Reading Time: 2 minutes Traditionally, forage stands are terminated in the fall so a good seedbed can be established and the sod root system has some time to decompose. However, hay stands can also be terminated in the spring. Producers just need to be aware of a number of factors that can impact success. “Spring termination of hay land […] Read more
Forage stands can be terminated in spring — if done right
Herbicide timing is key, and soil moisture and fertility must also be evaluated
They’re nasty little critters — and alfalfa weevils are on the move
Previously deemed a southern Alberta problem, alfalfa weevils have been spotted as far north as Stettler and Provost
Reading Time: 2 minutes Well, it turns out alfalfa weevils can’t read road signs. “We thought it was a southern Alberta problem that doesn’t go beyond Highway 1 — most weevils don’t like it beyond Highway 1 — but lo and behold, we found it all the way through Stettler and Provost,” said Shelley Barkley, insect research technologist with […] Read more
Prairie forage crops to benefit from early spring weather
CNS Canada — Forage crops in Western Canada are in a much better place this spring compared to a year ago, as spring’s early arrival will benefit crop development. The milder winter was also beneficial in preserving forage supplies, with feed stocks adequate to good in many regions, said Terry Kowalchuk, a provincial forage specialist […] Read more
Forage growers, get your seed lined up soon
Alberta forage growers can expect limited seed supplies and high prices for almost all forage types this upcoming spring
Reading Time: 2 minutes Bad news for forage growers: Seed is in short supply and prices are “through the roof” heading into spring. “The prices reflect the supply,” said Heather Kerschbaumer of Golden Acre Seeds in Fairview. “We’re advising anybody who’s planning on doing any reseeding to go to your seed supplier and get your orders in early.” Forage […] Read more
Forage seed industry wants Western Canada to be a GM alfalfa-free zone
Seed growers say keeping GM alfalfa out of Western Canada would save current export markets and open the door to additional sales
Reading Time: 3 minutes Alfalfa seed growers in Alberta could stand to gain a huge market advantage over their neighbours to the south — if the industry can keep GM alfalfa out of Western Canada. “We’ve got access to potential market gains by picking up markets that are possibly going to be lost in the States,” said Heather Kerschbaumer, […] Read more
Alfalfa seed: a growing industry
Reading Time: < 1 minute It’s a good time to be an alfalfa seed grower, says the president of the Alfalfa Seed Commission. “It’s been a fantastic industry to be in the last few years, with tremendous growth,” said Darren Nikkel, an Enchant-area seed grower who spoke at the Alberta Forage Industry Network AGM in mid-March. After hitting a low […] Read more
Poor hay causing concern
Reading Time: < 1 minute Up to one-half of Alberta hay supplies may be of lower quality, says a provincial beef and forage specialist. “Protein levels in a lot of hay that was cut late or damaged by rain over the summer, is testing 25 to 30 per cent lower than normal,” said Barry Yaremcio, noting that skinny cows have […] Read more
Expert says it’s a good time to reseed forage stands
There are several reasons for rejuvenating forage stands this year, but limited seed supplies are a reason to move quickly
Reading Time: 2 minutes This year may be a good time to look at reseeding forage stands. “Because of tough financial times, we’ve been allowing some of our forage stands to just go from year to year,” said Grant Lastiwka, a forage and livestock business specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “In addition, many forage stands that were […] Read more
Ducks Unlimited offers forage incentive plan
Reading Time: < 1 minute Ducks Unlimited Canada and Crop Production Services Canada is offering an incentive to producers willing to commit to keeping land in perennial cover for 10 years and not to drain wetlands. The forage incentive program underwrites seed costs of $100 per 50-pound bag, which is estimated to cover approximately 40 to 50 per cent of […] Read more
Ont. expands rain gauge options for forage insurance
Ontario farmers buying production insurance for forage crops this year can use data from up to three rainfall reporting stations in their coverage. Agricorp, which manages Ontario’s provincial farm programs and production insurance, said Thursday its move will allow forage growers enrolled in the forage rainfall plan to choose stations closer to the spots where […] Read more
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