grazing Archives | Canadian Cattlemen

Forage consisting of small grains and cover crops could pose a risk of nitrate toxicity.

Nitrate toxicity poses risk to cattle

Dry and cool conditions can cause issues when using annual crops as forage and fodder

By NDSU Agriculture Communication July 24, 2019

Haying and grazing season is underway and due to dry conditions more of the forage supply is consisting of small grains and cover crops. Although these crops offer flexibility in cropping systems and a great source of livestock feed, they could pose a risk of nitrate toxicity, according to Janna Block, livestock systems specialist at […] Read more

Livestock, Reuters

U.S. to move BLM headquarters to Colorado

By Reuters July 16, 2019

Reuters — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will move its headquarters to Colorado from Washington, officials said on Tuesday, sparking ire from conservationists who said the decision would weaken the agency dedicated to managing the country’s vast public lands. The Department of Interior, which oversees BLM, announced the move in letters to key congressional […] Read more

Livestock, Pasture

Alberta to lengthen public leases for ‘exemplary’ ranching

By GFM Staff July 12, 2019

Ranchers who display “exemplary” stewardship as tenants on Alberta’s public lands could soon be eligible for double the term of the usual lease. The province announced Tuesday it expects the new policy to come into effect in late autumn this year and “in the coming months” will release new guidelines on what would be considered […] Read more

Producers must  balance economics and land health when grazing.

Features, Livestock, Pasture

Kenyon: How intensely should you graze cattle?

The key to sustainable grazing is stock density

By Steve Kenyon July 12, 2019

For years, I referred to the type of grazing that I do as intensive cell grazing. I am not sure where I first heard the term or why I used it but that’s what I use to call it. I have also called it sustainable grazing or more recently, regenerative grazing. But the truth is […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Weather

Manitoba to open up Crown lands for grazing, haying

By GFM Staff July 9, 2019

Some Manitoba Crown lands not generally used for grazing or haying will be made available for temporary lease to producers this summer and fall. Citing “dry conditions in parts of the province,” the Manitoba government announced Monday that livestock producers “will temporarily be allowed to cut hay and allow animals to graze on Crown land […] Read more

Cereals, Crops, Forages, Weather

Saskatchewan extends greenfeed seeding deadline

By GFM Staff June 19, 2019

Saskatchewan farmers who still want to put in cereal crops for greenfeed with crop insurance coverage will get an extra couple of weeks to do so. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance on Wednesday announced an extension on the June 30 deadline for seeding crops for greenfeed, to July 15. Producers who have crop insurance will now be […] Read more

Swidersky trains cattle to walk under the wire by setting up two risers like a gate.

Beef Cattle, Livestock

Tips for using risers with electric fencing

Grazing: News Roundup from the June 2019 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

By Piper Whelan June 18, 2019

Replacing gates with risers that lift up electric fencing may be beneficial to producers looking to save time and money. Several producers are taking advantage of tools that lift electric wire, allowing cattle to walk under the wire instead of through a gate. “I love using these lifters. They are by far one of my […] Read more

A pasture after three years of intensive grazing management, with higher stock density and longer rest periods.

Beef Cattle, Features

Restoring depleted soils with cattle

Adding grazing back into the equation increases soil organic matter, doubles forage production

By Heather Smith Thomas June 13, 2019

Michael Thiele’s mission today is to acquaint more farmers and ranchers with a holistic view of agriculture. Thiele grew up on a farm west of Dauphin, Man., just north of Riding Mountain National Park. His father had a small grain farm and a few cows. “We were busy trying to farm and make a living […] Read more

Electric fencing can be an effective way to give pastures or cells a break between grazing.

Features, Forages

Management key when evaluating forage production

By Piper Whelan May 28, 2019

What should you consider when evaluating the performance of grazing systems and forage production? According to Sean McGrath, management is the factor least often measured in the forage industry, but doing so can keep you accountable for your management decisions and positively impact performance. McGrath, who ranches with his family at Vermilion, Alta., discussed this […] Read more

A fair rental rate balances renter and landlord interests, while maintaining the health of the grass and allowing efficient use.

Features, Livestock

Negotiating a workable pasture rental agreement

A variety of factors can make pasture rental rates difficult to calculate

By Bruce Derksen May 22, 2019

There are many considerations when renting or leasing pasture for cattle. What is the fair and proper way to decide on a payment method? Should there be other considerations such as a drought clause included in case of a dry year? What about fencing and insurance costs? Who should be responsible for the care and […] Read more

Prairie hail claims pass 10,000 for year

USDA attache to Canada predicts larger wheat crop

Funds cover canola short positions

GFM Network News