Spring grazing: Timing and Strategy for Healthy Pastures
About this episode
Is your pasture really ready for the herd? Spring grazing may seem as simple as "green means go," but it’s far more nuanced than that.
Kara Mastel welcomes David MacTaggart, Senior Agriculture Advisor with Strathcona County, to unpack the critical considerations for turning cattle out in spring.
From the risks of early grazing and nitrate concerns to rotational grazing strategies and environmental stewardship, David shares practical, science-backed insights for producers.
They also discuss how to tailor grazing plans to weather extremes like drought, assess forage nutritional quality, and balance herd health with land resilience.
This episode equips producers—new and seasoned alike—with the knowledge to make smart, sustainable spring grazing decisions.
Listen For:
03:24 — Why spring grazing matters
09:59 — Spring frost and nitrate concerns
14:06 — Why rotational grazing is especially important in spring
21:25 — Is bloat a worry with green pastures?
GUEST: David MacTaggart, Agriculture Initiatives Specialist
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
Email | Website | LinkedIn | Phone
Have ideas for future shows? Drop us a note, on social media or via email.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
Forecasting the Unpredictable: Alberta’s Wild Weather
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
From field to bale: Saving every nutrient
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
Dennis Laycraft reflects on four decades in the industry
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers
Brodie Haugan on the Value of Having Producers at the Trade Table
The Bovine by Alberta Beef Producers