Dr. Aaron Glenn is a Research Scientist specializing in micrometeorology and has worked at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Brandon since 2011. He has a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Manitoba. His area of expertise and research interests relate the impact that weather and climate have on crop production and the influence that agricultural production systems have on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality. Dr. Glenn is a past President of the Canadian Society of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology and the Manitoba Soil Science Society. He has served as a subject matter expert reviewing methodological changes to the estimates of sequestration and emissions of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrous Oxide from agricultural lands in Canada for the National Inventory Report of Greenhouse Gas sources and sinks.

In today’s episode, Aaron shares information on his position with Agriculture and Agri Food Canada and some of the projects he is currently working on. He also shares his experience working with Eastern Prairie Living Labs.

Aaron’s current research focuses on studying how grazing management can impact sequestering carbon vs. methane emissions from the cattle. He also shares the tools he is using to take these measurements and what information is being collected using these tools. While this research has been ongoing for a few years, it is still early in the research that Aaron hopes to do in this area.

Aaron shares the trends he is seeing from his research thus far and we discuss how this research and carbon sequestration impacts the environment and producers.

Much of this work has been completed on Lowry Farms, with Glen and Pam Lowry, who were profiled in Episode 71, sharing their experiences working with the Living Labs and about their farm and grazing practices.

To Contact Aaron, you can call him at 204-578-6585 or email aaron.glen@agr.gc.ca

Links mentioned in today's episode:

Living Labs - Eastern Prairies Clip: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/science/living-laboratories-initiative/living-lab-eastern-prairies

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Glen and Pam own and operate a Beef Farm near Darlingford, MB. They are dedicated to raising their cattle using sustainable practices. The land they farm on has been in their family for 125 years, and they raised their three boys on the original homestead.

Their commitment to the land is illustrated by the fact that they are participating in a Agriculture and AgriFood Canada long term research project that compares the carbon sequestration of their grassland pastures to the methane emission of the cattle.

They were recipients of the 2023 TESA The Environmental Stewardship Award award, and the 2023 Redboine Watershed District Award. Lowry Farms includes 220 acres of pasture and 100 acres of sensitive wetlands. Their cattle herd includes 85 commercial cow-calf pairs. Extended grazing, and rotational grazing are part of their daily routine. They are always striving to improve uses that benefit their beef operation, while at the same time being good stewards of the land.

In today’s episode, Glen and Pam Lowry share all about Lowry Farms. They start with sharing their decision and transition from mixed farming to focusing solely on cattle and grass production and how they came to today where their main focus is capturing as much rainfall as they can each year to preserve moisture and produce grass. Along with this, they have done and continue to do a lot of work to protect land and water resources. Their dedication to the land and environment was recognized in 2023, when they were the recipients of both The Environmental Stewardship Award and Watershed District Awards in 2023.

Glen and Pam have also been featured on Great Tastes of Manitoba. To view their episode, please visit the link listed below.

Glen and Pam share information on their summer grazing plan, fence and water infrastructure and winter feeding, and what they have noticed in the soil health, grass production and overall ecosystem on their farm as a result of their grazing practices and management.

Glen and Pam are participating in the Manitoba Association of Watershed Living Lab Eastern Prairies and have collaborated with a number of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers. One aspect of this has been working with Aaron Glen on measuring methane production vs. carbon sequestration while grazing. They share a bit about the preliminary findings of this research, as well as about other research that has been conducted on their farm.

For more information about the research on measuring methane and carbon sequestration, please tune into our next episode featuring Aaron Glen.

Links mentioned or used for research in today's episode:

Glen and Pam’s Great Tastes of Manitoba Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehvg4AWS8ls

Living Labs - Eastern Prairies Clip: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/science/living-laboratories-initiative/living-lab-eastern-prairies

MB Cooperator Article, “Beef Producers Honour Environmental Role Models” Stockford, S. March 3, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2024.

https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/beef-producers-honour-environmental-role-models/

Redboine Watershed District Award Winners Page:

https://www.redboine.ca/award-winners

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba,...

