Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing is a practice that has been in use for years, however recently has garnered more interest from more farmers. Rotational grazing can help livestock producers by:

• extending their grazing period
• increasing the yield of pastures
• improving the forage quality for livestock
• reducing weed pressure
• improving nutrient cycling
• helping to build soil health

In addition to many of those important benefits for the farm operation, there are also additional positive impacts across the Canadian landscape because rotational grazing 

• promotes biodiversity
• sequesters carbon
• can improve the water cycle

The Canadian Forage and Grazing Association has created a program called "Advanced Grazing Systems" for farm operators to learn the basic techniques of rotational grazing. The learning platform is mobile-friendly so that you can learn and reference information where ever you might be and creates opportunities for you to learn on your own or connect with other farmers learning the same materials. They have also created many opportunities to ask questions of mentors and other rotational grazing experts. 

Organization Highlight

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) was formed in 2010 to provide a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products, and for those whose production is dependent upon forage and grassland production, the main role of the CFGA is to uphold the robust forage industry and realize the potential of the domestic and export forage market. Through support of various organizations and initiatives CFGA has developed a number of valuable resources and industry opportunities for information sharing and continued research.

Infester Info

Stored Grain Beetles

The rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus) is the most common and serious pest of stored grain on farms and in elevators across the Canadian prairies. It makes up about 95 % of all grain insects detected by the Canadian Grain Commission in grain elevators across the country. Its very small size (1.5–2.5 mm long) allows it to easily crawl between grain kernels and quickly spread throughout stored grain. Its high fertility (up to 423 eggs per female) and fast development (about one generation per month) can result in serious losses if the grain is kept above 20 °C, or if it is kept too moist for too long, or if there is a hot spot or spoiled grain somewhere in the grain bin because this species thrives in spoiled grain. 

Effective ways to eliminate or reduce the risk of infestations include:

• Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing bins between uses;
• Cleaning up grain residue from the surroundings to prevent the multiplication of grain insects near grain storage areas (spillages on the ground, residues left in combines or augers, etc.);
• Ensuring bins are sealed tight to prevent moisture or snow from entering;
• Reducing the temperature and moisture content of stored grain to safe levels as soon as possible after harvest (using these helpful Safe Storage Charts).
• Also access the Canadian Grain Commission’s information on Grain Quality.

Full article by Vincent Hervet, AAFC can be found here:

THE RUSTY GRAIN BEETLE: A PEST OF STORED GRAIN

Events

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Poisonous Plants in Hay and Silage (pg 6-7)

Getting the facts on pesticide residues

Beavers can do a lot of good

Alberta Canola Conference 2023