Manitoba Agriculture is spreading the word for cattle producers about healthy soil use, cover cropping, corn grazing, and solar-powered watering systems.
A tour is coming up that includes stops focused on healthy soil use, cover cropping, corn grazing, and solar-powered watering systems. It also features presentations on alfalfa weevil and grasshopper monitoring, dung beetle impact, and best practices for insect control. Participants will hear from a variety of speakers, including Dr. Dan Undersander, who will speak on forage establishment basics.
Shawn Cabak, beef and forage specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, says the mineral supplementation portion of the tour is especially important given recent provincial findings.
“All of the pastures that were sampled were deficient in copper and all but one of the pastures were deficient in zinc.”
Cabak notes that optimizing mineral levels can help ensure timely rebreeding and overall herd health. He says pasture mineral management includes keeping supplements fresh and accessible through protective covers and regular distribution.
Solar watering, insurance programs, and peer exchange
Other highlights include a demonstration of solar-powered watering systems, which have become more cost-effective and accessible through funding programs in recent years. These systems improve both animal health and performance by enhancing water quality.
“Whenever we can provide better quality water, we will see improved livestock performance as well as animal health.”
A tour is taking place Monday, June 23, starting at 9 a.m. from the St. Rose Rec Centre. The event aims to equip producers with up-to-date insights into summer pasture and forage management.
The event will also include updates on MASC’s forage and livestock insurance programs, with the final stop covering micronutrient importance under the topic "Minerals Matter: Optimizing Pasture Health for Peak Performance."
Cabak adds that participants benefit not only from expert presentations but also from peer-to-peer learning and site visits to a variety of farms in the St. Rose and Alonsa area. Attendees often appreciate the chance to see what fellow producers are doing and bring fresh ideas back to their operations.
Registration is $40 and includes lunch, breaks, transportation, and supper. Producers must register by Friday, June 20, by calling 1-844-769-6224.
Click here for poster for more information.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@portageonline.com.
PortageOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the PortageOnline app.