The OntarioHayListings.ca website is a free classifieds database for producers looking to buy or sell hay and straw. Southwestern According to AAFC, the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, as well as Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Norfolk, Brant, Haldimand, and Hamilton received average or above-average precipitation for the month of July. The rest of the region experienced below-average amounts of…
Reports are coming in about insect pressure in forage crops and pastures across the province. Central and eastern Ontario currently have high potato leafhopper pressure, while districts across northern Ontario are challenged by armyworms. The only way to know if a field has insect pressure is to scout it! More information about scouting forage crops can be found in OMAFRA…
Unseeded fields provide an opportunity to boost forage inventories with annual crops. These forage crops have a bonus of suppressing weeds and protecting the soil from erosion. When selecting a forage crop consider the livestock’s dietary needs, the type and quality of forage in inventory, herbicide or fertilizer previously applied, and resources that are readily available. However, during wet conditions…
Co-written by James Byrne, OMAFRA Beef Cattle Specialist Grass doesn’t just happen. Maximizing pasture yield requires management, and one of the most important decisions a manager can make is to give their grass enough time to fully recover after being grazed. Pastures have fully recovered from a grazing event when the grass plants have 3-4 new leaves. At this stage…
The OntarioHayListings.ca website is a free classifieds database for producers looking to buy or sell hay and straw. Southwestern Estimates suggest at least 50% of fields have some level of winterkill. Cool conditions have slowed forage growth. First cut of dairy-quality hay usually begins on the Victoria Day weekend; however, less than 295 GDDs have accumulated outside Essex County. Alfalfa reaches early…
According to Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, April 2019 brought above-average precipitation to most of the province. Southwestern Despite several thaws, forages seem to have overwintered better than expected in most of the region. See Check Alfalfa Stands This Spring and Make a Plan for scouting information. There are some reports of alfalfa heaving. The freeze/thaw cycles can “jack” the plants…
Spring is in the air, and livestock and farmers alike are eager to start the grazing season. Timing that delightful move is critical, as spring grazing management sets up both yield potential of the pasture and the amount of gain achievable for young stock. How early is too early? Livestock should go out on pasture when grasses have fully…
Dry summer conditions in some parts of the province have farmers thinking about available forage. There are several things that can be done to help ensure you have enough feed until next spring. Take inventory Knowing the amount of forage needed to get through the year is the first step to ensuring your farm has enough. Ruminants eat approximately 2%…
Map shows average start dates for the critical fall harvest period of alfalfa. Note that the CFHP is the six weeks before the first killing frost. Southwestern: Regrowth on hay fields and pastures has been good in response to adequate rainfall. As of August 29, southwestern Ontario received above average rainfall for the month of August. Some areas of Lambton,…
Map shows the percent of average rainfall received across Ontario in July, 2018 Lab analyses indicate that quality decline for first cut was very fast, and test results range from low to very high quality. Producers cutting based on calendar date rather than crop stage may have lower quality forages than expected. Pasture regrowth has been slow, and many producers…
Key points: Improper grounding is the most common reason for electric fence malfunctions Install 90 cm (3’) of ground rod for every joule of output from the energizer Ground rods should be more than 3 m (10’) from each other Ground rods should be more than 23 m (75’) from other grounds, waterlines, or utilities. Ontario One Call can help…
Southwestern: Reports indicate yield and quality of first cut hay was good. Regrowth has been slow in dry regions. Most alfalfa weevil damage occurred during the week of June 4th. Feeding on regrowth after first cut gives fields a greyish tinge when viewed from a distance. As of the 24th, rainfall across the region has been variable: western Ontario and…
Southwestern: Most alfalfa stands overwintered well; however those on heavy soils and in low-lying areas may have suffered winter injury. New seedings and annual forage acres are expected to increase this year in response to weather conditions over 2016 and 2017. As of May 27th, alfalfa weevils had reached 1st instar. Scouting is advised to identify if alfalfa weevils may be…
Key points: The most economical power source (hydro, batteries, or solar) depends on ease of access to fencer Output voltage needs to be high enough to get the attention of the livestock being contained Output joules rating must be capable of delivering the voltage along the length of wire in the fence When in doubt, buy bigger than you need The…
Spring is just around the corner, and preparations for the upcoming grazing season are in full swing. Farmers are checking their fences and water systems, and frost-seeding legumes to improve pasture quality. Soon there will be livestock out on grass, and less (if any) feeding to do in the barns! But with all the excitement, have you put much thought into…
