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.

As winter approaches, the challenges associated with cattle manure application become more pronounced. Adopting best practices that maximize nutrient utilization and safeguard water resources is crucial. What follows are critical considerations for cattle manure application in the winter.

The Coombe Family of Thunder View Farms is passionate about preserving the land while creating a sustainable and profitable beef business.

U.S.-based beef cattle operations face unique challenges ranging from labor and time shortages to water source and feeding management issues. More than ever, technology is confronting these obstacles.

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.

Drought conditions around the country can be a mixed bag any given year. This year, portions of the Central Plains, West, Southwest and Midwest have dealt with various drought conditions.

“Each generation has had their unique spin on how to manage the ranch, with different approaches,” Alex Hart says. “We are becoming 21st century agriculturalists, promoting the good work ranchers and land managers do, taking care of the landscape sustainably.”

Historically, the objective of supplementation programs for grazing cattle has been to address nutrient deficiencies based on the difference between animal nutrient requirements and the nutrients provided by the forage, with emphasis on improving forage utilization and animal performance.

Feed costs for beef production are the largest expense on a ranch. There is no better time than now to start an annual plan of monitoring feed inputs, so you can know you are getting the most out of them and what is best for the animal.