Forage Exports Through Churchill Studied

Anew study currently underway into exporting Manitoba forage crops through the Port of Churchill may find sales opportunities somewhat mixed. New overseas markets do exist for locally grown forages. And shipping through Hudson Bay is shorter and cheaper than via Vancouver or the St. Lawrence. But, as always, Churchill has limits as an ocean port

New Forage Group Hopes To Raise Industry Profile

Like Rodney Dangerfield, Canada’s forage producers sometimes feel they get no respect. Despite having the biggest farming sector in the country, forage producers say others in the agri-food industry either take them for granted or largely ignore them. “We have the largest agricultural acreage but no voice,” lamented Ed Shaw, chair of the Canadian Forage


Producers Urged To Test Nutritional Quality Of Forage

Feed testing will be especially important this year as the quality of weather-damaged or mature forage may not be adequate to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock. “With the amount of hay that has been cut late and is over-mature, or has been cut at the right time, turned twice, sat in the swath or

Forage Council Seeks Funding For Industry Strategy

“We are going to need a reliable source of funding.” – WAYNE DIGBY, MFC The Manitoba Forage Council is requesting government assistance to implement an ambitious strategy for developing the province’s forage and grassland industry. The MFC is negotiating with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives for an annual grant to fund research, extension services

Pioneer Forage Inoculant Receives Approval

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, has received temporary registration for Sila-Bac brand 11GFT forage inoculant. The company says this product offers livestock producers an additional avenue to enhance the nutritional quality of silage for reduced feed cost. “The fibre technology platform was launched in 2008 with 11CFT developed for corn silage. We now have expanded


Harvest Alfalfa At Right Time

Alfalfa is an important forage for dairy cows because it provides fibre that effectively stimulates chewing while providing energy and protein for milk production. That means it needs to be harvested at the right time, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist J. W. Schroeder. Recent warm weather and adequate moisture have

Many Factors Affect Alfalfa Harvest Decisions

This year’s alfalfa hay harvest could be the earliest in years, according to J. W. Schroeder, North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist. Seeding surveys indicate that, unlike in the last five to six years, crops and forages are ahead of schedule this year. “Naturally, the weather in the next few days could change

National Voice For Forage And Grasslands Formed

Pr o v i n c i a l forage and grassland organizations have come together to form the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association. “We are very pleased to announce the formation of a new national association for our forage and grassland industry,” said Ed Shaw, chair of the newly formed Canadian Forage & Grassland


Moo-Re Fibre Please, Say Cows

“Our concern is that in dairy rations, we have been feeding things that are too rich.” – DAN UNDERSANDER Everyone talks about the benefits of sowing alfalfa to boost pasture yields. But what about the upside to putting grass in a cow’s rumen? According to Dan Undersander, a forage agronomist from the University of Wisconsin,

Cool Summer Dampens Honey Outlook

The cool weather so far this summer could deliver a double hit to Manitoba‘s honey producers. Besides depressing honey yields, it could also weaken bee populations going into the winter. That would be the last thing Manitoba beekeepers need after experiencing record honeybee losses in 2008-09. “There is a lot of concern unless we get