The 2025 Ranching Opportunities Conference took place at the Pomeroy Inn and Suites on February 5th. Hosted by the Red Bow Partnership, the event brought together various organizations, including the MD of Bighorn, Clearwater County, Kneehill County, Mountain View County, Rocky View County, Wheatland County, the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association, the Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association (CAFLA), Lakeland College, Renovo Seed, and Olds College.
The conference, which attracted a large number of producers, provided a series of informative presentations on grazing and livestock beneficial management practices. The day kicked off with a session from Dick Puurveen, who shared “Lessons from the Breton Plots: Weather, Moisture, and Soil Management.” Puurveen gave an in-depth history of the Breton Plots and explained their cultural significance. The session delved into key topics such as soil hydrology, precipitation levels, and historical data points that helped give producers a deeper understanding of the Breton Plots’ purpose.
Dr. Susan Markus, a research scientist at Lakeland College with RDAR & Livestock Technology & Innovations, presented on “Beef Heifer Selection: Promising Technology for Data-Based Decision-Making.” Dr. Markus focused on using technology to determine the optimal timing for selecting replacement heifers. She also discussed studies like the “Effect of Genetic Selection Pressure on Economically Important Traits” and recommended taking replacement heifers from the middle of the pack based on various factors including body scoring, maternal instincts, and temperament. Additionally, Dr. Markus shared insights from the study on “Remote Assessment of Bull Breeding Activity on Pasture Using GPS.” 
To round out the morning, Mazen Aljarrah from Western Crop Innovations discussed the benefits of triticale as a forage crop in Western Canada. Aljarrah highlighted triticale’s high yields, better digestibility, improved grain quality, and its ability to grow in winter, providing early grazing benefits to producers.
After a beef-on-a-bun lunch, producers were given the option to attend two of three breakout sessions. Christine Fulkerth from Olds College led a session titled “Invasive Plants in Your Pasture.” She introduced the five pillars of integrated weed management: prevention, cultural, mechanical/physical, biological, and chemical. Fulkerth also identified the ‘dirty dozen’ invasive plants found in Central Alberta.
Grant Lastiwka, a forage specialist, presented on “Tips and Tricks to Bale Grazing.” Lastiwka shared personal stories and resources for producers considering bale grazing within their operations. He discussed the average feed weight per animal and how different types of bales and twine could be personalized for individual needs. He also emphasized that implementing a new practice doesn’t have to be done alone, suggesting producers could reach out to mentors or neighbors for support. In the south sheep barn at Olds College, Dr. Yaogeng Lei and John Shearer introduced “A Novel Auscultation Technology for Sheep Pregnancy and Litter Size Detection,” showcasing new AI technology for animal care.
The conference concluded with a producer panel that covered a variety of topics. Graydon Garner presented on “Flexibility of Winter Cereals in Livestock Production Systems,” explaining how winter cereals can help meet the increased nutrient needs of cows after calving. He also mentioned OFCAF funding as a potential option for producers interested in incorporating winter cereals.
Brad and Terri Mappin discussed their ongoing project involving Wyoming Snow Fences for Snow/Water Capture. The Mappins explained their trials with snow fences placed near their dugouts to capture snow and increase water retention in the spring.
Jim Bauer wrapped up the panel with a presentation on the “Benefits of Stockpiled Pasture for Early Spring Grazing.” Bauer highlighted the advantages of long carryover grass under snow, including its ability to insulate newborn calves and provide essential fiber, energy, and protein for early spring grazing.
SherryAnn Hoogland, a producer who attended the conference, praised the event: “It was a great day of learning, sharing struggles, and successes, and making connections. There is so much science behind what ranchers and farmers do. I was blown away by the session on the new AI technology for animals and eventually for humans, too. The beef heifer and soil management selection were also my favorites yesterday.”