Yellowquill Prairie Preserve: Grazing Native Prairie with Josh Dillabough & Gordon Beddome

Beef and Forage Roundup

Josh Dillabough is a dedicated natural area manager for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, he’s been with the organization since 2010. When not pursuing efforts to protect critical natural habitat or being coerced into media interviews or podcasts, he endeavours to be a loving husband and dad. Josh is an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys hunting, fishing, paddling and thick rib-eyes hot off the grill.

Gordon Beddome is a cow-calf producer who lives near Shilo, Manitoba. His previous work at the Research Station at Brandon started his interest in the research side of cattle production. Gord has rented and grazed the native pastures at the Yellowquill Prairie Preserve for 25 years and has learned a lot about grazing native range in that time.

In today’s episode, we are talking about the Yellow Quill Prairie Preserve, which is owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The Yellow Quill Prairie Preserve is an intact native mixed prairie grassland. Josh shares some information about what NCC is and what their aim is, as well as the history and significance of this piece of land. Gordon shares information on the grazing history of this land, from his 25 years of experience renting and grazing cattle here. Gordon also shares a bit about his grazing plan, stocking rate, grazing rotation and things he has to keep in mind when grazing native pastures.

We chat about some of the species at risk that call this pasture home and how Gord sets up his rotation to ensure the best care is given to the native plants and wildlife. Along with this, we discuss some of the other challenges that come with this land. Brush encroachment, leafy spurge and areas of bush pasture are all items that can create challenges. Gord shares his experience working with nature, use of prescribed fire and how he has tried to manage these challenges.

To contact Josh call 1-877-231-3552 Ext. 4303

Links mentioned in this episode:

Nature Conservancy of Canada: https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/

Facebook: @Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada

X (Twitter) : @NCC_CNC

LinkedIn: @Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada

Instagram: @ncc_cnc

The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca

Email address: [email protected]

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011