Feed was plentiful for cattle at the Ag In Motion farm show, unlike the challenges that beef producers faced trying to acquire enough feed during the past few years of drought on the Prairies.  |  John Greig photo

Beef sector learned feed lessons during drought

Sask. livestock specialist says it’s critical for producers to know what they have when feed supplies and quality are lower

LANGHAM, Sask. — Prairie beef farmers were forced to find new feed sources, learn new processes and make difficult decisions in managing their feed inventories in the past few years. They struggled through three intensive years of drought — in many cases after experiencing several dry years. Rain arrived this year. “Early spring rains created […] Read more

Sunflowers can make a good forage crop because they thrive under competition and “cattle love eating the heads.” However, the stalks can make seeding difficult the following year because cattle won’t eat them. | File photo

How to find a forage to fit your farm

Cattle producers have a lot to think about when considering adding a cover crop or a perennial legume to their operation

Glacier FarmMedia – Last summer, Glacier FarmMedia caught up with Graeme Finn, rancher and founder of Union Forage, at Ag in Motion. Here’s what he had to say about everything from cover crop blends to the “slow ponies” of the forage world — perennials. “Before you even start down this journey with cover crops, know […] Read more

Cattle are turned out on pasture near Priddis west of Calgary in mid-May. Recent precipitation in the area has improved field and pasture outlooks and helped reduce wildfire risk.  |  Wendy Dudley photo

Grazing prospects improve

The grazing season has had some memorably bad starts in recent years, but 2024 promises to break the cycle across much of the Prairies. “This is the best start we’ve had for a year for a long time,” said Graeme Finn, founder of Union Forage and rancher near Crossfield, Alta. “These pastures now are looking […] Read more