October 9, 2007:
The seasonal feeding and bedding of cattle in pastures, known to many producers simply as winter grazing, can extend the grazing season and, as a result, add more nutrients to the soil. There are three basic things to consider when developing a winter grazing program, says Ryan Davison, a Best Management Practice (BMP) lead with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (AAFC – PFRA).
"First of all, the animals need sufficient protection from the elements. Secondly, they need ways to access feed and water. And, last but not least, wintering sites need to be set up in a way that does not present the risk of contamination from runoff flowing into water bodies."