Many people say a good cattle dog can be helpful when working cattle yet for someone new to the idea, there may be a few stumbling blocks to overcome. However, everyone — and every dog — has to start somewhere. Peter Gonnet from Outlook, Sask., is a well-known stock dog trainer, breeder and clinician. While […] Read more
Work like a dog
What you need to know if you’re gearing up to use stock dogs on the ranch
Pastures hold on to ecological benefits through transition
Pasture managers and patrons are working with conservation groups to preserve these islands of Prairie habitat
The following is the final in a three-part series exploring how community pastures shifted from government to producer operation. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration’s (PFRA) community pasture program began in the 1930s as a quest to stop drifting soil and provide stable grazing for the […] Read more
Community pasture patrons adapt to new business models
The following is the second in a three-part series exploring how different community pastures shifted from government to producer operation, and the ongoing effects of that shift. Years after government decided to turn over community pasture management to patrons, board members and staff are still finding new approaches to managing and improving operations while ensuring […] Read more
Community pasture patrons and staff persevere through tough transitions
When the federal and Saskatchewan governments wound down their community pasture programs, pasture employees and patrons faced a lot of uncertainty and stress, but they’ve adapted
Updated May 31, 2021. The following is the first in a three-part series of articles exploring how different community pastures shifted from government to producer operation, and the ongoing effects of that shift. Future articles will focus on environmental and financial implications. It’s been years since governments got out of community pastures. But the effects […] Read more
A tale of two calving systems
Confined and pasture methods each have risks and benefits
For beef producers, calving season can be both stressful and enjoyable. Witnessing new life can be refreshing, but calving time is the most critical period in the cow-calf production cycle. Whether or not calving season is a success will set the tone for an operations’ entire year or longer, having an impact on animal health, […] Read more
Backgrounding basics – easing the transition from weaning to feeding
Backgrounding calves can add value, but does come with more risk. Learn how to manage those risks and shepherd calves through the post-weaning phase
Adding weight to calves through backgrounding can be an effective way to increase the worth of both lower-value cattle and feeds. However, beef producers have to do their homework to make sure cattle transition successfully from weaning to feeding. “If you have a good source of cheap feed, you can put a lot of pounds […] Read more
Connecting farms, facts and feelings through storytelling
Two producers share tips for engaging an audience through video and social media platforms
Many beef producers spend their days doing chores, caring for cattle, and managing feed and pastures. Lately, farmers are being encouraged to add one more thing to their list — engage the public through storytelling. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram or Facebook feature thousands of farm accounts, many of which post production facts […] Read more
Dung beetles may be small but they play a big role on pastures
These beetles turn manure into nutrients, improving the soil, increasing water infiltration and cutting pest fly populations
On pasture ecosystems, the spotlight is often on grass and cattle, yet a well-functioning grassland may depend, at least in part, on behind-the-scenes work performed by dung beetles. With a skillset that includes converting manure into nutrients, improving soil aeration, minimizing pest flies and increasing water infiltration, dung beetles can help beef producers set the […] Read more
Silage packs a punch when harvested carefully
Protect your investment with these tips on everything from harvest timing to inoculants
For some producers, silage is a mainstay, but for others who may be new to the process, there is a learning curve. Regardless of experience, there are several variables producers must consider when ensiling a crop. Gains or losses can occur during seeding and feeding silage. However, management during harvest may be pivotal to promote […] Read more
Managing data on the ranch
Maintaining cattle records can pay off at the farm level and beyond
For some beef producers, maintaining accurate cattle records is a time-consuming chore, but for others it is the tool they depend on to run a productive and profitable operation. The method and complexity of cattle records is as varied as the farm operators who use the information. But ag economist Manglai Ma’s graduate research found […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
