SRM IMS Winter/Spring 2023 FREE Range Management Webinar Series

Hosted in partnership with Rangeland Research Institute, University of Alberta and Montana State University

Any questions about the webinars or registration can be directed to Lisa at srm.ims11@gmail.com

COMPLETED WEBINARS


Virtual fencing for grazing cattle: Lessons learned (Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch, Alberta)

Abstract: Conventional fencing systems (barbed wire, electric tape, electric wire, etc.) for cattle grazing are expensive and labour intensive, even more so when used for rotational grazing. Virtual fencing is an emerging technology that may serve as an alternative to conventional fencing. This presentation describes a study conducted at the University of Alberta Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch that investigated whether virtual fencing could be implemented to manage a rotational grazing system. Through July and August 2022 one herd of Kinsella beef composite cattle (49 heifers and 2 bulls) was trained to use the virtual fence collars for 11 days and then rotationally grazed for 8 weeks. The virtual fence system uses GPS, audio warnings, and electrical shocks to control cattle movements in space and time. A virtual fencing system from the Norwegian company NoFence was used to create pasture boundaries, rotate and herd cattle, and control water access. The results of this study indicated that virtual fencing was successful at maintaining a rotational grazing system with respect to escape frequency (0.0018), herding and rotation, aggregate weight gain, and conception rate (92%).

Speaker: Alexandra Harland, University of Alberta
Alex grew up in Lac du Bonnet, a small farming town in Manitoba. She is doing an MSc. at the University of Alberta with Drs. Edward Bork and Carolyn Fitzsimmons where she is researching virtual fencing, an exciting new agriculture technology. Alex’s education focuses on rangeland resources, beef production, and precision agriculture; She is passionate about being part of the future of agriculture.

Winter Management of the Beef Cow Herd (Red Bluff Research Ranch, Montana)

Speaker: Tim DelCurto, Montana State University

Habitat selection by commercial beef cattle (Roy Berg Kinsella Research Ranch, Alberta)

Speaker: Sydney Lopes, University of Alberta

Invasive Species Management (Red Bluff Research Ranch, Montana)

Speaker: Lisa Rew, Montana State University

Control of invasive annual bromegrasses in the mixedgrass prairie of Alberta using the herbicide indaziflam (Mattheis Research Ranch and private ranches, Alberta)

Abstract: Annual bromegrasses are one of the most geographically widespread weeds that negatively impact the function of North American rangeland. They are undesirable forage plants, and can lower overall forage production, negatively affecting livestock production, mammal, and bird habitat. Records indicate that annual bromes are spreading northward into the northern Great Plains including southern Alberta, leading to concerns about the future status of Canada’s mixedgrass prairie. Control of these species is of interest to land managers to improve or maintain rangeland function. Our field trials in southeast Alberta compared the effects of four rates of indaziflam (0, 37.5, 75, 150 g ai/ha) applied at two times (fall or spring) on annual-brome invaded grassland. The US recommended rate provided favorable control of annual bromegrass and levels of annual brome control were sufficient to elevate perennial grass biomass.

Speaker: Anabel Dombro, University of Alberta
Anabel is an MSc. student at the University of Alberta studying rangeland and wildlife with Dr. Edward Bork. She did a BSc. in sustainable agricultural systems at the University of Alberta.


Technology in Grazing Systems Management and Research (Red Bluff Research Ranch, Montana)

Speaker: Sam Wyffels, Montana State University