Decision Support Materials for Comparison for Productive, Economical & Environmental Efficiencies of Beef Production Systems in Manitoba

The main purpose of the current project is to use the data collected in the long-term AAFC-BRC Beef Systems Project, as well as other published results, to develop decision support materials, specifically technical bulletins and factsheets, which will be used by beef producers and beef cattle extension personnel to compare the productive and economic performance as well as energy efficiency of beef production using alternative forage-based management systems. The materials should assist beef producers in making informed decisions related to different aspects of cow-calf operations by allowing them to evaluate the potential outcomes of alternative beef production systems. The bulletins and the factsheets would be primarily based on data from the long term AAFC-BRC Beef Systems Research. Participation of several MAFRI staff in the development of these materials will ensure that the format and presentation of the information will be useful and applicable to Manitoba producers.

Season Long Annual Grazing Systems that Supply N to Future Crops

Integrating legume cover crops or green manures into annual crop rotations has the potential to offer substantial benefits to Canadian prairie cropping systems including N, weed control, and improved soil structure. The price of N fertilizer is increasing and alternative N sources such as green manures may now be more practical for farmers to consider. In Manitoba, green manure systems can consistently enrich soils with at least 100 kg N/ha. However, the challenge of making green manures economically attractive is still an impediment.

Manitoba Forage Variety Testing

MAFRI, MFC and MB Forage Seed Association provide growers unbiased information on new forages varieties by evaluating them at three different sites. Information is published in the Seed Manitoba Guide that is distributed in December.

Provincial Conferences

Provide current information to beef and forage producers by holding five major technology transfer events throughout Manitoba

Manitoba Grazing Club Promotion and Support

Hold formal classroom sessions and pasture walks for farmers interested in grazing management as it affects soil and water health and landscape productivity.

Manitoba Grass Fed Beef Value-Chain Market Development and Coordination

The grant will allow the Manitoba Grass Fed Beef Producers Association to market and position forage-finished beef over the next 3 years. As retailers and consumers become more aware of the environmental and health benefits of forage-fed beef, we expect these producers to capture a greater share of the market.

Best Management Practices to optimize the use of oats for swath-grazing to extend the grazing season

This two-year project will analyze and communicate suitable methods for using oats for swath-grazing. This practice will reduce confinement feeding of cattle, which in turn will reduce winter feeding costs and manure concentration in feedlot pens.

Development of Forage Land Planner Software

Develop a forage productivity model to provide seasonal growth predictions for use in calculating stocking rates and feed storage requirements and hold training in the use of the model.