Reading Time: < 1 minute The webinar season is underway, but that can be a challenge for those who’ve never participated in these online learning events (or those with poor internet connections). So the Beef Cattle Research Council is inviting producers to attend its Dec. 12 webinar on forage diseases in person. The webinar on forage diseases that affect yield, […] Read more
Attend this forage webinar in person
'In-person' webinar Dec. 12 at Olds College Bell-E Learning Centre
There may be slim pickins in the pasture
Water-stressed forages have more fibre and less protein, and that can reduce feed intake and body conditioning
Reading Time: 2 minutes A hot, dry summer hastened the maturity and dormancy of native and improved pastures in many parts of the province, reducing both quality and digestibility of forages. “Plants do not grow as tall as normal in dry conditions,” said beef and forage specialist Barry Yaremcio. “Fibre levels increase faster and overall energy content of the […] Read more
Hay shortage could make for difficult winter
CNS Canada — Many cattle producers looking for local feed this winter might have a difficult time, according to a Saskatchewan provincial forage specialist. However, producers further north in the grey and black soil zones, and those in Alberta producing high-quality feed for export, saw near-record hay production. Terry Kowalchuk of Saskatchewan Agriculture in Regina […] Read more
Watch for nitrate accumulation after a hailstorm
Water and nutrients, including nitrogen, are pushed into non-legume crops after hail damage
Reading Time: 2 minutes There are many things to consider when salvaging a damaged cereal, oilseed, or hay crop after a hail event. One of them is nitrate accumulation, which occurs in a plant when it is injured and unable to convert nitrate to protein efficiently after a hailstorm. In non-legume crops, water and nutrients are pushed into the […] Read more
Satellite insurance forage survey
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta Beef Producers and the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association are conducting a risk management and insurance survey for forage producers to provide information that may be used to design more effective insurance and risk management tools for forage producers. This includes hay, grass, alfalfa, native pasture, and improved pasture. The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/foragesatellite […] Read more
Manitoba forages fight past winterkill, pest issues
CNS Canada — The first hay cut is well underway in several parts of Manitoba as favourable weather conditions set the stage for what could be a decent forage season. “Generally speaking they’re (forages) all doing well,” said Pamela Iwanchysko, farm production extension specialist with the provincial government in Dauphin. “The rains were timely.” What […] Read more
Native forages can weather whatever Mother Nature throws their way
Long-lived native forages complement tame forages nicely — but they have their own merits that make them more competitive than their tame counterparts
Reading Time: 3 minutes Native forages are making a comeback with cattle feeders who are looking for a way to work with — not against — Mother Nature. “Native species complement tame forages,” said federal research scientist Alan Iwaasa. “When used with tame species, native species have merit and can be used quite effectively if you have the land […] Read more
Five steps for building the right forage mix for your farm
The right mix of forage grasses and legumes will make the most of our short growing season and produce maximum yields
Reading Time: 2 minutes It’s Canada — not New Zealand or Australia — so ranchers here have to squeeze out as much grass as possible to keep up with their competitors in balmier climes, says a federal researcher. And there are a few ways to develop a forage mix to make the most of the shorter season. “The first, […] Read more
Deciding on cover crop blends
Figuring out what to use in a cover crop blend can be an intimidating process. What species to use? What seeding rate? When should they be seeded? All would influence how the blend would look, work, and the success of it. There is some science involved, but making it work is as much art as[...]
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It pays to have a plan before turning your cattle out on pasture
Bountiful, nutritious forage doesn’t happen by accident — here’s how to plan for success on your ranch
Reading Time: 3 minutes A grazing plan might save you more than you think. Whether it’s a simple or detailed plan, a few key components will not only save your grass, but maybe save you a few dollars in the long run. Adjusting your stocking rate will allow you to get good-quality forage and vigorous regrowth. “Managing the amount[...]
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