Even without increasing the cow herd size, enhanced grazing management can pay dividends by extending the grazing season.

The importance of giving grass a vacation

A properly managed rest period should lead to increased forage production

Often the largest category of costs in a cattle operation is what economists consider fixed costs. These are usually big things such as tractors or land. In most cases, land is the largest cost item in a farm operation. On the other side of this equation are what we refer to as variable costs. These […] Read more

Plan a year or two ahead of planting a perennial forage blend.

Picking a perennial forage blend

Q & A with an expert

Q: How do I choose the right perennial forage blend for my farm? A: Growers should consider several factors when doing this. The first step is to start planning a year or two ahead of planting a perennial forage blend. Part of that planning is making sure weed control is taken care of for both […] Read more


File photo of a cow grazing near Leader, Sask., about 85 km south of Kindersley. (James_Gabbert/iStock/Getty Images)

Saskatchewan holds Crown grazing rents at last year’s levels

Also, leaseholders on drought-downgraded land eligible for rate cut

Cattle producers leasing Crown land for grazing in Saskatchewan won’t see a rate hike this year and may be eligible for a significant rate cut. The provincial government announced Wednesday it has frozen the rates charged to producers who lease Crown grazing land in 2023 at their 2022 level. The freeze will apply to all […] Read more

The Fossen family of Rock Creek, B.C. — Doug and Erika and daughters
Adele, Jade and Reine operate Bar 7 Ranch. Their commitment to
sustainable ranching practices earned them recognition with The
Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) presented by the Canadian
Cattle Association.

Rotational grazing key to ranch success

The plan is to use each pasture only once during the grazing season

For the Fossen family of south-central British Columbia, applying proper stewardship to forage and water management on their private land as well Crown range pastures not only benefits the environment but ultimately makes good business sense for their ranching operation. As the second and third generation on the Bar 7 Ranch near Rock Creek in […] Read more


Different materials can be used to
cover hay, but properly secured
black plastic works well particularly
because snow slides off easily.

Tips for protecting hay quality over winter

Research shows single bale rows are better than a pyramid stack

Several methods can help preserve feed quality and reduce moisture damage in your winter hay supply. Warren Rusche, feedlot and beef management specialist with South Dakota State University, says the ideal way to store hay is under cover in a shed, but this works best for square bales. It’s usually not practical for round bales […] Read more

(File photo)

Manitoba to cut Crown forage lease rates

Previous years' forage conditions a factor, province says

The rents paid by Manitoba producers using Crown lands to produce perennial forages will be cut in half next year and by smaller amounts the following two years. Provincial Ag Minister Derek Johnson on Wednesday announced the forage lease rent on agricultural Crown land will be reduced by 50 per cent in 2023, 33 per […] Read more


Economic and ecological benefits of annual forages

Economic and ecological benefits of annual forages

Q & A with an expert

Q: What can I do with my unseeded acres now the weather is more favourable?  A: Flooding and drought at seeding time are common situations that may lead to acres being unseeded to previously planned high-value crops. While crop insurance can provide varying levels of compensation for acres unseeded to long-season cash crops, sometimes opportunities […] Read more

Signage outside McCain’s Farms of The Future site at Florenceville-Bristol, about 110 km northwest of Fredericton. (Photos courtesy McCain)

Learning from McCain’s regenerative farming practices

Potato processing giant aims to 'de-risk' practices for growers

In 2021 McCain said it was going to launch three regenerative potato farming operations by 2025 and would label them “Farms of the Future.” The first, just outside of Florenceville-Bristol, N.B., now offers data to reflect on the effectiveness of the practices at the potato farm after its first fully operational season. “If we don’t […] Read more


Close-up file photo of an alfalfa plant in a Canadian field. (Jennifer Seeman/iStock/Getty Images)

P.E.I. seed potato producers backed for ‘soil-building’

Province puts up $3 million for BMP program

In an attempt to support its potato farmers following trade suspensions with the U.S. over potato wart, the government of Prince Edward Island plans to put up $3 million in new funding for a program that will help farmers shift to “soil-building crops.” “In our meetings with industry and the P.E.I. Potato Board, the need […] Read more