hay field

How can hay compete with corn, soy and wheat?

Applying more intensive management, especially fertilizer, can bump hay yields

There is significant potential to increase yields on Ontario’s hay fields by implementing strategies commonly used growing crops like corn and soybeans. Why it matters: The Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operator is looking to increase the amount of acres of high quality hay, especially timothy, grown in the province and in order to increase hay […] Read more

Fritz Trauttmansdorff, chair of the Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative says the co-op continues to sign up members to build its own large double compactor for export hay.

Hay co-op using existing compactor this year to hit export markets

Ontario-grown hay – both pure alfalfa and pure timothy – will make its way by container ship to the Middle East this summer, through the efforts of the Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative Ltd. That assurance was given by the organization’s chair, Fritz Trauttmansdorff, during a first-ever production information meeting recently in Mount Forest. Why […] Read more

(Photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Manitoba forages fight past winterkill, pest issues

CNS Canada — The first hay cut is well underway in several parts of Manitoba as favourable weather conditions set the stage for what could be a decent forage season. “Generally speaking they’re (forages) all doing well,” said Pamela Iwanchysko, farm production extension specialist with the provincial government in Dauphin. “The rains were timely.” What […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

High-quality forages tougher to find this year

CNS Canada — There seems to be no shortage of forages in Western Canada this year, as wet weather has allowed grasses to keep progressing at a steady rate. Finding high-quality hay could be the challenge, however, according to crop watchers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “It’s been tough for guys to put four to five […] Read more

(WeatherFarm.com)

Rain causes extreme haying delays

CNS Canada –– Excessive rain and high humidity over the past few weeks are causing major problems for haying operations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “We should be well underway in our progress and I think we are far behind right now,” said Leanna Rousell, executive director of the Saskatchewan Forage Council. The majority of Saskatchewan […] Read more


(Deborah Samac photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Roundup Ready alfalfa primed for launch in East

The company with Roundup Ready alfalfa on its launchpad plans a limited rollout of commercial seed into Canada’s six eastern provinces this spring. In a move likely to face opposition from several farm groups across the country, Forage Genetics International (FGI) on Tuesday announced plans for a limited release of commercial HarvXtra alfalfa “in time for […] Read more