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Forages

Smoke hangs over a pasture in a dry year. Maintaining perennial systems is critical to avoiding more carbon losses to the atmosphere, says Denis Angers.
Crops, Features, Forages

Perennial forage systems offer environmental, production benefits

More research is needed to better understand the effects of specific management practices in forage production under Canadian conditions

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By optimizing the amount of carbon returned to the soil, forage production can play a major role in carbon sequestration while improving soil quality. Not only does this benefit yield, it has environmental advantages. “Soils contain two to three times more carbon than the vegetation or atmosphere, and that’s why we talk about soil carbon […] Read more
Crops, Forages, Fruit/Vegetables, Weather

Ontario extends fruit, forage insurance premium deadlines

Extension offers 'flexibility,' Agricorp says

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Ontario fruit and forage growers who have production insurance premiums due this month will now have until June 30 to pay, the province said Monday. The extended premium payment deadline applies only to production insurance plans for fruit, strawberries and asparagus — and to the forage rainfall insurance plan, which uses rainfall as an indicator […] Read more
A large portion of feed placed in round bale feeders may be wasted.
Crops, Forages

Six tips to make forage inventory management pay

Small actions can make a big difference when looking ahead to assess the year’s feed requirements

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Back in November, Les Halliday was fielding calls from Maritime cattle producers already short on feed for winter. With difficult weather and loss of land for forage production in Atlantic Canada affecting winter feed supplies for many producers, Halliday, beef specialist with the P.E.I. Department of Agriculture, has seen how accurate forage inventory management can […] Read more
Cereal crops are high in starch which allows them to ferment easily. Almost any crop can be harvested for silage, however, as long as it is harvested at 60 to 70 per cent moisture.
Crops, Forages, Hay

Silage packs a punch when harvested carefully

Protect your investment with these tips on everything from harvest timing to inoculants

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For some producers, silage is a mainstay, but for others who may be new to the process, there is a learning curve. Regardless of experience, there are several variables producers must consider when ensiling a crop. Gains or losses can occur during seeding and feeding silage. However, management during harvest may be pivotal to promote […] Read more
Dr. Annick Bertrand checks on the progress of cross-pollinated alfalfa plants selected for winter hardiness.
Crops, Forages

Creating a cold-tolerant alfalfa

Canadian scientists are pioneering new methods to speed development of more productive, cold-tolerant alfalfa varieties

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Rows and rows of white metal cabinets resembling refrigerators line the basement of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research Centre in Quebec City. In fact, they are plant growth chambers that contain bright grow lights and potted alfalfa plants at different stages of maturity. In another area of the building there is a large […] Read more
Alfalfa bales near Arrowwood, Alta. Christine O’Reilly recommends respecting the fall rest period to ensure the alfalfa crop can regrow quickly the next spring.
Forages, News Roundup

Tips to assess and prevent alfalfa winterkill

Forage: News Roundup from the April 2020 issue of Canadian Cattlemen

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When it comes to assessing and preventing winterkill in alfalfa stands, timing is everything. In a recent Beef Cattle Research Council webinar on winterkill in forage stands, Christine O’Reilly encouraged producers to scout alfalfa fields early and often to get on top of any issues resulting from winterkill. O’Reilly is a forage and grazing specialist […] Read more
Crops, Forages, Weather

Manitoba extends forage insurance survey deadline

Review's face-to-face public meetings cancelled

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Manitoba’s provincial review of its relatively under-subscribed crop insurance offerings for forage growers has extended its deadline for grower comment. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. (MASC) last week announced it has cancelled all in-person public meetings on its forage insurance review, citing the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. But the agency has extended the deadline to take part […] Read more
Crops, Forages, Weather

Manitoba reviewing underused forage insurance plans

About 18 per cent of forage acres insured

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The Manitoba government is taking a look at its Crown crop insurance agency’s relatively under-subscribed offerings to forage growers. The provincial ag department said Tuesday it has launched a review “to better understand the purchasing decisions of Manitoba producers when it comes to forage insurance products” available via Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. (MASC). Over 1,200 […] Read more
Crops, Forages, Hay, Weather

Hay disaster benefit kicks in for Manitoba growers

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Eligible Manitoba forage growers can expect to share in a $5 million hay disaster benefit (HDB) for the 2019 crop year. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp. (MASC), the provincial crop insurance agency, announced Friday that the HDB has been activated and benefit payments to eligible forage producers on about 1,500 claims will begin “shortly.” The HDB, […] Read more

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