Winter Conditions Most of the province had average amounts of precipitation over the winter. Areas of Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Huron, Grey, Bruce, Temiskaming, Cochrane, Rainy River, and Kenora received below-average winter precipitation. Overall, reports of winterkill suggest normal or below-normal levels, except in Prescott & Russell, where high amounts of alfalfa winterkill occurred. Spring Conditions Planting intentions for forage acres are up compared to 2019, and most fields intended for cool-season forages across Southern, Western, Central, and Eastern Ontario have been planted. During the month of April, Southern, Western, and Northern Ontario had below-average precipitation. Central and Eastern Ontario, and Cochrane District received average amounts of precipitation. This has allowed field work to progress steadily in areas that are at lower…
All posts in Forage
Spring Scouting of Alfalfa
Good agronomy is very important for achieving good yield and quality in forage crops. While good agronomy includes a fertility plan, seeding techniques, and harvest management, it also relies on proactive decision-making. The only way to know what is happening in a field before it is too late is to scout. Taking regular walks through hay fields and observing them carefully is important throughout the growing season, however, there are some special things producers should assess when scouting in the early spring. At green-up When the crop has broken dormancy and is putting out new buds, it is time to do a plant count and root health assessment to determine how well the alfalfa overwintered. This first scouting is a…
Forage Report – August 2019
Southwestern Central and Eastern Northeastern Northwestern
Forage Report – July 2019
Southwestern Central and Eastern Northeastern Northwestern For more information about potato leafhopper and true armyworm, see: Are Insects Eating Your Forage Crop? Potato Leafhopper in Alfalfa Watch for Armyworm in Spring Cereals and Mixed Forages
Forage Report – June 2019
Southwestern Central and Eastern Northeastern Northwestern
Forage Report – May 2019
Southwestern Central and Eastern Northeastern Northwestern
Establishing Alternative Forage Crops
Reports indicate widespread alfalfa winterkill due to several thaws that reduced snow cover and created ice cover in fields. Producers need to scout their hay fields to assess the damage, then develop a plan to ensure they will have the forage they need. Keep it, patch it, or start over? Plant counts should be done in the spring and fall each year (Table 1). These can be done when the alfalfa is dormant. The spring count is a good time to dig up some plants and assess root health. Stem counts are useful for predicting yield potential, and these should be done when there is 15-20 cm (6-8 in.) of growth (Table 2). If the number of plants or stems…
