Meristem: Beef Science

Maximizing value from pasture land to strengthen both the pocketbook and the land base is the focus of a special, leading-edge pasture management conference designed for Ontario cattle and sheep producers.

"Profitable Pastures: The keys to success," is a series of three, one-day conferences planned for Feb. 27 in Drumbo, Feb. 28 in Elmwood and March 1 in Oakwood. It showcases advice from leading specialists in pasture management, to help producers understand and implement the latest thinking on how to make best use of pastures on their farms. The conference is supported by Canada's Agricultural Producers Addressing Environmental Issues (CAPAEI).

"This conference will give producers the tools to apply innovative pasture management approaches, to get the most out of their grazing potential while maintaining the health of the land for long-term sustainability," says Jack Kyle, grazing specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). "It provides a one-stop look at the latest trends and ideas, with practical advice on how to apply these for best results on-farm."

Pasture management is becoming a major focal point for producers looking to boost efficiency and ensure their land base resource is well maintained, notes Kyle. "Improved pasture management is one of the most effective ways for producers to improve their profitability and make sure they have productive land year after year. There has been a lot of new knowledge generated by research over the past few years to help producers accomplish that."

The conference day begins with registration and trade show, at 9 a.m., followed by speaker presentations on "Economics of Pasture Gain," by Dennis Martin, OMAFRA beef feedlot specialist, and "Innovative Pasture Management – The Keys to Success," by Neil Dennis, a dedicated grass manager and beef producer from Saskatchewan.

Noon hour includes lunch and another chance to view trade show exhibits, before the afternoon session begins at 1 p.m. with part two of the Neil Dennis presentation. Mid-afternoon sessions include a presentation by local producers on "Making the most of pastures on my farm," and a talk on "Recovering from the Muddy Pastures of 2006" by Jack Kyle, along with an end of day speakers panel on "Tying it all together." The conference ends at 3 p.m.

Further information about the agenda and locations is available on the Web site of the Ontario Forage Council, at www.ontarioforagecouncil.com. To register, phone 1-877-892-8663. Conference cost is $30, which includes roast beef lunch. Registration deadline is Feb. 23.

In addition to CAPAEI, conference partners include Ontario Cattlemen's Association, Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, OMAFRA, Ontario Forage Council, Agricultural Adaption Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Canada's Agricultural Producers Addressing Environmental Issues (CAPAEI) is a federal initiative funded through AAFC's Greencover Canada program. It is designed by, and administered through the Soil Conservation Council of Canada. The Canadian Cattlemen's Association coordinates the delivery of the program to beef cattle producers.

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Ontario conference offers keys to success for profitable pastures