For the majority of Progressive Cattleman’s online readers, drought is the biggest weather-related threat to their ranches.

Alfalfa is often referred to as the “queen of forages” due to its relatively good digestibility, high protein and ability to readily fix nitrogen. But there’s a big drawback to the “queen”: Much of her protein is lost during the harvest and ensiling process, and more is lost in the rumen.

Nothing will ever replace the horse as the most preferred – and most dignified – means of ranch transportation. After all, most cattlemen are also skilled horsemen who develop their equine companions into highly trained and trustworthy working partners.

The other day, I was happily engaged at keeping the vehicle I was driving where it should be on the road. I was on a two-lane road in Nevada, and I was driving a Freightliner tractor with the good old 550-horse Cat engine. I was pulling triple hay trailers and the usual high, gusty winds west of Tonopah were making it an interesting drive.

Proper mowing techniques are essential for a good harvest. What signifies a good harvest will vary from farm to farm, region to region and crop to crop. This brief review of best cutting methods, adjustments and maintenance will help you get the best value from your mower this year.

As I snaked around the last bend in the rough, washboard road before the wide spot at the base of the hill where I intended to pull over to unload my horse, I glanced in the mirror and noticed the swinging trailer gate. I didn’t take this as a good omen to start my day.

Since my last editorial on supply management was published, I’ve received a few emails and phone calls about it, and it became apparent that my message might not have been clear.

Many research questions have been submitted into the Dairy Research Cluster’s Have Your Say campaign. When possible, the cluster team forwards some of the questions to Canadian scientific experts working in the area. An example of a question-and-answer exchange on mastitis follows: