Resources

There’s a lot of information out there, and a lot of resources that could benefit your forage operation. The BCFC aims to help connect our members together, and allow them to easily access available tools and resources.

This page is constantly being revised and edited, so check back regularly. Have suggestions? Let us know!

Pasture Rejuvenation Research Project – Resources

2019 Frost Seeding Workshop

Julie Robinson of the Peace River Forage Association of BC and Bill Wilson of Forage Friendly Enterprises Ltd gave a presentation and demonstration on frost seeding pasture. The event took place at Rick Tegart’s ranch in Radium Hot Springs where he will be frost seeding up to 10 acres this season to rejuvenate pasture.

Acknowledgements:

Partnership event with the Peace River Forage Association, Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors and Windermere & District Farmers Institute. This workshop is part of the BC Forage Council Project “Demonstrating Innovative Pasture Rejuvenation Practice in Kootenay and Boundary Regions.”

Grazing Response Index Pocket Book

Introducing the Grazing Response Index (GRI) Pocket Book: A Practical Field Guide for Sustainable Grazing Management

The BC Forage Council, with generous funding support from Farmers for Climate Solutions and the On Farm Climate Actions Fund, has developed this comprehensive yet practical pocket guide to help livestock producers optimize their grazing management practices. The GRI Pocket Book puts science-based monitoring tools directly into the hands of producers, enabling them to make informed, real-time decisions that improve both pasture health and livestock productivity.

This user-friendly field guide centers on the Grazing Response Index methodology, which evaluates three critical factors affecting plant health: frequency (how often plants are grazed), intensity (how much leaf area is removed), and opportunity for regrowth (the quality and duration of rest periods). Unlike traditional monitoring methods that require external expertise or delayed reporting, the GRI system provides immediate, actionable feedback that allows producers to identify specific areas for improvement and make timely adjustments before long-term damage occurs.

The pocket book includes everything needed for on-farm implementation: step-by-step assessment instructions, scoring worksheets, tracking charts for year-to-year comparisons, and practical management recommendations. Originally developed for native rangelands, the GRI has been adapted for use on tame forages, making it applicable across diverse Canadian grazing operations. The guide also connects producers to additional resources, including information about the On-Farm Climate Action Fund’s cost-share programs for grazing infrastructure improvements and BC’s network of grazing mentors.

Availability: The GRI Pocket Book will be available for purchase on our website starting in September 2025 for non-BC Forage Council members, while BC Forage Council members receive complimentary access as part of their membership benefits.

In June, BC Forage Council staff had the opportunity to connect with several of our dedicated Grazing Mentors for an invaluable in-person training session. This hands-on event was designed to introduce and test drive our newly developed resource: the Grazing Response Index (GRI) pocket book, a practical monitoring tool that promises to revolutionize how producers assess and manage their grazing operations. 

Thanks to support from the On Farm Climate Action Funding Program and Farmers for Climate Solutions, we’re able to ensure our Grazing Mentors stay at the forefront of advanced rotational grazing practices and have access to the latest research-based tools. This investment in mentor training directly translates to better support for producers across British Columbia, as our mentors take these resources and knowledge directly to farms and ranches throughout the province.

The GRI pocket book represents a significant step forward in grazing management, offering producers a simple yet scientifically sound method to evaluate how their current grazing practices affect plant health. By assessing three critical factors – frequency of grazing, intensity of defoliation, and opportunity for regrowth – producers can make timely adjustments. Unlike traditional monitoring methods that may require external expertise, the GRI puts assessment power directly in the hands of those making daily management decisions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Greg Tegart for his expertise and assistance in developing these valuable resources, and to our committed Grazing Mentors who enthusiastically trialed and provided feedback on the pocket book. Their dedication to continuous learning and improvement ensures that BC producers have access to the best possible guidance for sustainable grazing management. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on these resources and work through them firsthand – check out our upcoming summer pasture walks where you can learn more about the Grazing Response Index and see how it can benefit your operation!