BIG SKY, Mont. — Climate change could lead to diminishing protein in feed for livestock, says an American ecologist who studies animal diets and grasslands. In fact, he said the protein content in grass and forage has already dropped and the slow decline has escaped major attention. Joseph Craine, co-founder of Jonah Ventures and former […] Read more
Tag Archives forage
Native forages a valuable pasture resource
Simple mix (7 species):
The resilience, longevity and adaptability of native forages make them an important grazing resource for prairie cattle producers. Even so, the value of native versus tame forages can generate controversy, says Agriculture Canada grazing management specialist Alan Iwaasa. It’s a controversy he avoids, but he has focused his research on letting Mother Nature do much […] Read more
Alberta county asks farmers to keep GM alfalfa out
A county in Alberta’s Peace River region is asking farmers not to plant genetically modified alfalfa. The matter is moot right now because Roundup Ready alfalfa is not available to growers in Western Canada. However, HarvXtra, a GM variety with stacked Roundup Ready and low lignin traits, was offered on a limited basis in Eastern […] Read more
Beef, forage research receives Sask. funding
The Saskatchewan and federal governments announced $3.5 million in beef and forage research funding this week. The amount is down considerably from last year, but provincial agriculture minister Lyle Stewart said the 2016 total was unusually high because of some unique projects. The University of Saskatchewan will receive the lion’s share of the funding at […] Read more
Forage report provides Sask. growers with market assessment
Saskatchewan forage yields were up in 2016, but quality was down from 2015 and forage prices are significantly lower this year because of excess supply, says a report published by the Saskatchewan Forage Council. “In 2016, hay production yields were slightly above the long-term averages for the province and hay prices are significantly lower than […] Read more
China’s growing dairy sector sees forage demand rise
The oft-ignored offshore forage market is getting bigger, even while some traditional markets are getting smaller, says the head of the U.S. forage exporters’ organization. “2016 registered the first time the Chinese market (was) a bigger export market than Japan,” John Szczepanski of the U.S. Forage Export Council said during the Canadian Forage and Grassland […] Read more
Find forage seed supply early, expect to pay more
Seed grower says acres are down for almost all forage and grass seeds, creating a supply shortage and sending prices up
LEDUC, Alta. — Strong cattle markets, a strong U.S. dollar, dry weather and dwindling forage acres have pushed grass and forage seed prices to some of the highest levels in years. Heather Kerschbaumer, president of Forage Seed Canada, said her family’s Golden Acre Seeds paid growers 11 cents a pound for sweet clover seed when […] Read more
Alta. crop insurance needs revisions
PONOKA, Alta. — Alberta’s forage insurance payouts should reflect what it costs to replace forage rather than previous year’s prices, says a Rimbey farmer. Chris Simpson said he was paid four cents a pound for lost hay after he made a claim through his AFSC forage insurance plan this year following a drought that decimated […] Read more
Wrap and stack to preserve hay bale quality
Optimum hay storage means optimum feed value for livestock. Storing hay inside is the best protection, but the amount of hay grown on the Prairies and the cost of storage make that option impractical for many cattle and hay producers. However, there are proven ways to limit spoilage through bale preparation and stacking. “Mainly the […] Read more
Livestock trained to desire undesirables
Training method introduces animals slowly to unusual tastes and textures, then weeds are slipped into the mix
CECIL LAKE, B.C. — It was almost too good to be true. Tess Davidson’s sheep tucked into the thistles, licked up the lamb’s quarters and sucked up the stinging nettle. The sheep didn’t wipe out the weeds but they made a dent, and Davidson hopes they will eventually make weeds part of their daily diet […] Read more
