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Forages

Crops, Forages, News Roundup

Dormant seeding forage crops — sometimes it pays to delay

Forages: News Roundup from the Oct. 22 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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For many producers 2018 was another dry year with poor conditions for seeding perennial forage crops. Since good moisture is the key to good forage establishment, fall may provide a better opportunity. Some producers delay seeding forages till fall because there is more time available after harvest and if left till spring, inevitably forage is […] Read more
Beef Cattle, Features, Forages

Extending fall and winter grazing

Crop residues are probably the most under­utilized source of winter grazing, says extension specialist

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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
Testing forage generally requires a minimum of 10 to 15 samples to get an accurate representation.
Features, Forages, Livestock

Testing forage even more necessary in a dry year

With many parts of the country having endured a dry season, knowing feed nutrient levels is crucial

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A startling amount of beef producers run the risk of nutrient deficiencies in their herd by not testing their forage sources. Analyzing forage sources to better plan for feeding and supplementation is even more crucial in a dry year to ensure cattle receive the nutrients they require as the colder months and calving season approach. […] Read more
The new Livestock Centre of Excellence at Clavet, just 20 minutes outside of Saskatoon, is also more convenient for researchers and students.
Forages, Livestock, News

New name and facilities for Western Beef Development Centre

A new facility at the University of Saskatchewan includes both cow-calf and forage research

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There are changes afoot at the Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC) including a new name, additional locations and increased research, teaching and outreach capacity. On April 1, 2018, the Western Beef Development Centre, a division of the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), rolled into the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).WBDC […] Read more
'If you are going to have problems, it will usually be when you first introduce cattle to that forage, so you need to know the nitrate levels and manage accordingly.'
Features, Forages, Hay

Be prepared for nitrate problems in forages

High nitrite levels in cattle can literally see them 'starving for oxygen'

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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
In a well managed pasture, dung beetles can help reduce methane emissions.
Features, Pasture

Dung beetles make the best employees

Grazing with Steve Kenyon

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This is how we roll. Or maybe we dig, or just hang out, but no matter how we work, we work really hard. We have a really crappy job and I would like to tell you a little bit about us. We are known as scarab beetles, commonly called dung beetles. We have a very important job[...]
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Pastures have seen very limited growth due to lack of rain and hot weather.
Hay, Livestock, News

Livestock producers allowed to cut hay, graze on Manitoba Crown lands

Areas will be temporarily open to assist producers impacted by dry conditions

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Livestock producers will temporarily be allowed to cut hay and allow animals to graze on Crown land not normally designated for agricultural use due to dry conditions across parts of the province, Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today. “Pastures and forage crops in parts of Manitoba have been greatly affected by low levels of[...]
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Hay, Livestock

Straw prices soar, piling pressure on N.Europe livestock farmers

In some areas straw now more expensive than grains

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Hamburg | London | Reuters – Livestock and dairy farmers across northern Europe are paying soaring prices for straw used in food and bedding for cattle, as hot, dry weather across the region reduces crops. The higher bills put further pressure on farmers already facing one of their toughest summers ever; many have had to[...]
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