3 Tips for Swath and Bale Grazing

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Beef Research2

We’ll soon see cattle out in fields cleaning up swaths or feeding on bales. If you’re planning to feed your cattle this way into the winter months, here are a few recommendations to consider from a recent BCRC webinar.

Extended grazing methods, including swath, stockpiled and bale grazing, have considerable economic benefits over traditional winter feeding systems, such as reduced labour, equipment, feed and manure handling costs.

The related webinar, held last fall, featured Vern Baron, PhD, a Research Scientist for Agriculture Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Lacombe, Alberta, and John Duynisveld, a Research Biologist for AAFC in Nappan, Nova Scotia.

They discussed both swath and bale grazing and offered tips for producers across the country, including: Continue reading →

Another Look at the Costs and Benefits of Swath Grazing

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Beef Research2

This article written by Dr. Reynold Bergen, BCRC Science Director, originally appeared in the August 2017 issue of Canadian Cattlemen magazine and is reprinted on the BCRC Blog with permission of the publisher.

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Well-managed swath grazing has well-known economic benefits for producers. But research results from a study funded by the Beef Science Cluster showed that it can have environmental benefits as well. Dr. Vern Baron and coworkers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Lacombe Research Station recently published Swath grazing triticale and corn compared to barley and a traditional winter feeding method in central Alberta (Canadian Journal of Plant Science 94:1125-1137) and Effect of winter feeding systems on farm greenhouse gas emissions (Agricultural Systems 148:28-37).

What they did: A five-year winter feeding study was conducted in central Alberta (2008-09 through 2012-13). Angus x Hereford and Red Angus x Charolais cows were fed barley silage, barley grain, barley straw and hay in confinement, or swath-grazed on triticale or corn for 120 days. Confined cows were Continue reading →

Swath and bale grazing strategies: Webinar November 23

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Beef Research2

Update: Missed the webinar? Find the recording and check for future webinars on our Webinars page: http://www.beefresearch.ca/resources/webinars.cfm

On the fence about incorporating swath or bale grazing on your operation? Join us to learn more about this practice and why it may be a good option for you. Although advice will primarily be intended for producers in Eastern Canada, there will be tips and tricks that Western Canadians can incorporate as well, followed by an opportunity for everyone to ask questions.
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When

Wednesday, November 23, at 7:00 pm EST

4:00pm in BC
5:00pm in AB
6:00pm in SK and MB
7:00pm in ON and QC
8:00pm in NS, NB and PEI

Door Prize!

Cool Forages
Producers that attend this webinar will be entered to win a copy of Cool Forages: Advanced management of temperate forages ($60 value).

Interested but aren’t available that evening?
Register anyway! This webinar will be recorded and posted online at a later date. All registrants will receive a link to the recording and additional learning resources. By attending the live event, you’ll have the opportunity to interact and ask questions too.

Register now

Find and register for more BCRC webinars here. Continue reading →