VIDEO: Kubota mowers offer versatility in the field

VIDEO: Kubota mowers offer versatility in the field

At the mower demonstrations at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show this past summer, Kubota equipped one of its tractors with a pair of mowers to show attendees how well its equipment cuts down forage crops in the field. Here, Travis Grubb, field product specialist, talks about Kubota’s entry at the demonstration and what features stand out […] Read more

Dr. Dan Undersander, middle, is the 2023 winner of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association Leadership Award. He is joined by Cedric MacLeod, executive director of CFGA, left and Eric Boot, right, chair, international exporters of CFGA.
 Photo: Catherine Brown

Forage association presents 2023 Leadership Award

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) presented its Leadership Award at its 14th Annual Conference on Nov. 29, in Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia, to Dr. Dan Undersander of Wisconsin – the first non-Canadian to win this award. As well as being the keynote speaker at the conference, Undersander has worked as a forage […] Read more

Some growers prefer to keep their cover crop options simple, such as red clover or oats, as pictured above.

Space for every type of grower

Cover crop adoption is increasing, but data is needed to confirm anecdotal evidence about the practice

Promotion of cover crops, be it a single- or multi-species blend, isn’t always an easy sell but the latest statistics from various sources on cropping practices show intriguing trends. The 2021 agricultural census showed that more Ontario farmers are using cover crops. What the numbers don’t show are total acres, as well as acres involving […] Read more

Feed the crop that feeds the livestock!

Feed the crop that feeds the livestock!

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week ending September 4

For forage producers, the production year starts in the fall. What farmers do from mid-August to the end of the growing season impacts this winter’s feed inventory and next year’s forage yield potential. Forage crops have the highest crop nutrient removal values of any field crop grown in Ontario. Harvesting the whole crop while it […] Read more

DLF sowing the seeds of increased alfalfa breeding with Corteva aquisition

DLF sowing the seeds of increased alfalfa breeding with Corteva aquisition

DLF has acquired Corteva Agriscience’s alfalfa breeding program, effective Sept. 1.  “We have consistently aimed to establish a strong presence in alfalfa across all our global markets, including North America,” said Soren Halbye, group CEO of DLF, in a release. “Acquiring a renowned alfalfa research program presents a rare opportunity for DLF to significantly enhance […] Read more


Aric Wilson of Leading Edge Equipment, left, discusses the Finnish-made, front-mounted Agronic rake during the recent Ontario Forage Expo near Paisley.

European innovators aim for North American rake market

Speed of operation a key selling point for new models

Large fields and gentle terrain are the norm in forage-producing areas of North America, but some European companies aim to have their forage equipment – developed with the typical European farmer in mind – adapted for widespread use on this side of the Atlantic. Two companies in particular hope to promote the time savings their […] Read more

A new study shows how cow-calf producers can assess their cows without relying on feed-use efficiency, which is a typical measurement.

Research identifies cow efficiency

Study finds gain-to-feed ratio not the best measurement for cows; ability to maintain condition and calve more important

Glacier FarmMedia – Forage-efficient beef cows maintain their back fat during winter, calve earlier in the calving season and wean heavier calves relative to their own weight, according to a University of Saskatchewan study. Dr. Greg Penner said the study shows how cow-calf producers can assess their cows without relying on feed-use efficiency, which is […] Read more

Following an earlier-than-planned indoor lunch on July 6 near Paisley, 2023 Forage Expo attendees stepped into a brief period of very light rain to watch demos of hay-cutting — including by this three-sectioned, front-and-rear mounted disc mower from Polish manufacturer Samasz.

Rain disrupts annual Forage Expo and hay harvest

Attendees enjoy networking but not all of the planned demos

This year’s Forage Expo, hosted July 6 by Barry Ribey and family near Paisley, was a microcosm of the 2023 Ontario hay season so far. Some high-quality equipment and forage were on display, but precipitation played havoc with attendees’ ability to enjoy it. Leading up to the first week of July, that corner of Bruce […] Read more


Producers should be aware of heat levels and use a thermometer rather than a hay moisture probe to check temperatures. A sweet smell or musty odour are signs that hay should be checked.

Forage fires an increased risk this harvest season

Forage specialist urges producers to be on alert

Hay and forage fires are a significant risk on farms throughout Ontario so prevention strategies are important. Many regions of the province had a particularly dry May, increasing vulnerability to fire. Why it matters: Dry conditions have increased fire risk, particularly for forages. Fires can start when heat builds up in high-moisture material, causing spontaneous […] Read more

Bluegrass (Poa spp.) in a stand of winter wheat.

Province’s major crops, forages faring well

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of June 19

Across much of Ontario major crops and forages are progressing well. Evidence of moisture stress is present on various crops, but some relief came over the period of June 11-14th with scattered rainfall periods. Keeping appraised of incoming rainfall is at the back of everyone’s mind. Be aware of various networks and stations where weather data […] Read more