Dairy farmers who put digestibility at the top of their corn hybrid decision-making process should see more profit over those who look solely at yield. Mike Miller, a researcher at the W.H. Miner Institute in New York, says that a multi-year study that looked at the economics of emphasizing digestibility in hybrid decisions, shows that […] Read more
Tag Archives Forages — page 5
Putting value on the effect of undigestible forage fibre
Using highly digestible fibre corn hybrids usually makes financial sense, says researcher
Switchgrass can replace straw in dairy rations
However, researchers caution against feeding too much to lactating cows or milk production could drop
Switchgrass has potential as both dairy cow bedding and feed – especially for dry cows. One of its benefits is that it is low in potassium relative to the more commonly used wheat straw. High potassium levels can cause problems for dairy cattle, especially if they are calving during a dry season. Gail Carpenter, a […] Read more
Switchgrass breeding makes progress in Ontario
Progress has been made on dormancy, speed of establishment and lodging
Switchgrass breeders have been working patiently for almost 30 years to improve the varieties available for growing in Canada, and they think they are at the point where they believe they have commercial quality varieties. Why it matters: Bioeconomy crops have to be able to compete with other field crops both agronomically and in profitability. […] Read more
Winter wheat harvest two weeks behind, soybean aphids in small numbers
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of July 22
Winter wheat harvest Harvest has been slow to start in the province, lagging 7-14 days behind last year. Early yield and quality reports have been decent given the late planting date and challenging spring, but more acres will need to be harvested before any generalizations can be made. In fields were there are concerns of […] Read more
Hay and forage co-op seeks more producers before expanding handling facilities
The goal is to build a hay double-compressor in southern Ontario to serve export markets
The Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative is part way to attracting enough members to build a new double compacting facility to drive exports, but more committed hay producers are needed. The proposed project is currently planned to handle 100,000 tonnes annually in a 20,000 sq. ft. building with a double compaction press and be located […] Read more
Genetically modified alfalfas find their place
Feed quality, harvest window and seed establishment are benefits
Glyphosate-resistant alfalfa is being planted across about 10,000 acres in Ontario, giving farmers the option to better establish and clean up alfalfa fields, while preserving the valuable legume. HarvXtra alfalfa with Roundup Ready technology, a newer alfalfa found in the eastern Canadian market, also provides low lignin content for improved digestibility along with the Roundup […] Read more
Cattle turnout timing a balance of forage growth, nutrition
Maintaining top feed quality should be the goal of any pasture system
Producers anxious to turn cattle out onto pasture after the long winter months could sacrifice pasture yield later in the summer if the cattle are turned out too quickly. Why it matters: Turning cattle out to pastures too early or too late has consequences on the cattle’s health, the forage quality and quantity. Tim Prior […] Read more
Getting the grass-fed dairy details right
Harriston-area dairy farmer focuses on pasture and grass forages and feeds no grain
Martin Pronk showed a slide of a cow that had been milking for over 700 days, and suggested to an audience at the recent Guelph Organic Conference that his lack of concern about either getting that cow pregnant or sent away for slaughter is what sets him apart from most fellow dairy farmers. But in […] Read more
Drought’s effects linger on Prairies
CNS Canada — After a dry growing season last year in Western Canada, effects of the drought are still evident with news that most livestock producers won’t be doing a second cut of hay. “Pastures and hay fields didn’t get the moisture that they needed to really recharge over that winter period and get a […] Read more
Hay shortage could make for difficult winter
CNS Canada — Many cattle producers looking for local feed this winter might have a difficult time, according to a Saskatchewan provincial forage specialist. However, producers further north in the grey and black soil zones, and those in Alberta producing high-quality feed for export, saw near-record hay production. Terry Kowalchuk of Saskatchewan Agriculture in Regina […] Read more
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