Forages & Production Tips

Crops, Markets, Pasture, Reuters, Spring Wheat, Weather

U.S. Plains drought highlights spring wheat supply crunch

By GFM Network News June 29, 2017

Chicago | Reuters — Drought conditions in the northern U.S. Plains that have propelled spring wheat prices to a three-year high worsened in the past week and there are forecasts for more hot and dry weather that could crimp the harvest. As the world struggles with a glut of grain that has filled inventories to […] Read more

Crops, Forages, Weather

Manitoba forages fight past winterkill, pest issues

By GFM Network News June 22, 2017

CNS Canada — The first hay cut is well underway in several parts of Manitoba as favourable weather conditions set the stage for what could be a decent forage season. “Generally speaking they’re (forages) all doing well,” said Pamela Iwanchysko, farm production extension specialist with the provincial government in Dauphin. “The rains were timely.” What […] Read more

This grass cage with rain gauge is on a multi-species pasture with  three species of legumes and three grass species.

Cattleman’s Corner, Forages, Livestock

Multi-benefits of multi-species pastures

Collecting plenty of solar rays above ground benefits soil health below ground

By Sean McGrath June 15, 2017

I am a big fan of diversity in both perennial and annual grazing situations. In some ways multiple species are more difficult to manage than less-diverse plant communities. In a multi-species scenario every action and in particular its timing will favour one species over another and shift the balance of power in the pasture. The […] Read more

Forage specialist Glenn Shewmaker demonstrates how to collect and place handfuls of hay samples in the tube. Pack the samples in tight and then insert the moisture sensor into the tube at different depths to get a field reading of hay moisture.

Cattleman’s Corner, Hay

Simple tool improves hay moisture test

With a compacted sample and an electronic tester, a more accurate moisture reading can be made in the field

By Michael Thomas June 8, 2017

Packaging quality alfalfa hay can be a challenge. The hay industry is constantly pursuing new technologies to help the hay producer grow and package consistently high-quality forage. Machinery design has advanced in order to handle the hay as delicately as possible to minimize leaf loss. But, even with these advances, the proper moisture level is […] Read more

Crops, Forages

Pickseed to buy forage seed firm Moore Seeds

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News May 2, 2017

The Canadian arm of one of the world’s top forage seed players plans to expand its space in the Peace region with a deal for forage and turfgrass seed dealer Moore Seeds. DLF Pickseed Canada announced April 21 it has a letter of intent in place to buy Moore — based at Debolt, Alta., about […] Read more

A rail car from SGCC’s fleet. (Dave Bedard photo)

Crops, Machinery, Pasture, Weather

Saskatchewan budget seen as costly touch for farms

By Leeann Minogue, GFM Network News April 17, 2017

Saskatchewan’s general farm organization is consulting its farmer members on less-discussed features of last month’s provincial budget, while warning them to brace for impact from new budget-related costs. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan last Monday wrapped up its latest round of spring district meetings, at all six of which APAS general manager Duane Haave […] Read more

Palmer amaranth. (United Soybean Board photo)

Corn, Crops, Pasture, Reuters

Minnesota finds source of Palmer amaranth on CRP land

By GFM Network News April 6, 2017

Reuters — An invasive weed likely entered Minnesota through seed planted on land in a U.S. conservation program, state agriculture officials said on Thursday, bringing to a close an official probe of a growing threat to agricultural production. Infestations of the weed, Palmer amaranth, have affected other states in the U.S. Midwest through seed planted […] Read more

Beef Cattle, Livestock, Pasture, Reuters

JBS accused of violating rainforest protection laws

By GFM Network News April 1, 2017

Brasilia | Reuters –– The world’s largest meatpacker, Brazil’s JBS SA, has for years knowingly bought cattle that were raised on illegally deforested land, turning a blind eye to regulations meant to protect the Amazon rainforest, Brazil’s environmental regulator has alleged. The accusation comes even as JBS and other meatpackers in Brazil, the top global […] Read more

Crops, Hay, Machinery

Technology could open up hay export markets for Ontario

By GFM Network News March 21, 2017

An Ontario hay co-operative hopes to have a double-compaction facility running by 2018, giving it access to global markets for hay. Ontario hay has traditionally been at a shipping cost disadvantage compared to most competitors, as hay headed for Asia or the Middle East has had to be shipped by rail to the West Coast. […] Read more

Crops, Dairy Cattle, Forages, Machinery

Robot milker firm Lely to shed forage equipment business

By Grainews Staff, GFM Network News March 13, 2017

Dutch dairy equipment manufacturer Lely, best known in the Canadian market for its robotic milking systems, plans to focus on that business and sell its forage equipment lines to Agco. The two companies announced Monday they have an agreement in principle for Lely to sell its forage division, including two German manufacturing plants, to U.S.-based […] Read more

U.S. livestock: Hog futures hit contract highs on shock herd decline

Alberta Crop Report: Harvest more than three-quarters finished

NFU says proposed plant breeders’ rights come at farmers’ expense

GFM Network News