Latest Forages Stories - Alberta Farmer Express

Six limiting factors in your soil that will make or break your operation

Without these six key ingredients, your soil — and your farm — could be in trouble

By Jennifer Blair September 26, 2016

Farms and grazing operations — organic or otherwise — are only as good as their worst resource, according to Oregon-based grazier Abe Collins. “Soil is our primary infrastructure on the farm,” said Collins, who spoke at the recent Organic Alberta conference. “Biologically, chemically, and physically, you need to be looking at the limiting factors in[...]
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Forages, News

Know a leader in the forage and grassland sector?

By Canadian Forage, Grassland Association August 24, 2016

Reading Time: < 1 minute Nominations for the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association Leadership Award are now open. This award recognizes individuals — as well as groups or organizations — who exemplify or enhance the goals of the association, and whose leadership in the forage and grassland sector has impact of national and/or international significance. The recipient will be invited to make a[...]
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Haystack on winter Field in Alberta Canada

Hay, News

Don’t spoil your hay — store it properly

Forage expert offers tips for reducing spoilage, and makes a pitch for having a hay shed

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry August 22, 2016

Reading Time: 2 minutes While hay quality varies across the province, how to store that hay for the best results doesn’t. “We’ve got a mixed bag this year,” said provincial beef and forage specialist Barry Yaremcio. “Some people cut their hay early, got caught with the rains and had it discolour before it even got into the bales. Others[...]
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Provincial forage and beef specialist Karin Lindquist (left) and Kaitlin McLachlan, extension co-ordinator with Peace Country Beef and Forage Association, examine some roots during a pasture walk near  Fourth Creek.

Forages, Livestock

New non-bloating legume can power up your pastures

After years of development, a new and improved  sainfoin variety is being field tested across the province

By Alexis Kienlen August 19, 2016

Reading Time: 2 minutes High-legume pastures can be profitable and productive, but many cattle producers are scared to use them because of the risk of bloat. That’s why Alberta Agriculture and Forestry along with the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta have teamed up to do sainfoin trials across the province. “Sainfoin is a non-bloating legume,” provincial beef[...]
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Forages, Livestock

Grazing cattle on legumes offers unique benefits

By Alexis Kienlen August 19, 2016

Reading Time: 2 minutes There is a risk of bloat from grazing high-legume pastures, but it can be done with planning and attention. “I’ve heard it said that there has been more money lost due to fear of bloat than has ever been lost due to bloat itself,” said Ian Murray, an Acme rancher and chair of the Agricultural[...]
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Field of ripening intermediate wheatgrass at The Land Institute’s research farm in Salina, Kansas on July 30, 2008.

Cereals, Crops, Forages

Perennial grain: It’s two — yes, two — crops in one

It’s been a decades’  long search, but researchers believe the finish line is in sight for a crop that can be both grazed and then harvested for its grain

By Aaron Haugen August 3, 2016

Reading Time: 4 minutes As concerns grow over sustainability in modern farming, researchers are looking to the past in search of crops that can both meet the needs of farmers and consumers as well as the environment. Thinopyrum intermedium — commonly known as intermediate wheatgrass — is one of the fruits of that research. It’s been nearly three decades[...]
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Western Canadian farmers are having to dodge severe thunderstorms and flooding to get into their fields this summer. Getting hay in, like in this field north of Turner Valley, is proving difficult, as pastures are either too wet, or crops have been damaged by heavy rain and hail.

Hay, News

If the rain won’t go away, you still have options when haying

Making haylage is a good option, but there are several things to keep in mind, says crop specialist

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry July 29, 2016

Reading Time: 3 minutes What do you do when the weather conspires against you and hay refuses to dry? “You start looking for alternatives,” said provincial crop specialist Harry Brook. “A number of alternatives is available to consider when hay will not dry down to the 16 per cent moisture level that’s considered suitable for long-term storage.” One form[...]
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There is a long list of potential hazards when baling, transporting,  and stacking hay.

Hay, News

For safety’s sake, read this list and check it twice

Haying often means rushing to beat the weather, and that ups the danger, says farm safety expert

By Alberta Agriculture and Forestry July 18, 2016

Reading Time: 2 minutes Baling season is once again in full swing. Many producers equate baling with hot summer days and a rush to beat the weather. While getting hay baled and off the field is a top priority, doing the job safely should take precedence. “To increase the safety of baling procedures while ensuring the job gets done,[...]
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Crops, Forages, Weather

Rain causes extreme haying delays

By Erin Debooy July 13, 2016

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[...]
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Forages, Livestock

Get to know your pasture, says forage and beef expert

Identify all the species, consider what works or can be utilized, encourage biodiversity,  and keep litter at optimal levels

By Alexis Kienlen July 13, 2016

Reading Time: 3 minutes When you manage your plants properly, you’ll have healthier soil and animals. This was the main message from provincial forage and beef specialist Karin Lindquist for attendees at the recent Grazing School for Women. “To manage your plants, you need to know what plants you have,” said Lindquist. So get a good camera and some[...]
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Forages

Six limiting factors in your soil that will make or break your operation

Know a leader in the forage and grassland sector?

Don’t spoil your hay — store it properly

New non-bloating legume can power up your pastures

Grazing cattle on legumes offers unique benefits

Perennial grain: It’s two — yes, two — crops in one

If the rain won’t go away, you still have options when haying

For safety’s sake, read this list and check it twice

Rain causes extreme haying delays

Get to know your pasture, says forage and beef expert

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