(GFM file photo)

CFA’s Hay West program up and running

Program website now online

A revival of the “Hay West” initiative, aimed at shipping feed from Eastern Canada to supplement drought-dented supplies in the West, has gone live. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture on Friday announced its Hay West 2021 initiative is “now operational and seeking applicants to both receive and supply hay.” Applicants interested in either supplying or

(MDS.mennonite.net)

Ontario MDS volunteers already moving hay west

Disaster response group spearheading program separate from CFA plan

It’s in the spirit of co-operation in difficult times that a group of Ontario farmers have launched a hay donation program to assist their Saskatchewan counterparts. Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada, a volunteer organization that provides assistance in the aftermath of disasters in Canada and the U.S., is organizing the latest iteration of Hay West


Harvest completion at 65 per cent, pastures improve to support grazing

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for September 14

Southwest Region Cooler, cloudy weather dominated this past week, with heavy showers falling along the border Monday afternoon. Recent weather has been conducive to harvest, with moderate daytime highs, coupled with light winds and cool nights for grain aeration. Good weather throughout the week allowed producers to accelerate harvest activities. Minor showers were reported on

A field tour participant examines the wider corn rows and multi-species intercrop that will provide extended grazing for MBFI’s herd later this year.

Tweaking the recipe for higher-quality, lower-labour corn grazing

Intercropping could reduce grain overload and need for supplemental hay

An intercropped corn-grazing trial at the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative (MBFI) is hoping to improve on an already cost-effective way to winter cattle. Organizers say there’s still some work to do, but the demonstration research farm north of Brandon added yet another year of data to their ongoing study mixing corn grazing with a mixed-species forage intercrop. Researchers


AAFC’s Drought Monitor map as of Aug. 31, 2021.

Drought maps show little change at end of August

MarketsFarm — Much of Western Canada remained in some state of drought at the end of August despite widespread rains late in the month, according to updated maps compiled by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The area mapped out as dealing with ‘exceptional drought’ in south-central Manitoba’s agricultural regions contracted slightly compared to the previous month

nancy howatt

Double-benefit feed auction held at Killarney

Charity feed auction garnered ‘heartwarming’ support ahead of sale

In another year, Nancy Howatt of Manitou would have been picking out a steer to donate and bring to the ring at the Killarney Auction Mart. It’s become something of an annual tradition for the producer, with the proceeds going to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. This year, however, is different. This year, there was crisis


(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Klassen: Optimistic fed cattle outlook supports feeder market

Compared to last week, western Canadian feeder cattle markets traded $2-$4 higher. Strong demand was noted on yearlings, which spilt over into the lighter weight categories. Major feedlot operators in Alberta set the price structure, with aggressive orders flowing across the Prairies. Some operators have been holding back on purchases due to higher prices; however,

Recent rain slows cattle rush at Manitoba auction markets

Recent rain slows cattle rush at Manitoba auction markets

Feeder cattle and calves show price strength

Recent rains in Manitoba have greened up pastures and in turn slowed down the number of cattle headed to market, said Kirk Kiesman, manager at Ashern Auction Mart. In light of the severe drought on the Prairies, and especially in the Interlake region of Manitoba, the Ashern market organized a number of auctions this summer.


“We’re still a long way from being out of what might be considered a drought.” – John McGregor.

Rain offers slight reprieve for forages, later crops

Now is a good time to think about rejuvenating forages or to plan around damaged pastures for next year: experts

Late-August rains should boost soybean pod fill and raise hopes for late-season forage, say crop experts. “It’s going to have some very positive effects,” said John McGregor, extension specialist with the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA). “The guys are talking about seeing their pastures greening up a bit,” he added. Between August 16 and

Harvest 35 per cent complete, recent rains spur growth in hay, pasturelands

Manitoba Crop Report and Crop Weather report for August 31

Southwest Region Unsettled weather the previous week stopped harvest across the region; rainfall amounts ranged from 2 to 28 mm. Precipitation is welcome for pasture regrowth for fall grazing, and possibly some later-maturing corn, soybeans, and corn silage, but too late for most annual crops, greenfeed, and this year’s hay crops. Rains are welcome for