Mary-Jane leads a dedicated team at MBFI to advance Manitoba’s beef & forage industry through engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public, and the environment. She deeply values the opportunity to collaborate with producers, researchers, education providers, extension specialists, conservation groups, and all stakeholders in field-testing management practices and growing understanding of improved production in Manitoba. Mary-Jane holds a PhD from Purdue University in soil microbial ecology in agricultural systems, is a Professional Agrologist, and Certified Crop Advisor. Her experience in ecology and field agronomy gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing agriculture today.

Born in Windsor Ontario, Judah Logan’s early childhood was spent on the rural outskirts of Kingston township: where—through neighbors—Judah had regular exposure to dairy and mixed farming—including beekeeping, and maple syrup production. After an unexpected move to Kingston from middle school through high school, he reluctantly lost touch with the day-to-day routines of farming life. As a young adult, Judah studied undergraduate Arts at the University of Western Ontario, Computer Science at U of T, and recently completed the intensive 2 year Communications Engineering Technology diploma program at ACC in Brandon. Judah says it is a pleasure to be working at MBFI where he can revisit his childhood dream with a superlatively qualified staff, 2 great farm locations, and 3 friendly felines to keep him company.

In today’s episode, Mary-Jane and new MBFI staff member, Judah Logan, introduce us to the virtual fence trial that is underway at MBFI, using the Gallagher E-Shephard Virtual Fence Collars. This technology could open many doors for producers and increase the efficiency of rotational grazing practices or grazing in remote areas.

This conversation shares information about the collars themselves, as well as the technology that makes virtual fencing a reality. We discuss the process to put the collars on and train cattle to their use, as well as the pros and potential downsides that MBFI staff have found while using the collars, as well as some considerations producers might want to think about prior to implementing them on their own operations. We also discuss the economics that are being considered in this trial.

To contact Judah, please email: judah.logan@mbfi.ca

Links to more information:

Web Page to visually demonstrate collar application and in-field use: https://www.mbfi.ca/eshepherd

YouTube video link for the eShepherd trial:

eShepherd Collars in Action - Summer 2024 (youtube.com)

Links to Other Virtual Fence Projects:

https://www.nofence.no/en/

https://www.agcanada.com/daily/virtual-fencing-piloted-in-northern-saskatchewan

https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle/vence

Gallagher’s eShephard Virtual Fence website:

https://am.gallagher.com/en-CA/new-products/eShepherd

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of...

Alex Koiter is an associate professor in the Department of Geography & Environment at Brandon University. His research program focuses on investigating the interactions between land and water management practices and geomorphology on soil and water quality. His research group investigates a wide range of agricultural issues including soil erosion, downstream sedimentation, nutrient dynamics, greenhouse gas fluxes, and extremes of moisture.

Today, Alex is sharing information from his research on grazing riparian areas. First, we start off with what a riparian area is and how these change seasonally and annually depending on water levels. Alex also shares what the role of a riparian area is and why they are so important not only to agriculture and the environment, but also to recreational activities and in particular, their importance during years of drought.

We chat about phosphorus loading and the concern that the freeze thaw cycle in Canada brings about when talking about phosphorus. Removing vegetation prior to freeze up can help with soil phosphorus content, and Alex shares why grazing and using livestock to remove this biomass is preferred over mechanical options. We also talk about how this is contradictory to what the current best practices are for management of riparian areas and what risks might be associated with giving livestock access to those riparian areas.

Alex offers an overview of the “Effects of Riparian Grazing on Distinct Phosphorus Sources” study. Including his findings from this research and recommendations he would make to producers who are looking to graze riparian areas in this way. We wrap up with discussing what Alex hopes to tackle next in this research and the larger scale study that he would like to see.

This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change and a Lake Winnipeg Basin Program grant awarded to the Manitoba Association of Watersheds. Additional research funding was provided through a Brandon University Research Committee grant awarded to Alex Koiter.

