File photo of a fall rye crop plot at Ag in Motion in 2024.

Rye silage: From the field to feedlot

Nutrition: Evaluating how barley silage and rye silage compare in feed quality

Acres seeded to hybrid rye as a source of silage for feedlot cattle in Canada and the U.S. have increased in recent years. Increased use of hybrid rye as a forage source may be driven by greater yield potential relative to conventional rye and the early harvest may allow for double cropping. In some areas, […] Read more



Acidosis prevention is especially critical during the transition to high-grain diets when cattle enter the finishing phase in the feedlot.

Rethinking transition diets for finishing cattle

Feed additive shows promise for accelerating dietary transitions in feedlot cattle

Among the most prevalent diseases in feedlot cattle, ruminal acidosis ranks second only to respiratory diseases in contributing to morbidity, mortality and economic losses. Given its effect on animal welfare and profitability, preventing acidosis remains a key focus in feedlot cattle research. In this month’s column, we want to discuss the role of transition diets […] Read more

cattle eating from a trough in a feedlot

Reducing ration sorting by feedlot cattle

Cattle sort their feed based on a variety of factors

Diets fed to finishing cattle in Western Canada typically consist of more than 80 per cent barley grain and less than 15 per cent forage on a dry matter (DM) basis, along with minerals, vitamins and byproducts. These diets are inherently dry, enabling separation of individual ingredients at the time of delivery and as cattle […] Read more


cattle on a pasture

Benchmarking: A path to better practices in the Canadian beef industry

In the cattle industry, every dollar counts. With fluctuating markets and rising costs, producers must constantly evaluate their nutritional, management and operational strategies to maximize efficiency. Each decision made on the farm has significant implications, making it crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. When the road to higher productivity seems unclear, industry benchmarks […] Read more

cows grazing corn on a pasture in winter

Winter feeding tips for beef cows in late gestation

Transitioning late gestation cows to higher-quality forages is a good strategy

As we begin the New Year and enter the coldest months, many beef cows are in the final third of their gestation period. This is when the fetus experiences its most significant growth. To support this development and ensure the birth of a healthy calf, it is essential to provide the cow with proper nutrition. […] Read more



Canadian studies and research from the U.S. show that feeding cattle low bushel-weight barley can reduce feed efficiency and average daily gain.

Light barley: To buy or not to buy?

This year, crop yields in the Prairies have improved significantly compared to the last few years, thanks to increased rainfall in Western Canada. However, the dry and hot conditions in July and August negatively affected cereal grain quality in some areas. This weather occurred during a critical growth period for barley, specifically during the filling […] Read more


Analyze your feed resources and design cattle feeding programs to reduce costs and improve profitability.

When the cows come home: Fall and winter feeding considerations

Whatever strategy you choose to implement, each has advantages and drawbacks

As summer ends and fall begins, beef cattle producers will soon start weaning their calves. During this period, cows will return from summer pastures and undergo pregnancy testing. This is an excellent time to evaluate the body condition of your cows. Weaker cows with low body condition should be grouped together and provided with extra […] Read more