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Grazing aftermath straw & chaff buyer’s perspective

Description

Typically, the first reaction of cow/calf producers to a shortened grazing season is to purchase higher-priced feeds in anticipation of a longer feeding season. However, short term options do... More ≫

Description

Typically, the first reaction of cow/calf producers to a shortened grazing season is to purchase higher-priced feeds in anticipation of a longer feeding season. However, short term options do exist to acquire cereal aftermath that extends grazing into the fall, which will reduce the costs of wintering the cow herd. This information sheet explains how a partial budget can be a valuable tool in assessing these options.

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Management strategies for cattle during dry conditions

Description

During dry conditions, the objective for cattle producers is to "buy feeding days" of forages and/or grazing while maintaining a reasonable level of productivity. Budget projections will involve... More ≫

Description

During dry conditions, the objective for cattle producers is to "buy feeding days" of forages and/or grazing while maintaining a reasonable level of productivity. Budget projections will involve maintaining all, some or none of the core productive asset base: the cow herd. Similar approaches are applicable to feeder cattle operations. In assessing these alternatives, it is important to view them from the decision-making criteria of affordability (cash flow), profitability and desirability (including reversibility and longer term goals).

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Agronomic management of stockpiled pastures

Description

Stockpiling pasture is a form of deferred grazing. The producer stockpiles the forage grown during the spring and summer for use when the pasture is in short supply or when cows need fall or... More ≫

Description

Stockpiling pasture is a form of deferred grazing. The producer stockpiles the forage grown during the spring and summer for use when the pasture is in short supply or when cows need fall or winter feed. This practice can mean savings for the producer: harvesting, hauling and feeding costs associated with conserved feed are eliminated; and manure does not need to be removed from feeding areas. Winter grazing on native range is common on the southern prairies. Depth of snow cover frequently limits winter grazing of standing forage in the Parkland and Boreal forest regions. However, the grazing season may be extended by several weeks by using stockpiled forage in late fall and early spring.

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Agronomic management of swath grazed pastures

Description

Feed, feeding, cow management and manure disposal can account for up to two-thirds of the total cost of production in a cow-calf operation. Systems that can extend the grazing season and reduce... More ≫

Description

Feed, feeding, cow management and manure disposal can account for up to two-thirds of the total cost of production in a cow-calf operation. Systems that can extend the grazing season and reduce these costs are of great interest to cow-calf producers. One of these systems is swath grazing.

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