Cattle production is often at the mercy of major influences, such as market volatility, government regulations and feed supplies and shortages. These prominent factors undeniably shape the industry and impact producer success on a broad scale.

Farmers in different western U.S. regions grow different types of alfalfa seeds to meet the needs of those regions and climates.

Lisa and Cameron Hodgins own and operate Hodgins Farm near Lenore, Manitoba, and direct market some of their beef, pork, chickens and honey. The cattle operation consists of a commercial cow-calf herd of approximately 125 largely Angus-influenced cows, as well as maintaining approximately 250 grazing yearlings as stockers.

There is a crucial yet often underestimated role of pollinators, particularly honeybees, in forage crop production. While domestic and native colonies face growing challenges, farmers can implement practical strategies to preserve and enhance pollinator populations.

Alfalfa seed demand nationally has been declining gradually for the past 15 years, impacted largely by the dairy industry which moved to alternative feed sources (in part) as alfalfa prices climbed and freight rates rose.