5
in the seed mix and the species
present. This could be the
difference between seeding a
productive hayland/crop or seeding
a problem plant — inadvertently
costing more to control than the
bag of seed originally purchased.
Jimsonweed
Jimsonweed, also known as Devil’s
Trumpet, is originally found in the
United States, however, locations
have been confirmed in Westlock,
Barrhead and Leduc. Producers
found the plants in canola crops
during swathing. This plant is
toxic and has effects that have
resulted in fatalities in livestock
and humans who have ingested
the plant. Jimsonweed is a tall plant
that can reach heights of up to 2
metres tall. Its stem is thick and
ranges from red to purple in colour.
Flowers are white to purplish,
5-point trumpet shape, and 7 to
10 centimetres in length with a
distinct sour repulsive smell. Its
seed pod is 2 to 5 centimetres wide,
egg-shaped and spiny. Be cautious
as the seed capsule will explode
expelling the seeds upon maturity.
Do not compost or burn under any
circumstances, as toxins released
by burning plant material may
cause secondary poisoning.
Phragmites
Invasive Phragmites (Phragmites
Australis Australis) is an invasive
plant that can very quickly take over
a riparian area. This plant originates
from Eurasia, and was introduced
to North America as an ornamental
plant and for erosion control
purposes. In 2016, Phragmites
were found in two locations in
Brooks, and has since been found
in other locations. This perennial is
commonly found growing in shallow
water such as wetlands and ditches.
It has alternating leaves that are 25
to 50 centimetres long, large stems,
a feathery seed head, and grows
up to 4 metres tall. As Phragmites
is so similar in appearance to a
native species Phragmites Australis
Australis, a DNA analysis is required
to confirm the species.
Ventenata Grass
Ventenata Grass is a winter
annual that is beginning to replace
perennial grasses and forages
along roadsides and in hay and
rangelands. Though native to the
grasslands of Europe and North
African, it is spreading through
Montana, Washington and Idaho,
and has also been confirmed in the
Metro Vancouver area in British
Columbia. It is stated that most
introductions will be associated with
commercial grass seed. The issue
with North African grass is that it is
highly invasive, causes detrimental
productivity losses, holds little
forage value, and promotes soil
erosion due to its shallow root
system. Contaminated Timothy Hay
may not be acceptable for export
to China. Ventenata Grass is easily
identified from May to June due to
its reddish-black nodes. It also has a
very long ligule that measures 1 to
8 millimetres in length.
Tips for Winter
Feeding Your Cattle
As frosty weather and below 20
temperatures are headed our way,
it can be challenging — making
a list, and checking it twice — to
prepare your ranch for the winter
season. Here are some pointers
recommended from Alberta
Agriculture that can help transition
your animals into a healthy and
happy winter season!
Balance Rations
and Testing Water
As a minimum, test feed for
moisture contents, protein, energy,
calcium and phosphorus. Having
the balance is important as too little
protein and energy will result in low
birth weights or weak calves.
Estimate Feed Intake
Daily food requirements will vary
based on the feed quality, animal
size and age. For example, older
cattle eat more than younger
cattle, and heavily pregnant cows