alfalfa Archives - Page 3 of 4

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.

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, News

Beneficial bacteria getting close

New products may promote plant growth and protect crops from disease

By Julienne Isaacs June 1, 2017

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are present in the root nodules of the majority of legumes, like soybeans and alfalfa. Other “beneficial bacteria” can be found in symbiotic relationships with crop plants that promote growth, increase stress or pest resistance, or increase nutrient solubility. Only in recent years have scientists been able to point to specific bacteria that […] Read more

Kevin Elmy of Saltcoats, Sask., uses a wide variety of plant species in his cover crop mix.

Columns, Crops

Planning fertilizer for forage crops

Some food for thought on fertilization to establish forage crops in your fields

By Les Henry March 9, 2017

Forage crops are sometimes treated as the neglected child. Once it is established, come along with a haybine if there is enough rain to make a crop. If it continues to rain after the bales are off maybe even come in to get a small second cut. Grass hay crops are often left to wither […] Read more

Crops, Forages, Weather

High-quality forages tougher to find this year

By GFM Network News October 6, 2016

CNS Canada — There seems to be no shortage of forages in Western Canada this year, as wet weather has allowed grasses to keep progressing at a steady rate. Finding high-quality hay could be the challenge, however, according to crop watchers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “It’s been tough for guys to put four to five […] Read more

Henry (l) and Rich Braul stand in a leafcutter bee shelter.

Crops, Farm Life

Still going strong after 50 years

Leafcutter bee pioneers ‘still learning’ after all that time

By Julienne Isaacs October 5, 2016

When Henry Braul and his brother John decided to take a risk and invest in leafcutter bees to pollinate their alfalfa seed fields near Rosemary, Alta., “we were the only ones,” he says. “Everyone was watching us and smiling behind our backs.” Braul bought his first batch of larvae in three two-gallon pails for $700 […] Read more

Matthew Johnson of M3 Aerial Productions with the UAVs his company uses to capture images to determine hay crop quality.

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Drone image reveals best cutting day

Infrared aerial photo technology senses when alfalfa quality is prime

By Angela Lovell September 9, 2016

The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) and M3 Aerial Productions are teaming up to investigate whether unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — also known as drones — can be used to enhance the MFGA’s Green Gold Program, which provides producers with the best first-cut date for alfalfa crops. The MFGA offers the Green Gold program, which […] Read more

Crops, News, Weather

Rain, humidity deliver slow progress to haying operations

Saskatchewan Crop Report for the week ending July 18

By Saskatchewan Agriculture July 21, 2016

Livestock producers continue with haying operations throughout the province, although frequent rain and high humidity have slowed progress. Twenty-two per cent of the hay crop has been cut and 28 per cent is baled or put into silage. The five year average (2011-2015) for hay progress is 23 per cent cut and 40 per cent […] Read more

Crops, Forages, Weather

Rain causes extreme haying delays

By GFM Network News July 13, 2016

CNS Canada –– Excessive rain and high humidity over the past few weeks are causing major problems for haying operations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “We should be well underway in our progress and I think we are far behind right now,” said Leanna Rousell, executive director of the Saskatchewan Forage Council. The majority of Saskatchewan […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

All-season solution to hand-feeding hay

With a few modifications it works on all terrain

By Heather Smith Thomas May 25, 2016

Each year on our ranch we keep a few heifer calves to raise as replacements for the cow herd. We keep them in a field next to the calving barn and pens, close enough to electricity that we can run an extension cord through the barn pens to their water tank for the tank heater. […] Read more

AAFC's Dr. Abdelali Hannoufa says identifying a genetic regulator in alfalfa could lead to more drought-tolerant varieties.

Cattleman’s Corner

Drought-tolerant alfalfa studied

By Angela Lovell May 17, 2016

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) researchers have discovered a gene in alfalfa that could help to make the crop more drought resistant. A team of researchers, led by Dr. Abdelali Hannoufa at AAFC’s London Research and Development Centre in Ontario, working in collaboration with industry partner, Forage Genetics International in the United States, discovered the […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News