Planting Corn as a Winter Feeding Option for Cattle

Cattle producers across Canada are considering grazing whole plant corn as a viable winter feeding option.

Dr. Bart Lardner from the Western Beef Development Centre says, corn is a crop that grows up to three and a half times the biomass as small grain cereal crops on less land.

He says, corn is a crop which exceeds the nutrient requirements of a beef cow in their first and second trimester of pregnancy.

When planting corn for grazing, he suggests focusing on proper planting techniques, soil fertility, and weed control.

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AgSafe Alberta Launches This Week

During Canada's Ag Safety Week, comes the launch of AgSafe Alberta.

AgSafe Alberta is a collaboration of producer groups working to develop and deliver farm safety management tools, resources, and programs.

Chair of the society, Kent Erickson, says their goal is to enable farm businesses to take the next step to establishing practical farm safety management programs.

You can visit their website to learn more.

 

Bigger Cattle Supplies Expected This Spring

The manager and senior analyst with Canfax says cattle producers will be testing demand this year, as we head into some bigger supplies in the spring.

Brian Perillat notes fed cattle prices in western Canada have been pretty steady for the last few weeks.

"On the feeder cattle side, we have seen some pressure on there, especially on the heavier feeders. These grain costs have been climbing quite a bit here...The markets into the summer are looking a little bit more cautious too. So we're seeing a little bit of pressure on the futures in the cattle markets and higher feed costs. Certainly we've seen the heavy feeders under pressure."

Perillat says the lower Canadian dollar has been good as of late for cattle prices.

 

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