(Deborah Samac photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

Roundup Ready alfalfa primed for launch in East

The company with Roundup Ready alfalfa on its launchpad plans a limited rollout of commercial seed into Canada’s six eastern provinces this spring. In a move likely to face opposition from several farm groups across the country, Forage Genetics International (FGI) on Tuesday announced plans for a limited release of commercial HarvXtra alfalfa “in time for […] Read more

The unique BiG Pack 870 baler can tie up to eight individual small bales within one large square bale, offering producers a new way to put up hay and straw bales.

Big and small baler in one machine

Krone’s MultiBale technology gives producers a new option for handling hay

In October Krone announced it was adding another model to its BiG Pack baler line, the 870 High Speed (HS) HDP. It’s the newest large square baler from the family-owned, German company, which has been producing haying equipment since 1906 and selling into the North American market since 1973. The 870 HS HDP, however, isn’t […] Read more



young family with dairy calf

Production efficiency improves dairy cattle operation

Ontario: New technology means more milk, fewer cows


Producing more milk with fewer cows has been the management focus of Eastern Ontario dairy farmers Jason and Amanda O’Connell, over the past few years. When they returned to farming in 2006 and began working with Amanda’s father on the family dairy farm at Carleton Place, west of Ottawa they were milking about 115 head […] Read more


alfalfa forage

Using alfalfa to solve pitfalls

When canola and wheat prices are falling, consider the benefits of alfalfa

Perennial legumes, especially alfalfa, bring benefits to a cropping system that can override initial concern many growers may have when it comes to the economics of the practice. Around the world, some countries are concerned about the lack of local available water for growing their own forage. “There is a growing trend for longer-term commitments […] Read more

Alfalfa crop being harvested

Alfalfa seed production

Growing alfalfa for seed can require intensive management, 
but can be rewarding. Learn the basics of alfalfa seed production


Including alfalfa in a crop rotation can bring a number of agronomic benefits. Prairie farmers grow alfalfa for both forage and seed. Randy Toman, a farmer near Guernsey, Sask., began growing alfalfa for seed production over a decade ago. With lighter land well suited to forage and legume production, alfalfa was a good fit for […] Read more


leafcutter bee on alfalfa flower

Leafcutter bee production

Many alfalfa seed growers raise their own leafcutter bees 
to pollinate their crops and earn some extra cash

Leafcutter bees are the bee of choice when it comes to pollinating alfalfa. They are aboveground nesters and good pollinators, which favour alfalfa nectar. According to Bob Mennie, production manager of Mennie Bee Farms Inc., near Parkside, Sask., leafcutter bees are “easy to handle and tend to stay close to where the shelters are.” Managing […] Read more