To find out more, please visit:

www.alexkoiter.ca or Effects of Riparian Grazing on Distinct Phosphorus Sources, Koiter A & Malone T. Aug. 6, 2024 https://alexkoiter.ca/riparian-grazing-manuscript/

Or contact Alex at koitera@brandonu.ca or find him on Twitter @Alex_Koiter or on Mastodon.

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011

Carson Callum is the General Manager with Manitoba Beef Producers. Carson joined MBP in 2019, and comes with an extension background in agriculture. He has a Master’s of Science in Agriculture, specifically related to beef cattle. Carson has worked in many areas of the ag sector, and the beef industry is near and dear to him. He grew up on a small beef farm south of Miami Manitoba. He now lives in Winnipeg with his family, which includes his wife Britni, and sons Cohen and Sullivan. Carson admits his favorite role in life is fatherhood, but sure enjoys working on behalf of the beef industry as well.

In today’s episode, Carson gives us an update on what Manitoba Beef Producers has been working on. Included in this is the three year funding agreement that MBP has signed onto with Agriculture in the Classroom- Manitoba and the Verified Beef Production Plus Incentive Pilot Program that is now rolling out.

The main focus of today’s episode is the topic of traceability, which was a topic discussed at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, and was also a hot topic in Carson’s mind when we scheduled the recording. Revised traceability regulations are coming from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Carson shares what the purpose of this system is and who it aims to protect, as well as the current regulations for livestock identification and traceability. Carson also outlines the changes that are coming to these regulations and what this is going to look like for producers moving forward. We talk about the benefit of a robust traceability system for the beef sector.

We also mention some upcoming events for listeners to be aware of. First off, MBP is partnering again this year with MBFI and Manitoba Agriculture to host the second Manitoba Beef and Forage Conference and second is MBP’s Fall District Meetings. Also of note is that the MBP AGM this year will be in Winnipeg February 20th & 21st. To find out more about these, please visit:

To contact Carson, please email him at ccallum@mbbeef.ca or call him at the office at: 204-772-4542

Links mentioned in this episode:

Beef and Forage Roundup Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Program Episode #9 with Ray Bittner available at: https://beef-and-forage-roundup.captivate.fm

Manitoba Beef Producers Website: www.mbbeef.ca

MBP Fall District Line Up Information: https://mbbeef.ca/events/district-meetings-manitoba-beef-producers/

MBP Events Page: https://mbbeef.ca/events/

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website:

Dwayne recognizes that efficient use of on-farm produced feedstuffs impacts farm profitability. In his role as livestock and feed extension specialist, Dwayne provides information and recommendations to match feedstuffs to livestock feeding programs with a focus on maximizing livestock productivity and well-being. Dwayne has 20 years of experience advising clients in various aspects of livestock management, ration development, forage production and utilization. Dwayne has a master of science with a focus on grazing ruminant nutrition and a bachelor of science in agriculture (animal science) from the University of Saskatchewan.

In today’s episode, we are discussing water quality testing, how water quality can impact animal health and productivity and linking all of this to the bottom line, looking at the economics associated with water intake and weight gain, reproduction and overall health.

Dwayne shares his personal history in agriculture and what led him to his current position as a Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Government of Saskatchewan. We also discuss the defining moment in Dwayne’s agricultural history that led you down this path of interest in water quality for livestock.

Starting very broadly, Dwayne shares the importance of water in animal health when thinking about the psychological processes required by the body and how much water is required by cattle at different stages of growth and development.

We move into talking about water management and how to test water quality. Dwayne shares information on the compositions of water and what ideal ranges are for consumption by cattle. Including pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Copper, Nitrates and Nitrites. Dwayne also discusses secondary deficiencies and why this is important to think about in water management.

We also discuss the presence of viruses and parasites, and blue-green algae and how it impacts livestock health. Dwyane also shares the process of how producers can reduce the risks of a blue-green algae problem in their water.

