In dryland farming, crop rotation is one of the few management tools that remains completely under the farmer’s control. Rainfall cannot be controlled. Markets rise and fall without warning. Input costs seem to climb every year. But crop rotation—what goes where and when—is still a decision made at the farm table during the winter months.
Read more: May 19_2026 Planning Next Years Crop Rotation in Dryland Conditions
In the dryland regions, water is always important—but in winter, it becomes critical. When temperatures drop well below freezing, water systems are pushed to their limits. Failures are not just inconvenient; they can quickly become serious problems for livestock. This might seem like an unlikely time to have an article about how to keep everybody watered in the winter but pretty tough digging in the winter.
Read more: May 12_2026 Water Systems in Winter: Keeping it Flowing
Winter is the one time of year when a man can get ahead of his machinery—if he chooses to use it properly. Too often, equipment is parked after harvest and not looked at again until the first day of seeding. That approach guarantees delays, frustration, and unnecessary expense.
Read more: May 5_2026 Machinery Maintenance That Prevents Spring Breakdowns
Culling cattle is one of the most important—and often most difficult—tasks on a ranch. It requires setting aside sentiment and focusing on what is best for the herd and the operation as a whole.
Read more: Week April 28_2026 Culling Cattle:Practical Decisions for Long Term Profitability
In dryland farming, there are many variables—equipment, seed varieties, fertilizer programs—but none of them matter as much as soil moisture. It is the foundation upon which every decision must be made.
Read more: Week April 21_2026 Soil Moisture: The One Factor that Determines Everything
Winter feeding in the dryland regions of Alberta is not just a necessity—it is one of the largest expenses on the entire operation. Yet, year after year, many producers accept unnecessary waste as part of doing business. In reality, careful planning and a return to practical methods can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing livestock condition.