks to research underway at the University of Saskatchewan. Jacqueline Toews, a graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, is halfway through a two-year study comparing the costs and […] Read more
Consider canola crop’s potential yield before spraying
As July approaches and crop canopies close, sclerotinia will be on the minds of many canola growers. But will it pay to spray? Fungicide applications are more likely to be profitable when the canola hits 30-40 bushels per acre, said Colleen Redlick, senior technical development specialist at BASF. Justine Cornelsen, agronomy specialist with the Canola […] Read more
Confusion surrounds India’s latest pea import curb
The fine detail in the announcement of a new cap on pea imports into India has led to new uncertainty over whether the cap applies to yellow peas, or all peas. India’s commerce and industry ministry announced Wednesday that pea imports between April 1 and June 30 this year are now restricted to a total […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
