Perennial ryegrass

Grass seed industry has solid niche

Not everyone seeds forage, but moving into grass seed production may be beneficial for some

At least 8,000 years have passed since humans first started harvesting grasses. In that time, cereal grains have become quite different from their grassy ancestors. They still have enough similarities though, that farmers can incorporate grass seed into their cereal and oilseed operations fairly easily. For instance, there’s no need for specialized equipment. They still […] Read more


Snow introduces a few seasons

Snow introduces a few seasons

For our family, the opening day of rifle hunting season means the cows are supposed to be home. This year we were a bit behind, lulled, just a bit, by the lovely fall weather. It had been cool but snow had stayed away until mid-November and it was still warm enough for the dugouts to […] Read more

hay handler

Hay Handler helps speed dry-down times

Hooked in tandem, the Hay Handler swath consolidation and inverter implement concept on display at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, Ontario, in September was an eye catcher. Hay Handlers can help forage growers speed dry-down times and blend windrows for faster baling, according to co-inventor Glen Shantz. “This is year six,” he says, about […] Read more


round hay bales in a field

Measure the moisture in forage rations

Moisture has the greatest impact on feed consumption, nutrient intake for dairy cows

It’s that time of year when harvested forages are tested for their nutrient content and an emailed back analysis sheet can list up to 80 laboratory results for each forage sample submitted. Much of this data can be inputted into dairy ration balancing software to develop on-the-farm TMRs that supply essential nutrients in the right […] Read more