The trace mineral status of our cows and calves is a significant challenge for western Canadian producers and veterinarians.
Tag Archives nutrient deficiency
Beef cattle more prone to trace mineral deficiencies
Animal Health: A recent study showed connections between some trace mineral deficiencies and disease
Digging into the cause of poor yields
Did drought, fertility issues or something else lead to that poor crop? We look at the possibilities
Your client’s crop yielded poorly, and they assume it was due to drought. But you suspect it may be a fertility issue. How can you accurately diagnose the problem? Let us first examine what dry and drought mean. A dry year means reduced crop growth and reduced nutrient uptake, since biological, chemical and physical processes […] Read more
How to make P management more sustainable
Phosphorus deficits are a problem on many Prairie farms. A Manitoba crop nutrition expert explains why — and has suggestions for what can help
Phosphorus has always been an essential nutrient in crop production. Maintaining the right P balance — ensuring there’s enough of it to sufficiently feed crops, but not too much of it so it runs off fields or seeps away to contaminate water bodies — is an ongoing challenge for Prairie farmers. Manitoba crop nutrition expert […] Read more
Providing proper mineral mix the first step to meet cattle nutrient needs
It's one thing to put it out there, but another to make sure they eat it
Many commercial cattle minerals can be fed on a free-choice basis to gestating beef cows until calving. But even the best of these products fail if cows don’t eat enough, or engorge themselves. Mineral intake problems must be corrected quickly so cows can either maintain or build a mineral (and vitamin) status which contributes to […] Read more
Are your fields potassium deficient?
Cases of potassium-deficient soils are on the rise. It could mean a hit to your bottom line
Most farmers know the importance of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil and the vital role their presence plays in crop development. But what about potassium? Potassium (K) is critically important in helping provide water balance within a plant. The only way a plant can move sugar and nutrients is by moving […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
