Pasture & Production Tips

A high stocking density and moving cattle quickly through pastures works well for both  beef production and waterfowl conservation objectives.

Cows and ducks work well together

Producer applies his rotational grazing system to conservation pastures

By Angela Lovell March 9, 2017

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and Rapid City, Manitoba area cattle producer Gerald Bos are working collaboratively on a project that’s a win-win situation for both by benefitting nesting waterfowl and Bos’s beef herd. The project revolves around ‘The Smith purchase’ — a half section of land that DUC bought in 1994, which happens to be […] Read more

Moisture and a reduced stocking rate helped pastures to get back into a productive state above and below ground.

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock, Pasture

Keeping soil biology ticking

Pasture Management: Grazing setbacks happen, but find opportunities to get back on track

By Kim Nielsen March 1, 2017

Normal weather” at 4 Clover Ranch near Rocky Mountain House, Alta. has been illusive for a couple of years at least and it has created some grazing challenges at the expense of pasture performance. Our planned grazing system, where we look at the health of the grass on an ongoing basis, has responded well over […] Read more

Crops, Pasture

Six tips to successful land rental

By Marianne Stamm May 2, 2016

This title to the old Russian folk tale by Leo Tolstoy hasn’t lost any of its significance.* It’s a question farmers ponder today, as land and land rent prices continue to rise to levels never seen before. Despite lower commodity prices, the cost of land is still rising dramatically in the Westlock, Alta. area (about […] Read more

Crops, Fruit/Vegetables, Machinery, Pasture

Salford buys tillage equipment maker AerWay

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News January 8, 2016

Southwestern Ontario vertical tillage and pasture equipment maker AerWay has become part of another well-known Ontario ag equipment manufacturer. Salford Group announced in December it has bought the AerWay advanced aeration products line from the Canadian trailer systems arm of German truck, bus and trailer axle and suspension manufacturer SAF-Holland. AerWay, which operates a manufacturing […] Read more

Crops, Forages, Pasture

Look to crop insurance first: Ritz

By Shannon VanRaes, GFM Network News July 23, 2015

While many crops across Western Canada are withering under intensifying drought, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says ad hoc programs are not the answer should producers require assistance. However, tax deferral will be available for affected ranchers. “We don’t need ad hoc (assistance), we’ve got a very comprehensive system of business risk management,” said Gerry Ritz, speaking […] Read more

Crops, Hay, Pasture, Weather

FCC to offer breaks on loans in Sask., Alta.

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News July 13, 2015

Customers of Farm Credit Canada in parched areas of Alberta and Saskatchewan may be able to get breaks on their outstanding loan payments. FCC on Monday announced it would work with affected customers on “solutions for their operation(s)” such as deferral of principal payments and/or otherwise amending their loan payment schedules. The offer applies to […] Read more

Crops, Hay, Pasture, Weather

Parched Prairie forages hang in under stress

By GFM Network News July 9, 2015

CNS Canada — Sporadic rains and prolonged periods of dryness are taking their toll on forage crops in Alberta and parts of Saskatchewan. According to Terry Kowalchuk, a forage crop specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Regina, the eastern half of the province is managing, but the situation is worse in the province’s west. The western […] Read more

Frost and dry conditions have stressed pastures and forages in northwestern Saskatchewan. (Lisa Guenther photo)

Forages, Hay, Livestock, Pasture, Weather

Guenther: Manage risks around weather-stressed pastures, forages

By Lisa Guenther, GFM Network News July 2, 2015

Mother Nature has dealt a weak hand to many northwestern Saskatchewan livestock producers this year as frost, a cool spring and dry weather have hit pastures and hay stands. But there are still a few strategies for producers to make the best — and avoid the worst — of what the weather has left them. […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Forages, Hay, Livestock, Pasture, Weather

Sask. extends greenfeed seeding deadline

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News July 2, 2015

Livestock producers in parched areas of Saskatchewan now have until mid-month to seed insured acres to cereal greenfeed. The federal and provincial governments on Thursday announced an extension of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp.’s deadline for seeding greenfeed to July 15, from June 30. Producers signed up for crop insurance will now be able to seed […] Read more

Hayland north of Livelong, Sask. (Lisa Guenther photo)

Crops, Forages, Hay, Pasture, Weather

Dry spring puts Sask. grass, hay in short supply

By Lisa Guenther, GFM Network News June 26, 2015

A dry, cool spring has checked pasture growth in Saskatchewan and a hay shortage is looming. The province’s latest crop report notes topsoil moisture in hay fields and pasture is rated 42 per cent short and 24 per cent very short. Crop district 7A, in west-central Saskatchewan, has the dubious distinction of being the driest […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News