On one site we looked at Establishment of cicer milk vetch using bale grazing.

The group looking at the cicer site. The cicer was doing well at the site.More Information

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ADOPT project looking at Establishment of cicer milk vetch using bale grazing.

On July 8th 2015 we met at Val and Rod Petrie's farm to look at some interesting sites. One site was an ADOPT project looking at Establishment of cicer milk vetch using bale grazing.

 

On the other site we examined what impact bale grazing can have during a dry year.

Green areas of bale grazing on light soil (Sandy Loam). Bales were placed here seven years ago. We also looked at various weeds and discussed control of them as we went along.

ADOPT project examining bale grazing impact.

Also:

Attached is a write up that Glenn Barclay did a few years ago discussing residual Nitrogen left after bale grazing.

Open document by clicking the button below.

No formal data was ever collected at this site. However, a more formal demonstration was done at Leam Craig's site. This will give you what to expect on a similar site. If you have questions regarding these documents call Glenn at 306-831-6009.

Note the lush green brome grass plants growing on light soil where there was very little rainfall.

We also looked at various weeds and discussed control of them as we went along.

 

Bale grazing impact.

Val is standing in an area where there was no bale.

 

Val is standing in an area where there was no bale.

This paddock was bale grazed on Jan 10th 2012 to April 1st 2012. Bales were mostly straight alfalfa with very little grass. More residue was left. 150 cow calf pairs severely grazed this paddock on daily moves from June 29th to July 6th 2015. Picture was taken September 23rd, 2015. Val is standing in an area where there was no bale.

 

Results: volume and colour difference.

volume and colour difference between grass from the bale grazed area to the non-bale grazed area.

 

Note the volume and colour difference between grass from the bale grazed area to the non-bale grazed area.

 

Results of bale grazing impact.

Val Petrie is standing in an area where no bales were placed.

 

Val Petrie is standing in an area where no bales were placed.

This paddock was bale grazed on Dec 7th 2007 to April 1st 2008 with alfalfa and crested wheat grass bales. 150 cow/calf pairs grazed this paddock severely from July 29th to August 1st 2015. Picture was taken Sept 23rd 2015. Val Petrie is standing in an area where no bales were placed. After eight growing seasons note the increased grass volume on the right hand side of the picture!

 

Results of bale grazing impact.

Picture was taken Sept 23rd 2015.

 

Picture was taken Sept 23rd 2015.

This paddock was bale grazed on Dec 12th 2014 to April 13th 2015 with alfalfa/grass and oat/pea greenfeed bales. 150 cow/calf pairs severely grazed this with daily moves from July 18th to July 28th 2015. Picture was taken Sept 23rd 2015.

 

2015 Rainfall totals for these bale grazing sites:
May = 0 inches
June 1st to July 8th (tour date) = 1.05 inches
July 9th to July 31st = 3.8 inches
August = 1.95 inches
Sept 1st to Sept 23rd (pictures taken) = 2.45 inches
From the July 8th tour until the Sept 23rd visit. = 8.20 inches of rain fell