pasture quality | Ag Proud

Across the Fence: What are we hoping for?

Considering the old and the new.

December 26, 2024

January is the month of “new.” We’ll be bombarded with slogans and advertisements for new plans, new diets or exercise programs and new resolutions.

Good cattle, dependable horses: Wowk Ranch

Wowk Ranch in central Alberta has thrived for decades by being adaptable and willingly involved in the industry. Now, they’re setting things up for another generation to put their stamp on the operation.

December 16, 2024

Heather Smith Thomas

Wowk Ranch near Beauvallon, Alberta, specializes in breeding, training and selling high-quality horses of various breeds and runs 200 commercial cattle that they feed with a team in the winter.

Midwest/North: Is mowing pasture a good thing?

July 22, 2024

Travis Meteer

Often, farmers are seeking a yes or no answer to mowing pastures … and hopefully validation of their current practice. Unfortunately, the answer is somewhat dependent on previous pasture management and the chosen grazing system.

Southeast: Nitrates, do they dissipate?

June 21, 2024

Katie Mason

Nitrate is a naturally occurring compound in plants. Nitrate accumulation in the plant can be compounded by conditions of plant stress, such as drought, heavy fertilization or young plants.

Summer heat’s impact on reproductive performance

Extended heat events can affect the reproductive performance of both cows and bulls. Providing an environment where they can keep cool can go a long way toward keeping them at their most productive.

June 7, 2024

Grant Dewell

Spring-calving cows are expected to get pregnant during some of the hottest times of the year. Heat stress can decrease the fertility of both the cow and the bull.

Get more from your pastures in 2024 and beyond

This grazing season presents a great opportunity for cattle producers to get the jump on solidifying their forage base so they’re ready to rebuild or expand their herd when the time is right.

May 22, 2024

Sam Ingram

Take advantage of this window – a time when there are fewer hooves on the ground – to position your grazing acres for when you decide the time is right to grow your herd.

Poisonous plants that threaten livestock operations

Poisonous plant infestations can make grazing public and private lands challenging; it's crucial to identify possible problem plants in your grazing area and know the signs and symptoms of animals exposed to these plants.

April 8, 2024

Cheyanne Myers

Poisonous plants cost the livestock industry upward of $500 million annually due to animal losses and increased management costs. It is your responsibility as an animal owner and operator to protect your livestock from toxic plants.

Summer grazing considerations for beef cattle

Taking stock of the quantity and quality of forage available on your pasture during early spring greenup will have a lasting impact on your herd’s health and the land’s long-term productivity.

April 8, 2024

Megan Van Emon

As temperatures start to rise and grass begins to green up and grow, considering the availability of forage in each pasture can help livestock producers make management decisions at turnout.

Creating a win-win: Grazing heifers for economic and ecological returns

Grazing heifers in a rotational grazing system not only offers ecological benefits but may also offer cost savings and improve animal health.

March 26, 2024

Sarah Lloyd, Lexi Schank, and Nick Jordan

Dairy heifer grazing increases the amount of well-managed grassland in an area – improving dairy’s climate performance and supporting the regeneration of soil, water and biodiversity resources.