Ontario now has nine hay dryers like this one so it can service hay export markets with product dried to 12 per cent moisture suitable for container shipping.

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

Timothy hay has been cut in June in time to have soybeans planted for a crop in the same year

The value in a timothy-soybean double-crop rotation

Pure timothy has some demand around the world, but a way to make it profitable had to be found

Proponents of double-cropping soybeans and pure timothy in Ontario have attracted additional interest this fall after they grew some successful plots this year. The Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative reports that in one of its farmer’s trials, timothy planted after 2017 soybeans, yielded 5,500 pounds per acre. Soybeans planted after the timothy was harvested the […] Read more

The RB Series balers have more European-type styling.

Silage baler a first for Massey Ferguson

The baler is especially made to handle the tougher conditions of silage bales

Massey Ferguson has announced its new RB Series Silage Baler, the company’s first ever silage-specific baler. AGCO and Massey Ferguson have designed the new RB Series Balers with a modern look, similar to European style balers with the rounded profile rather than a traditional square design. Another notable design feature that you’ll notice upfront is […] Read more

The 2018 hay crop in Ontario was better than most other parts of the country.

Saudi human rights spat has repercussions for Ontario hay exports

Inquiries and visits from Saudi Arabia look to be drying up for Ontario hay growers

Other export opportunities exist for Ontario-grown forages, but the chair of the Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative (OHFC) admits the trade-related fallout from the federal government’s recent spat with Saudi Arabia dealt a big blow. “We had tons of inquiries for massive amounts of hay from Saudi Arabia before this happened,” Fritz Trauttmansdorff told Farmtario […] Read more

This bale handler helps the Steele family manage a large number of sheep on multiple properties, mostly outdoors.

Made at home inventions can be best — and cheapest

The Steele family manages 2,000 ewes on multiple properties near Norwood, Ont., and it has had to find innovative ways to feed them. The farm uses 850 acres on 15 properties in the area. That means moving feed and animals around. Five greenhouse shelters are on the farm, most dating back 20 years, but they […] Read more




Drought conditions in Canada at June 30, 2018. (Agr.gc.ca)

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


A parade of haybines moves across the field at the Ontario Forage Council’s Forage Expo.

Quality first cut, not a lot of second cut

The Ontario Forage Council’s Forage Expo gave farmers a chance to check out almost 40 pieces of equipment

Ontario’s hay crop has both benefited from and been challenged by the weather extremes this summer. Early in the season the extended spring rains resulted in good first cut growth, and then some clear weather around maturity meant more dry hay harvested in much of the province than has been possible for several years. Why […] Read more

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Prairie hay crops look thin in many areas

CNS Canada — Many farmers taking off their first hay cuts are also gathering more talking points to grumble over at coffee row. While many producers are still working to get the first cut done and the situation could change with the second cut, many regions are already reporting below-average yields. “In areas of the […] Read more