REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- Hearty grasses help raise cattle, but dependence on water for grazing is critical at Cross Cattle Company.

The Cross Family owns Cross Cattle Company in Claresholm, Alberta, Canada, and are participating in DTN's View From the Range series, where DTN will follow a year at the ranch to give readers an inside look at how the ranch operates and cares for its animals.

This segment of the series looks at pasture and range management and how water is a key factor in grazing each year.

FLEXIBLE GRAZING PLAN IS IMPORTANT

"We have a grazing management plan, but it can be changed as needed and depending on the year," said Austin Cross, who runs the operation with his brother Malcolm. "Stocking rate is dependent on the grass and water will fluctuate. It takes a lot of acres when you run a big cow herd."

The Crosses also run their own yearlings on the ranch, which Austin said is the best grazing tool for them because they take the amount of grass needed to be grazed in a more uniform way. And they can always sell the yearlings if there isn't enough grass on the ranch. "It's always important to do what's right for the farm and not overgraze any piece," he added.

The plan is to keep it simple and can be changed as needed to continue the goal of being sustainable for the future, which Austin can see more clearly since the birth of his first child, a son, just a few weeks ago.

The native grasses are hearty, especially the rough fescue, which grows easily and has deep roots. Native prairie grasses with roots as deep as 15 feet give the land a natural advantage during drought by accessing moisture far below the surface.

The native grasses have a lower protein content, but Austin said the cows can survive on that and have few problems. In the summer months, they provided calves with creep feed to ease up the needs from the cow, which is especially important during drought.

Rotational grazing is important, but they also like to keep cows in large groups to graze more evenly and not be moving cows as frequently. However, if a good water source isn't available or the water is only enough for a smaller number, Austin said they will sort according to availability of grass and water.

WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR COW HERD

The spring-fed water systems are essential for the ranch. The gravity-fed springs funnel water into tire troughs. A set up that is simple and effective, even when it is very cold.

"The springs are the bread and butter of the place," Austin said. "You can go without grass for a while, but you need water. That's the difference between making it and not. Water is the largest deciding factor on how long our cows will run in a pasture, the stocking rate and the length of time on the piece."

MANAGEMENT KEEPS PRAIRIE HEALTHY

Few trees are found on the prairie. Austin said prescribed burns can be used to help control trees and invasive weeds, but that is only done about every 10 years. "Trees hold water and we need that water for the grass and the cows, so we don't see many trees across the big prairie," he added.

Weeds aren't a major problem, but they do spot spray any that become competition for grass. Larkspur is the one weed they must be aware of with grazing as it produces an alkaloid, which can be toxic to cattle. Knowing the plant's presence in a field is important to prevent losing cattle.

Overall, the Crosses are fortunate because they have a large number of acres to graze their herd. Austin said that helps keep production costs down also. "We can graze a cow for about $0.25 per day, where it would cost $4 per day in a feedlot setting," he said. Being able to stockpile grass will also help them when drought is present. August is typically a dry month in their area of Alberta, but timely rains have helped provide continued grass for their cows and have refueled the water going into fall.

Editor's Note: To see previous stories in this series, go to: "Alberta's Cross Family Will Offer Canadian View From the Range for DTN," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"From Calgary Stampede Co-Founder to Modern Ranch: Inside Cross Cattle Company's 140-Year Angus Legacy," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"Alberta Ranch Builds Herd to Thrive in Rugged Terrain," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"Wintery Spring Storms Test Alberta Ranchers During Calving Season," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"Alberta Ranchers Rely on 40-Year Seedstock Partnership," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"Alberta Ranchers Balance Homegrown Hay and Purchased Feed to Stretch Grazing Season," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

"Alberta Ranch Focuses on Cattle Health to Preserve Genetics," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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