This forage field at the Parkland Crop Diversification Centre near Roblin, Man., is a mix of alfalfa, meadow brome and timothy.  |  Miranda Leybourne photo

Forage nurse crops get another look

Study finds establishing a forage stand without a nurse crop could result in stronger growth and increased production

Glacier FarmMedia – A project at the Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation in Roblin, Man., is studying the impact of different phosphorus rates and use of an oat nurse crop in establishing hay crops. The foundation and Ducks Unlimited Canada launched the study in June last year, aiming to identify best management practices for maximizing forage […] Read more

Hay bales sit in a field in western Manitoba.   |  Alexis Stockford photo

Farmers relearn wet hay management

Mother Nature has not co-operated with the first hay harvest in parts of the Prairies, but there are some tips that can help


Glacier FarmMedia – After years of drought, livestock producers are now managing excess moisture in hay fields. The first cut in Manitoba hit speed bumps. June was cool, and widespread rains left little window to harvest dry hay. Farmers had a difficult time targeting ideal protein and digestibility and some fields were inaccessible due to […] Read more