Cattle and Crops in a Direct Seeding System

Stan Jeeves, Producer

Westview Farms,

Wolseley, SK

Introduction

• Producer's perspective of cattle and crops in a direct seeding system.

Topics of Discussion

• The farm
• The equipment
• The livestock operation
• Direct seeded crops for livestock operation

The Farm

• 3200 acres southwest of Wolseley
• Thin Black Soil Zone
• Rolly land, some potholes and poplar bluffs
• Abundant surface water

The Equipment

• Bourgault 8800 cultivator, 5 row with 8 inch spacing
• 2 inch spoons, Gen weld-on tips
• Bourgault 3165 air tank, with a third tank designed for chemical
• Also used for clover and grass mixtures

The Livestock Operation

• 100 head cow/calf operation
• 300 head feedlot
• Objective of livestock operation
• Utilize silage
• Break nitrogen cycle

Direct Seeded Crops for Livestock Operation

• Rotation - 4 year - canola, cereal, legume or flax, cereal
• Spring seeded fall rye plus barley
• Legumes
• Silage
• Weed management
• Reduce production costs

Manure Management

• Spike to incorporate
• Poor packing

What's Ahead

• Increase cow herd and pasture
• Involvement with community feedlot

Conclusion

• Direct seeding in combination with livestock, have improved soil quality and reduced salinity