Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Hay fields left over the winter

Hi there,

I have some orchard grass pastures that were left over the winter from the last growing season. Now they are all under about 4 feet of snow.

Is it worth while to cut and bale the hay in the spring, or simply roll it and over-seed with some cover crops to give it a new life? Fields have not been used for grazing for a few years.

Thanks

Views: 340

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Harry Stam on March 3, 2016 at 2:09am

Greg,

The question you asked cannot be answered correctly without more information. What exactly do you want with these pastures? Do you want to keep them as pastures? Orchard grass can be fertilized in the spring to increase volumes or you can broadcast some legumes to make it a more pasture mix type of crop. You can no-till oats into the standing hay and allow it to grow to add volume. It all depends on what you want the pasture land to do, If the land is flat and level no-tilling is a possibility unless there is too much cover crop to start with. However if the crop is too thick I would question why you would need to do anything. Run the cattle in and let them harvest.

Harry 

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Major Heat Ridge Builds as Record-Pace El Niño Raises New Weather Concerns

Meteorologists are watching what could become one of the strongest summer high-pressure ridges on record, bringing intense heat to parts of the Plains and highly localized rainfall across North America.

Farmer named rural development critic in new Poilievre shadow cabinet

Dave Epp grows vegetables and cash crops in Ontario

Grain Markets Rebound as Key Crop Reports Surprise Traders

Recent crop reports, weather concerns, and strong demand expectations have improved market sentiment. Corn and wheat gained support, while fertilizer prices softened, creating new opportunities for farmers.

Central Alberta Growers Watch for Seedpod Weevils

Growing cabbage seedpod weevil populations in Central Alberta highlight the importance of early scouting, proper sampling, and timely management decisions in canola fields.

University of Minnesota Research Examines Risk of Swine Transport Trailer Contamination at the Processing Plant

Research conducted by the University of Minnesota has shed light on the risk of swine transport trailers becoming contaminated when unloading pigs at the processing plant.A University of Minnesota study, conducted under the Swine Health Information Center and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research Wean to Harvest Biosecurity Research Program, looked at the risk of swine transport trailers becoming contaminated at harvest plants.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service