Poisonous plants are a major cause of economic loss to the livestock industry. It’s estimated poisonous plants adversely affect three to five per cent of cattle, sheep and horses grazing the western range.
Tag Archives pasture management
Hemlock: A deadly poison affecting spring and summer pasture
Vet Advice with Dr. Ron Clarke
Transitioning yearlings to pasture
A well-planned and managed grazing season — focused on maximizing forage growth/production, adequate grazing management and appropriate mineral supplementation — can reduce production costs and increase profitability.
Overgrazing means less carbon and more methane
Research is demonstrating the importance of legumes in a forage system
[UPDATED: April 2] Thirty years ago Dr. Bart Lardner’s research focused on production efficiency. More recently, the researcher and professor at the University of Saskatchewan says his research program has moved toward ways the beef industry benefits the environment. His presentation last November at the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s 14th annual conference in Harrison […] Read more
Making the most of your grazing season
Nutrition with John McKinnon
As grazing activity gets underway across the country, beef producers begin to turn their attention to other activities associated with their operation. From a herd nutrition perspective, the thinking of many is “Let the grass take care of the cattle.” Such thinking, while natural, can lead to issues that affect the health and productivity of […] Read more
How to start rotational grazing
The best recommendations are those that fit you and your farm
After the drought last year, are you looking for a change for your summer pastures? Switching from a continuous grazing system to one that provides a rest period for the plants is one way to help plants recover from drought, while also helping protect plants during future droughts. A rotational grazing system can provide a […] Read more
Grazing management and soil health
By adapting grazing practices that fit your context and by following the six soil health principles, you can improve the soil on your ranch
I hope this title suggests that there is a definite causal link between grazing management and soil health. Nothing you do on grazing lands can improve soil health more than good grazing management. While growing up, I wanted to be a rancher because I liked cattle and the challenge of raising them profitably. I wanted […] Read more
I do everything, sometimes
From the Ground Up with Steve Kenyon
There has been a long-time, ongoing debate on how to regeneratively graze. Which is the right way? Who should you follow? There are many different schools of thought out there by several very experienced graziers on how to properly graze, but which method is the best? I have attended a lot of different schools on […] Read more
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
Extending fall and winter grazing
Crop residues are probably the most underutilized source of winter grazing, says extension specialist
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
Pasture, hay resources for Manitoba livestock producers
Pastures and forage crops on the Prairies are in poor shape from lack of rain
Manitoba Agriculture is reminding agricultural producers affected by dry conditions of the programs and services available to livestock producers to manage forage shortages. To date, low levels of precipitation and soil moisture have affected the growth of pastures and forage crops in parts of Manitoba. Manitoba Agriculture provides a number of tools and resources for […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
