Research & Demonstration

At an early age after weaning, this study will use novel technology and devices to assess yearling replacement beef heifer fertility, conformation, temperament, productivity and performance. Assessments and measurements are evaluated for their use as suitable indicators and predictors of cow reproductive efficiency and herd longevity.

As part of the International Drought Experiment, grassland is examined for effects of removing precipitation and increasing temperature.

Grazing in a wet meadow at different density and different times of year is studied for its effects on the wet meadow ecosystem. Long term effects, including the proliferation of foxtail barley, are examined following initial grazing treatments.

Compare two annual cropping treatments (monocrop and polycrop) grown for greenfeed and their yearly and cumulative effects.

A paired rotational system, one targeting 50% utilization grazed multiple times, and the targeting 80% utilization and grazed once per season, is explored at Brookdale Farm. Both systems will evaluate forage productivity, forage quality, plant species composition, grazing days, labour, and materials.

Using sod seeding of perennial forage for pasture rejuvenation in pastures with low productivity or low density of desirable forage. The project evaluates establishment, forage quality, forage yield, and forage composition in the plots for over 3 years after the direct seeding has been done.

This project explores using leafy spurge flea beetles to as a management tool to keep leafy spurge stem densities below critical thresholds. More beetles from multiple sources are released close together. Each years beetles are moved around the chosen site to target areas with higher leafy spurge infestation.

Herd development is a method of improving profitability on the farm. Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives is able to document herd development and create tools for decision making. This project showcases a variety of selection and management tools to develop and grow a forage-based herd for increased profitability.

Integrated crop-livestock systems, where grazing livestock are incorporated into annual cropping operations, have the potential to improve forage productivity and to build sustainable farm management strategies. The primary goal of this project is to quantify the benefits associated with integrated crop-livestock systems. Two annual polycrop blends are explored in comparison to a grain pea.

Exploring tick distribution on a pasture scale. Can areas of a pasture be identified, based on habitat and site characteristics, to have higher risk for ticks? Using this information, producers could manage their cattle and pastures to avoid areas with high density of ticks, thereby lowering the risk for Bovine Anaplasmosis. Three sites, including MBFI, were monitored for tick distribution and abundance on pasture and on the cows. Several GPS collars were used for each group to monitor distribution of cattle in a pasture.

Two methods of pasture fertilization, a conventional fertilizer and a soil amendment, are explored for their benefits to vegetation and soil.

Point counts to observe bird species were performed at First Street Pasture, Johnson Farm, and Brookdale Farm. Species-at-Risk, grassland birds, forest birds, wetland birds, generalist birds. Manitoba Critical Habitat Conservation. Photo by Lynnea Parker.

Management of riparian areas, including the movement of phosphorus, is examined under different treatments, including no vegetation removal, mowing, low density grazing, and high density grazing.

The MBFI site and five farm sites in Manitoba form this study to evaluate soil health indicators under different styles of grazing management. Biological indicators of soil health assessed are: are soil organic C, microbial biomass C, soil respiration, soil nitrate, infiltration rate, and bulk density. Performance data of forage and cattle are generated by MBFI staff and farm producers.

Horn fly control through mineral treated with Altosid

Intercropping, or seeding a secondary crop between corn rows, is proposed to increase overall yield and provide protein for grazing beef cattle. This project utilizes two different corn varieties and two row spacings (30” and 60”), and seeded either with or without an intercrop. Corn is used for extended grazing.

Extended grazing using stockpiled forage, swath, corn or bale grazing allows livestock to return most of the nutrients they consume directly to the landscape. Feed costs are comparable to traditional winter feeding, but yardage and labour costs are lower, as are manure removal costs. This project determines the effect of extended grazing on the cost of production/savings in winter feeding costs, yardage, and manure removal cost, body condition score and cattle performance and the practicality of being able to graze year-round in Manitoba.

Rotational grazing is known to improve the carrying capacity of pastureland and improve health and resilience of the plant community. This project implements a simple low-cost rotational grazing system to improve poor production and compare it to a portion of the site in a mob grazed system. Stocking rate, livestock distribution, and forage production are monitored.

Fall rye can provide early season grazing for cattle. Two fall rye varieties are compared for their forage yield and quality and response to grazing.

This demonstration project showcases proper grazing management to promote the reduction and elimination of the practice of continuous grazing. The positive impact of monitoring and managing the movement of animals, with proper timing and duration, allows for sufficient rest and recovery time for the plants. Planned grazing can maintain or rehabilitate the landscape.

Cattle are affected by leafy spurge infestations as it displaces preferred forages ad contains a phytotoxin causing gastric upset. This objective of this project is to teach cattle to increase the amount of leafy spurge in their diet, determine if bio-controls do better under grazed or ungrazed pasture conditions and to provide a better understanding of how cattle, spurge flea beetles, and other bio-controls can be managed to keep leafy spurge stem densities below critical thresholds.

Passive seeding explores broadcast seeding around mineral tubs with legumes at opportune times of the season. It is explored as a method to improve pasture quality and productivity.

This project aims to identify the benefits of diversity above and belowground and their potential contributions to sustainable and resilient forage production systems. The four treatments are: Monoculture, 3-species polycrop, 6-species polycrop, and 9-species polycrop. This project provides insight into the effect of crop mixtures and functional groups on the diversity and functional activity of soil microbial communities and their relative contribution to forage productivity.