A five-year research project that will work to determine best-practices when it comes to carbon sequestration in perennial forage and pastures has received a $3.2 million grant from the government’s of Canada and Saskatchewan. The project will focus on identifying carbon stocks within forage acres throughout Saskatchewan and then further decipher if certain farming practices positively… Read More
Category: Forage
Ranchers who employ multi-paddock grazing for cattle do so for many reasons, but a new study from the University of Alberta suggests the practice doesn’t significantly improve plant diversity on the land. A research team led by Jessica Grenke, PhD candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences, compared adaptive multi-paddock grazing, called AMP, with other… Read More
As corn and soybean planters roll on in Ontario, first-cut forage is nearing optimum harvest timing. The question many dairy producers will wrestle with in the days ahead is whether to continue planting corn and soys or park the planter and harvest forage. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs forage specialist Christine O’Reilly… Read More
Northstar Seed Ltd., based at Neepawa, Manitoba, has signed a deal to be bought by Germany-based, Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV). Founded in 1982 by a group of alfalfa seed producers, Northstar Seed specializes in the production, marketing, and distribution of forage, turf, cover crops and native grass seed, as well as leafcutter bees and equipment. DSV, a… Read More
Saskatchewan farmers who convert at least 40 acres to perennial forage could qualify for a cash payout through the Marginal Areas Rehabilitation in Saskatchewan (MARS) program. Administered by Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association (SaskSoil), with some support by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), the MARS program will connect producers with an agrologist to help identify problem areas of… Read More
By John McGregor, extension support for Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association Supply shortages have become almost the norm for most of us. From the infamous toilet paper shortage back in 2020 to hay shortages presently, living with and planning for supply disruptions are becoming all too common. On the agricultural side, we read about supply… Read More
Two Manitoba groups have launched an initiative to connect livestock producers and grain producers through the Manitoba Grazing Exchange (MGE). The Manitoba Organic Alliance (MOA) and Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) says the grazing exchange website is designed to make it easier for livestock producers to connect with grain producers who have available grazing pasture or cover crop fields…. Read More
There are an estimated 100 million pounds of hay pledged to the Hay West ’21 initiative waiting for a ride west from the Maritimes, Quebec, and Ontario. The federal minister of agriculture, Marie-Claude Bibeau, on Wednesday (Dec. 15) pledged up to $3 million in support for the program to help cover the cost of hay… Read More
The soil health benefits of growing a forage crop, such as alfalfa, are well documented. Traditionally a staple crop on livestock farms, alfalfa delivers increased biomass, especially in its root structure where the plant boasts a large tap root which contributes to soil health, while reducing compaction. There’s also increased organic matter and water-holding capacity,… Read More
Whether or not you’re farming healthy soils depends on many things, says Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs soil specialist Anne Verhallen. When asked what makes a healthy soil, Verhallen says that growers need to think first about the qualities of their soil, including properties such as soil texture — are you farming… Read More