Prepare Now for Pasture Renovations in 2024

Oct 05, 2023

By Rebecca Vittetoe

After the last several years of dry conditions, some pastures may benefit from a renovation in 2024. Proper planning and preparation are needed to successfully improve pastures with either a late winter frost seeding or no-till renovation with interseeding next spring. Below are some good reminders on what you should be doing now to prepare for pasture renovations in 2024.

Address soil fertility needs. To improve the success of frost seeding or interseeding, adequate soil fertility is important. The only way to know what the soil fertility levels are in your pasture is by taking soil samples for testing. Preferably, take soil samples yet this fall to determine lime, phosphorus, and potassium needs. More information on soil sampling and testing is available here.

A soil pH of 6.0 is recommended for grass, clovers, and birdsfoot trefoil and for alfalfa a soil pH of 6.9 is recommended. Ideally, lime should be applied a year before seeding. Liming recommendations can be found in Table 16 in the ISU publication PM1688: A General Guide for Crop Nutrients and Limestone Recommendations in Iowa. Note that if placing lime on the soil surface with no incorporation, follow the 2-to-3-inch lime recommendations in Table 16.
Adequate phosphorus and potassium are important to improve pasture establishment and production. Use soil test results to determine if phosphorus and potassium levels are adequate or if levels are low and it would be beneficial to apply some fertilizer to bring up those levels.
Do NOT apply early season nitrogen to frost seeded or interseeded areas to minimize early season growth and competition from weeds and already established plants in the area.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.