Together we stand -- for ranchers in western Canada, that's what the Pasture Rejuvenation Month initiative is all about.

For the second year in a row, the month of March will see both industry and government grass production experts working together in a joint effort to help cattle producers get the most out of their operations during tough economic times.

"Through collective will and resources, last year's Pasture Rejuvenation Month program was a tremendous success," says Arnold Mattson, Rural Development Officer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. "I was inspired by the efforts of everyone working together in support of the program for the best interest of the forage livestock industry."

Pasture Rejuvenation Month, which made its debut last March in Alberta, helped cattle producers learn that proactive management practices can substantially increase grass production and make a contribution to their
bottom line. The success of the program has encouraged its growth in 2005 to include Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia.

According to Mattson, there are three important strategies producers need to consider when protecting pasture health: Don't overstock grazing land; manage grass for the worst-case scenario; and make on-going learning about grazing management and grazing plans a priority.

"It is important for the Canadian cattle industry to join together as one team for the same goal; the sustainability of the Canadian cattle industry," says Barry Gibbs, Range and Pasture Specialist, Dow AgroSciences.

"And that is precisely the goal of Pasture Rejuvenation Month. By maximizing pasture production, producers are able to produce more beef more efficiently and efficiency is a critical element for producers facing the
portfolio of adversity in today's cattle industry."

Industry and government grass production experts will be providing information to trade publications, weekly newspapers and radio stations across western Canada during the month of March. Advice and recommendations will also be published in RPM -- Range and Pasture Management magazine.