Water quality and forage decisions are key factors for producers to consider in areas where moisture remains scarce
Dry conditions remain a concern for many cattle producers, despite rain in some parts of the Prairies. At the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, researcher Bart Lardner and rancher Tara Mulhern-Davidson discussed ways to prepare for future drought years. “It’s a bit of a bleak topic,” said Mulhern-Davidson. “I would love to stand up here and […] Read moreTag Archives Bart Lardner
Corn stover studied for pregnant cows
Farmers must balance waste-not, want-not approach with proper prep and take specific steps before and while grazing
Glacier FarmMedia – Corn stover isn’t a common feed source in Western Canada, but a study suggests there’s potential for cattle if it’s managed correctly. In the study, bred cows were fed high-moisture corn residue or stover in an extended winter grazing system. “In drought years, corn stover can be less expensive to feed than […] Read more
Cattle sector aims to break the cycle
Open rates were horrendous in Western Canada last fall: what can producers do to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself?
Glacier FarmMedia – Many beef producers got an unpleasant shock at last fall’s preg check, and experts are weighing in on what can be done to avoid a similar problem this year. According to a report from the Western Canadian Animal Health Network (WeCAHN), more than 40 per cent of some herds were found open. […] Read more
Feed options needed during drought
Growing perennial and annual crops can stretch the grazing period to provide farmers options during a drought
REGINA — This year could be another dry one and cattle producers may have to consider management options. This includes whether herd numbers can be maintained with available feed sources or whether animals can be moved elsewhere. “Do I work with my neighbour, who is a cropping guy, and maybe strike up a deal to […] Read more
Dry conditions require focus on cow nutrition
REGINA — Several years of drought may have taken a toll on feed supply and quality in some areas. Feed testing is critical to make sure cows receive adequate nutrition leading up to and after calving. University of Saskatchewan beef and forage researcher Dr. Bart Lardner said pregnant cows should be at a body condition […] Read more
Alfalfa declared the winner in steer preference contest
Researchers put alfalfa, sainfoin, birds-foot trefoil, cicer milkvetch, meadow bromegrass and orchard grass to the test
Which type of pasture plants do steers prefer? Bart Lardner decided to find out. The researcher at the University of Saskatchewan grazed steers on small plots to see how several different forage species performed under grazing conditions. The treatments consisted of different varieties of alfalfa, sainfoin, birds-foot trefoil, cicer milkvetch, meadow bromegrass and orchard grass. […] Read more
