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May 2019 Forage Report

May 31, 2019

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Southwestern

Estimates suggest at least 50% of fields have some level of winterkill.
Cool conditions have slowed forage growth. First cut of dairy-quality hay usually begins on the Victoria Day weekend; however, less than 295 GDDs have accumulated outside Essex County. Alfalfa reaches early flower stage around 390 GDDs.
According to AAFC, Huron, Perth, Wellington, south Grey, Dufferin, and Simcoe counties have experienced average precipitation for May. The rest of the region received above-average precipitation.
Alfalfa weevil has been found in some fields. Producers should scout fields twice a week to monitor their development. Scouting information can be found on pages 339 and 340 of OMAFRA Pub. 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops.
Consider planting alternative forage crops to replace winterkilled alfalfa. Grain growers are starting to switch hybrids, so consider contacting your local seed supplier for full-season hybrids to grow as silage corn.

Central and Eastern

Estimates suggest over 80% of fields in the region have some level of winterkill, but only about 15% were bad enough to be taken out. Reports indicate winterkill is the worst east of Highway 416.
Cool conditions have slowed forage growth. First cut of dairy-quality hay usually begins on the Victoria Day weekend; however, less than 233 GDDs have accumulated in the region. Alfalfa reaches early flower stage around 390 GDDs.
According to AAFC, parts of Lanark, Ottawa, and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry have experienced average precipitation for May. The rest of the region received above-average precipitation.
Consider planting alternative forage crops to replace winterkilled alfalfa. Grain growers are starting to switch hybrids, so consider contacting your local seed supplier for full-season hybrids to grow as silage corn.

Northeastern

While there seem to be normal levels of winterkill, due to the above-average snow over the winter, there are also some reports of forages in low-lying areas drowning out this spring.
Grasses are growing well, but cool weather has slowed legume growth.
According to AAFC, most of the region has experienced above-average precipitation for May. The exception is part of Cochrane District, which received 60-85% of normal rainfall.

Northwestern

Estimates suggest normal levels of winterkill in the region.
Grasses are growing well, but cool weather has slowed legume growth. At this stage first cut might be a week behind normal, but there is still time for heat to accumulate and change that.
According to AAFC, May rainfall has been variable throughout the region. Rainy River and Kenora Districts experienced below average precipitation, while Thunder Bay had average amounts of rainfall.

Source : Field Crop News

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

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