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 […] Read more
Don’t spoil your hay — store it properly
Forage expert offers tips for reducing spoilage, and makes a pitch for having a hay shed
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
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 […] Read more
Grazing cattle on legumes offers unique benefits
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 […] Read more
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
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 […] Read more
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
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 […] Read more
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
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, […] Read more
Rain causes extreme haying delays
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 […] Read more
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
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 […] Read more
Canada thistle: Meet your worst nightmare
Every rancher hates this hard-to-control weed, but stem mining weevils just eat them up (from the inside)
Reading Time: 3 minutes Every year, Canada thistle takes a big bite out of the productivity of Alberta forage and grasslands. But an increasing number of producers is biting back — in a wholly natural way. In late August, the West-Central Forage Association will once again import hundreds of cartons of little black bugs from an insectary in Montana. […] Read more
How to establish a fair price for standing hay
Buyers should pay by the ton, not the acre, and there should be 10 to 30 per cent allowance for weather risk
Reading Time: 2 minutes Determining a fair price for standing hay isn’t an exact science, says a provincial farm business management specialist. “Hay prices are difficult to establish as they are affected by a combination of factors such as spring inventory carry-over, pasture conditions, feed competitors, cutting date, quality, yield, and location,” said Dean Dyck. “As we saw in […] Read more
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