SK - Steven Balzer Site

Steven Balzer demonstration site set-up and design.

About the Location

The Steven Balzer Demonstration Site is located approximately three kilometres south of Langham, Saskatchewan, in the Moist Mixed Grassland ecoregion of Saskatchewan; however it is in close proximity to the Aspen Parkland region. The Moist Mixed Grassland ecoregion is the transitioning region between the semi-arid Mixed Grassland ecoregion and the Aspen Parkland ecoregion, comprising the northern most extension of the Great Plains of North America.

Dark Brown Chernozemic soils dominate this area and are home to mid-height grasses and sedges, including needle-and-thread, and western wheatgrasses along with Prairie Junegrass and blue grama sedges. These grasses contribute to the five to six per cent organic matter of the soil and also play an active role in the carbon sequestration cycle.

Aspen groves can be found to a limited extent on shaded valley slopes, with aspen, willow, cottonwood and box-elder species. Since natural water sources in this site are semi permanent and often run dry mid to late summer, water is hauled in for livestock to utilize.

Topography of this site has allowed many aspen groves to be present, offering many benefits, including livestock shelter and snow accumulation. The Moist Mixed Grassland ecoregion typically sees 350 to 400 millimeters of rainfall; however, being located in the northern tip of the ecoregion, this site may see a slightly increased amount of moisture. Average temperatures include a summer mean of 15.5°C and a winter mean of -11°C.

Learning About Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing became of interest after Steven took an Advanced Grazing Workshop with mentor Lee Sexton. He easily grasped the Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) concepts and implemented the technology on his property.

After completing the AGS course with Lee, Steven submitted a project through the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) program. Unfortunately the program funds were depleted before the project could be reviewed. It was noted for its merit and when a site was needed for the Ag In Motion event, CFGA reached out to Steven to discuss development of his project for demonstration.

Steven began this farming operation in 2017 and the following year began using the planned grazing method on his farm. The desire to raise more cattle on the same amount of land was the driving factor for the switch. In the six years of operating with Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) concepts, the most beneficial change he has noticed has been the improved soil health and the forage production abilities of his land. Managing the time allotment for the cross fence paddocks and changing his own learned habits from conventional grazing methods has been the only notable challenges he has experienced since switching to the AGS method. When asked about future plans for his operation he shared that there is always more plans, but more permanent fencing and increasing the use of temporary electric fence are current short term goals. Steven shared that the expected benefits of the AGS method appear more quickly than anticipated, so just start! 

The Rotational Grazing Objective

This project aims to demonstrate a simple advanced grazing system. It aims to present options for integrating cattle in the landscape, promoting permanent cover and grassland retention, particularly addressing animal distribution and utilization concerns.

Acknowledgements

University of Saskatchewan. 2008. Virtual Herbarium of Plants at Risk in Saskatchewan: A Natural Heritage.

Government of Saskatchewan. 2023. Prairie Landscape Inventory- Moist Mixed Grassland Classification.

Funding for this project in part has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.