Weekly in-season progress reports of the Ontario field crop landscape
First-cut continues with variable yields. Yields are generally good in eastern Ontario. In western Ontario areas where alfalfa winterkill and injury occurred, stands are thin, with many reported yields at 50 – 80% of normal. This has created some concern about producing adequate forage supplies. Considerable acres have been seeded to annual forages such as […]
With some dry weather and delayed alfalfa maturity, some high quality 1st-cut hay, haylage and baleage has been made. Yields are quite variable, with some very disappointing yields being reported in western Ontario, but closer to normal yields in the east. Sulphur Deficiency Some alfalfa is showing the sympton of uniform yellowing, indicating sulphur […]
First-cut dairy haylage is in full swing the first week of June, with some farms finished. Harvest has been delayed by slow forage crop growth, and also corn and soybean planting on some farms. Yields are quite variable, depending on location and management, but most are below normal. Alfalfa growth and maturity is considerably delayed, […]
First-cut dairy haylage is delayed and just starting in southern Ontario, but should be in full swing the week of June 2nd . With the cooler spring weather, grass growth and maturity is more advanced relative to the alfalfa. Alfalfa is more than 10 days behind normal, but grasses are heading. Yields are quite variable […]
Forage crop growth is delayed about 7 – 10 days behind normal. First-cut yield expectations are quite variable, with some winter injured, older, and fall harvested stands showing reduced yield potential. There is concern beginning to develop in some areas about producing adequate forage to meet livestock requirements. Grass stands have responded very well to […]
Alfalfa winterkill and winter injury occurred across much of the province this spring. Many areas in lower risk western and central Ontario were hit hard with extensive damage. Winterkill is about 10% in the normally higher risk Ottawa Valley, well below what is a more typical 30% for that area. There were also scattered reports […]
Winterkill! Check your alfalfa stands! Winterkill and winter injury are being reported across much the province, including many areas in western and central Ontario where winterkill is not normally an issue. Many stands are showing extensive damage. Forage crop green-up and growth has been delayed about 2 weeks by cool weather, particularly fields that were […]
Check your alfalfa stands! Reports are coming in from across the province of alfalfa winterkill and winter injury. Damage is being reported in central and western Ontario, including areas such as Perth and Waterloo Counties, where alfalfa winterkill is normally considered a low risk. Winterkill in higher risk eastern Ontario appears to be about average, […]
With higher yields, forage inventories have been increased to more normal levels. Hay inventories carried over in the spring were extremely low, and hay prices peaked at historic highs, before softening after first- and second-cuts. Haylage and baleage inventories and quality are very good. Early-cut, green 1st-cut hay is in short supply and selling at […]
While it is always very tempting to cut some alfalfa in the fall, the decision should weigh the immediate need for forage against the increased risk of alfalfa winterkill and reduced yields next spring. The Critical Fall Harvest Period for alfalfa is the 6-week period preceeding the average date of killing frost. Not cutting […]
The window for summer seeding alfalfa and alfalfa-grass mixtures is approaching for much of the province. This can be a good way to establish new fields so that full season yields can be harvested next year. It is typically done after winter wheat or spring cereals are harvested, and also during years when alfalfa winterkill […]
Good haying weather returned July 11th, with lots of first and second-cut being made. Considerably more baleage was made and more propionate hay preservative was used this year. There is some concern about hay that is heating in storage. (Refer to “Silo and Hay Mow Fires” at www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/engineer/facts/93-025.htm.) Yields have been quite variable across the […]
July continues to be frustrating for those trying to make quality dry hay. Many areas continue to have had limited opportunities to make hay without rain-damage or heating. We are in a unique situation where there are considerable amounts of both first- and second-cut being made when weather conditions are suitable. Some rain-damaged hayfields […]
Although there was a good window to make quality dry hay the week of June 17th, rainy weather continues to be challenging, and there is significant first-cut remaining to be made. Yields are good, but maturity is now quite advanced. Second-cut regrowth is excellent on early-cut haylage fields, and second-cut will begin shortly. Hay […]
First-cut is still underway, with the first good opportunity to make dry hay without rain-damage the week of June 17th. Lots of propionate hay preservative and plastic wrap is being used. Some wet fields have been badly rutted. Yields are generally good, but maturity is advanced. Grasses are more mature relative to the alfalfa. Second-cut […]