Researchers with the Department of Animal Science at the University of Manitoba have taken a closer look at the current productivity of agricultural Crown lands (ACL) in Manitoba for grazing. The new research has determined that unclaimed productivity within these areas can be economically valuable to producers, thereby supporting the strategies and goals outlined in the Manitoba Protein Advantage strategy. Animal Science researchers at the University of Manitoba led by Bryan Encabo and Marcos Cordeiro have recently completed a unique project that for the first time in Manitoba utilized digital datasets derived from satellite images. These datasets were used to estimate forage yields and more effectively calculate carrying capacity and stocking rates of agricultural Crown lands in Manitoba. Other analyses enabled by these datasets and planned for future research include assessments of carbon stocks and biodiversity in grasslands, which highlight the role on the beef industry in promoting these ecosystems services across these landscapes in Manitoba.
