Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in 2022

New! Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production

New! Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage, ForageLeave a Reply

Publication 30: Guide to Forage Production is a comprehensive guide to forage agronomy. It has information on establishment, fertility, weed management and weather stress for many species grown as forage in Ontario. It also covers harvest and storage of forage crops and understanding a laboratory forage analysis. To download a free PDF version or order a paper copy, click here. ~~~~~~ La Publication 30F, Guide de production fourragère, constitue une source de renseignements détaillés sur les pratiques agronomiques en production fourragère. On y trouve de l’information sur l’établissement, la fertilité, la lutte contre les mauvaises herbes et le stress thermique, applicables à de nombreuses espèces végétales cultivées comme plantes fourragères en Ontario. Ce Guide traite aussi de questions concernant la récolte et l’entreposage des fourrages et…

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Caution! Silo gas and nitrate poisoning

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Uncategorized

Rain events across the province have interrupted a dry spring. While the water is welcome, the 5-7 days after a rain that ends a severe dry period increases the risk of nitrates in forage crops! Nitrates are of concern because they can increase silo gas production and cause nitrate poisoning in livestock. Silo Gas Silo gas (nitrogen dioxide, N2O) is produced almost immediately after filling a silo. It has a bleach-like odour and may be visible as a reddish-brown haze. However, it is not always visible. Nitrogen dioxide is heavier than air, therefore it tends to be located just above the silage surface and on the ground around the silo. It may flow down silo chutes and into feed rooms. Tower silos are…

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Is the yield potential of alfalfa increasing?

Is the yield potential of alfalfa increasing?

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage, ForageLeave a Reply

The relationship between alfalfa breeding efforts and yield potential is complicated. While most literature on annual grain crops shows yield improvements with the release of new varieties over time, a literature search on alfalfa yield will show improvement, stagnation, and declines, depending on the paper. One of the latest attempts to discern what is really going on comes from Lei Ren and colleagues out of the University of Saskatchewan. Ren and colleagues summarized data from the Western Forage Variety Testing System from 1997 to 2011 to see how breeding has changed the yield potential of alfalfa varieties over time. They recognized that environmental conditions and harvest management are factors that can affect alfalfa yield that are not always included in…

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Grass Growth Rates and Pasture Management

Grass Growth Rates and Pasture Management

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in ForageLeave a Reply

Pasture managers can determine the minimum grass growth rate required to feed their flock. Producers who track grass growth rates and compare them to their minimum required rate can make proactive management decisions to avoid running out of pasture.

Blister Beetles

Blister Beetles

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage, Forage, Health, Health & Nutrition

Description Blister beetles are very rare in Ontario but have been occasionally found in alfalfa fields north of Lake Erie. They are more common in arid climates, such as the U.S. Midwest, and are often associated with grasshopper infestations. The three most common species are the black blister beetle (Epicauta pensylvanica), the ash grey blister beetle (Epicauta fabricii) and the striped blister beetle (Epicauta vittata). Blister beetles have soft bodies 1–2.5 cm (3/8 –1 in.) long. The thorax between their head and abdomen is long and narrow, making it look like a neck. Their wings tend to be shorter than their abdomen. The black and ash-grey blister beetles are solidly coloured as their names describe (Figures 1 and 2). The…

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How do I repair pugged pasture?

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage

Pugging is sod damage and soil compaction caused by livestock hooves. Prevent pugging by moving livestock to a barn, dry lot, or sacrifice paddock. Assess the severity of pugging to determine the most appropriate repair options. Timely repairs maintain pasture yield and keep weeds out.