We start to wrap up by discussing what management options are available to producers when good quality water is not available and then dive into a bit of the economics and statistics of weight gain in calves under different water management strategies.

For more information visit these links:

Province of Mb; Evaluating Water Quality for Livestock:

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/pork/evaluating-water-quality-for-livestock.html

Gov of Canada; Livestock Watering

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-production/water/livestock-watering

Gov of Canada; Water Quality Impacts on Livestock

https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-production/water/livestock-watering/water-quality-impacts-livestock

Gov of Canada Publication: Livestock Water Quality A field Guide for Cattle, Horses, Poultry and Swine Andrew A. Olkowski, PhD., DVM., MSc., BSc., (Biochemistry) University of Saskatchewan, 2009

https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2009/agr/A22-483-2009E.pdf

Agri-Facts: Water Analysis Interpretation for Livestock (April 2007)

Join us as we introduce MBFI's 2024 Summer Students!

Briel Lemoing is from a grain farm near Basswood, Manitoba. She is entering her second year of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Animal

Science at the University of Saskatchewan. She plans on pursuing a career in cattle genetics and hopes to eventually return to her home farm and working cattle into their operation.

Megan Harris grew up in Brandon, Manitoba and is entering her fourth and final year of her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at Brandon University. This is her second summer as an employee for MBFI. During her summers working at MBFI Megan has learned a ton of new knowledge and skills relevant to the beef cattle industry and rangeland management. Going forward Megan hopes to continue and expand her skills and knowledge to make positive impacts throughout her future career and life.

Sydney Creasy grew up on a large cattle ranch near Coronation AB. From a young age she has been helping on the ranch, she enjoys all aspects of the cattle business. This fall, Sydney will be going into her second year at the University of Saskatchewan taking Animal Science. She is hoping to become a livestock nutritionist or a career in the agriculture industry.

If you are interested in being a summer student at MBFI for future years, or know a student who might be interested, please watch for the annual advertisement for available positions. As an MBFI Summer Student, you are sure to gain hands-on experience in both the cattle and crop industries.

The ability to hire these summer students has been made possible through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

Twitter: @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Dr. Greg Penner is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science and holds a Centennial Enhancement Chair in Ruminant Nutritional Physiology at the University of Saskatchewan. He was hired in 2009 after obtaining his bachelor’s degree and M.Sc. degree at the University of Saskatchewan, and his PhD from the University of Alberta.

Dr. Penner’s research focuses on forage utilization, beef and dairy cattle nutrition, and regulation of gastrointestinal function in ruminants. Individual projects range from a focus on fundamental aspects of physiology to those with applied outcomes that can help promote efficient and sustainable beef and dairy production. He has written many published papers in peer reviewed journals on his findings and has received a number of research focused awards for his work.

Greg is actively involved in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels within the Animal Science program in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Greg is also heavily involved in activity at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence and enjoys outreach activities.

In today’s episode, we are talking about harvest timing for green feed. Dr. Penner shares a bit of the background on this research and what research he has done in this area. He also shares what the different stages of maturity are and a little bit about the characteristics of the crop at each stage, as a bit of an introduction or refreshed on the different stages.

Previous recommendations for cutting barley crops for greenfeed or swath grazing indicated the best time was at the early dough stage, while the recommendation for cutting oats was the late-milk stage. Dr. Penner shares the research that has been done and how this changes the recommendation. Further to this, Greg discusses the benefits and risks of leaving the crops in the field to continue maturing before cutting. We also dig into specifics of feed quality, nutrient composition and digestibility at different stages and wrap up with a discussion on how ruminally cannulated cattle have been such an important tool in this research.

For more information please visit the following article:

https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/features/cut-cereal-crops-later-to-feed-more-cows/

To contact Dr. Greg Penner, please email him at: greg.penner@usask.ca or find him on X @Gregpenner3, University of Saskatchewan: @usask or via the Livestock & Forage Centre of Excellence: @LFCE_usask

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: information@mbfi.ca

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011