Forages Before Soil test at least once every three years and apply nutrients as outlined in OMAFA Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production. In perennial hay fields, establish species that tolerat…| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
4 posts published by margtempleman during July 2025| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
Selecting Heifers for Breeding...The article emphasizes the critical role of heifer selection and development in the success and profitability of cow-calf beef production systems. With an average herd replacement rate of 10–20%, choosing the right heifers and managing their development impacts herd genetics, productivity, and longevity. In this article, James Byrne, provides detailed nutritional guidelines and emphasizes the importance of frame size in feeding strategies. It also recommends...| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
My Animal Agriculture and Beef Production University Training Compared to My Work Experience with OMAFA...While university research is essential, it often lacks the unpredictability and practical challenges of actual farm operations. This gap between research and on-farm application underscores the importance of Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT)—ensuring that research is not only scientifically sound but also practical and usable by producers. In this issue, Cate Thompson, a summer s...| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
Do beef heifers previously classified as high or low methane emitters respond the same to a canola oil methane mitigation strategy?...The Canadian beef industry is aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33% by 2030, aligning with the federal goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. While feed additives like red seaweed, 3-NOP, and canola oil have proven effective in lowering methane emissions from cattle, their cost raises questions about whether all animals benefit equally from supple...| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
What is Johne’s Disease Costing You? Reducing the Economic Impact of Johne’s Disease in Beef Herds…Johne’s Disease (JD), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M…| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
Forages Pastures| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
Alfalfa weevil is a major alfalfa pest in Ontario. Larvae feeding on alfalfa leaves can reduce both yield and forage quality. The simple answer As alfalfa gets taller it can tolerate more wee…| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
Frost seeding is a popular way to renovate an existing forage stand and is most effective in fields where patches of bare soil at least the size of a loonie are visible. With spring around the corn…| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
This article was originally published in 2021 in the Milk Producer Magazine produced by Dairy Farmers of Ontario. By Barry Potter Feed costs are the single biggest cost in dairy production, accounting for more than 50 per cent of variable costs. This year, feed costs have continued to rise along with rising grain prices in […]| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
Benchmarking: Measuring your Farm’s Financial Performance Farm financial benchmarking is a valuable tool for farm operations, providing insights into their financial health and performance. By comparing financial measures against industry standards, beef producers can identify strengths, uncover areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance profitability. In this issue, John Molenhuis, (Business Analysis and Cost of Production Specialist, OMAFA), discusses how to use benchma...| Dairy and Beef Cattle Production
