Effective water and feed management are the cornerstones of a profitable and healthy beef cattle operation. When properly executed, these two elements work in tandem maximizing performance, reducing health issues and improving overall efficiency.

Winter has faded in the rearview mirror, yet the summer road ahead is dogged by one unwelcome word: drought. Or, at the very least, excessive dryness. On beef ranches in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, producers are also facing forecasts of an El Nino effect, which could worsen the conditions.

Across the Great Plains, farmers and ranchers are entering another summer under dry conditions, balancing feed costs, stocking rates and long-term pasture health while hoping for rain that may or may not come in time. For many, drought planning is no longer an occasional challenge, but rather a part of the business model.

In this article, we discuss novel grazing strategies with the potential to improve cow and land productivity, with a focus on grazing intensity and cow behavior.

It is no secret that technological improvements are critical to the continued success of agricultural producers. Row crop farmers operating machines with varying levels of sensors have enjoyed watching their progress through the field for decades now, while poultry, swine and dairy producers have access to the capability of numerous robotic systems designed in some cases to automate barn management decisions and lower onsite labor requirements.

When you understand your soils and grazing goals, choosing the right pasture species becomes a more strategic decision.

Rumen-protected capsicum helps cows optimize energy partitioning during early lactation. This is a subtle but powerful intervention that translates into measurable performance gains.

Ensuring optimal calving care for newborns is a top priority for producers. However, the responsibility doesn’t end as the calves leave the farmyard. Special attention must also be given to their nutrition and overall well-being as they transition to spring pastures and continue to grow during the summer months.