Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Challenging growing conditions in 2021 created a severe shortage of feed for cattle operations in much of Alberta and western Canada. Ranch managers are scrambling to secure enough feedstuffs to maintain at least a position of their breeding herd. The drought and heat have impacted native range, re-seeded pasture and hay land as well as annual crop acreage used for greenfeed, silage or grazing.
One option for forage and grazing in 2022 will be the use of annual forage crops. Fall or winter annuals can play a significant role as a forage source, seeded either in the fall or in the spring. Fall seeded annuals have the potential to provide not only early season forage, but can be managed for silage, greenfeed, or grain. Seeded in the spring, the winter annuals remain vegetative during the growing season, offering a high quality forage that will continue to grow when moisture and fertility requirements are met.
This research will focus on the use of fall and spring seeded winter annuals as well as a multi-mix of crops as a source of both forage and feed grain.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Having feed options to fill gaps when growing conditions are challenging can mean the difference between maintaining a genetic herd base or selling and having to replace that base herd at a higher cost in the future, and some of the specific characteristics that have taken decades to develop cannot be replicated easily.
In addition, the physiology of winter cereals can make the stand more competitive against annual weeds, reducing herbicide costs. Use of home grown winter cereal for forage may replace the need for importing invasive weeds along with the feed they bring in, resulting in an investment both in time and herbicides for control.
Both these factors will contribute to a more sustainable beef industry.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.