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 […] Read more
Tag Archives Forages
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 […] 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 […] 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 […] 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. […] 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 […] 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 […] 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 […] 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 […] 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 […] Read more