Grass

When one thinks of the operations of a beef cattle ranch, one typically presumes that the cattle are the primary focus of the operation. When it comes to the McIntyre Ranch this is very close to the truth but since its inception, much attention has been given to the management of the grass. Without grass (and water) there would be no cattle. In order that grasses remain healthy, they must be rejuvenated. Long ago, this was accomplished with the herds of bison that roamed the region and the wildfires that burned at will. Grass management in the 21st century utilizes grazing.

Stocking rates (how many animals the land can tolerate) are determined by range condition. Range condition is determined by assessing species quantity and diversity. Healthy range condition will provide the highest, sustained production and therefore yield the most grass for the cattle to consume. Consumption is calculated as a percentage of body weight so by determining production and diversity, one is able to determine the carrying capacity for a given field. Standing carryover (unconsumed grass) is very important for maintaining healthy range condition.

Like humans, cattle are selective in what they eat. Some grasses are more palatable than others and some are more nutritious than others at different times of the year. Some grasses are also more susceptible to drought than others and some tolerate grazing pressure better than others. One manner in which to attract cattle to less desirable areas of a field (less palatable grasses and/or further from water) is to provide salt (may be fortified with vitamins and minerals). Studies indicate that frequency (how many times an individual plant is grazed) has an impact on forage quality and therefore species diversity. Lower density stocking rates tend to result in grazing selectivity and higher gains whereas higher density rates tend to result in lower gains but improved forage production. Studies also indicate that time of year grazing impacts quality and diversity. Management makes considerable effort to reach good balance between these factors.

The primary growing season in southern Alberta occurs during May, June and July. Stocking rates on the McIntyre range from approximately 14 acres (34.6 hectares) per animal unit (for fall/winter grazed fields) to 22 acres (54.4 hectares) per animal (for spring/summer grazed fields). This area represents the area that one cow (with a calf) needs to survive for a period of one year. At any given point in time, only 25% of the Ranch is grazed.

Water

Again, like humans, cattle need water. To give you some idea of how much water beef cattle need, when the temperature is 10 degrees Celsius (50 F), a cow requires approximately 27 litres per day (6 Imp. gal. or 7 U.S. gal.). At the same temperature, if that same cow is lactating (producing milk for its calf) she will require 47 litres (10 Imp. or 12 U.S.) per day. When the temperature rises to 26 degrees (79 F) her consumption rises to 36 litres (8 Imp. or 9.5 U.S.) and 68 litres (15 Imp. or 18 U.S.) respectively. You might find it interesting to know that dairy cows require 35- 40% more water than beef cows.

By knowing how much water is required, one is able to determine if the supply is sufficient to coincide with the grass quantity. Due to the fact that droughts are relatively common in this area, we are in the process of determining the quantity and flow rates of our water sources so we know more precisely how much supply we have in any given field. The Ranch currently has 48 dugouts, 40 dams and 62 developed or undeveloped springs.

Water quality is also very important. Poor water can be very detrimental to the health of livestock. The usual cause of unsatisfactory water results from excessive salinity with rare cases resulting from higher levels of nitrate content, alkalinity or toxic elements. Although results from testing some sources on the Ranch show no reason for concern to this issue, regular monitoring is expected to continue.

Equally important to water quality is access to water. One practice we have implemented is pumping water from dugouts (and in some cases from dams) to a trough. This has been done by using a hybrid system of both solar and wind power. Pumping water to a trough from such sources is considerably beneficial. Cattle will be healthier and perform (gain) better because they are staying cleaner and drinking more water. In addition, the life of a dugout can be also increased substantially. This has been an exciting success for us and we recommend it to all producers with similar circumstances.

Fencing

In 2002 the Ranch had approximately 181 miles of fence (61 miles of perimeter fence and 120 miles of interior fencing). The fences create 130 fields ranging in size from 4272 acres to less than 1 acre. Half of these fields are more than 100 acres with an average size of 847 acres. The remaining fields are smaller than 100 acres with an average size of 19 acres. Most fence lines are built with treated wood posts and five strands of barbwire. Fences are typically located with consideration given to terrain conditions and in proximity to water.

The primary growing season in southern Alberta occurs during May, June and July. Stocking rates on the McIntyre average 18 acres per animal unit (AU) (one animal unit is considered a mature cow and a nursing calf) and this is the area an animal unit requires to survive for a one year period. Stocking rates range between 14 acres per AU during the fall and winter months and 22 acres per AU during the spring and summer months. This is done so as to limit the grazing impact during the growing season. Another interesting point is that the field rotation program results in having only 25% of the Ranch being grazed at any given time during the year.