Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Making Hay the Swiss

I was lucky enough to spend a week in Switzerland mid September and visit a number of farms. Here we had the chance to make "hay" the Swiss way. Farmer get different rebates from the government depending on how they manage their land.

 

Views: 548

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Schwartzentruber on October 6, 2011 at 10:14am
That is fascinating! Thanks for posting the video. Can't see some of our operators rushing to try that technology though!
Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on November 6, 2011 at 5:57am

Nice video Mackenna,

The Swiss must subsidize the milk producers alot if they can use lawn mowers to cut hay.

There practices are not likely cost competitive with the mass production dairy farms in California etc.

How large was the dairy you visited?

 

Permalink Reply by Mackenna Roth on November 8, 2011 at 5:36am

Hi Roadrunner,
This farmer here had about 50 head milking. It was a learning great learning experience and I really enjoyed seeing the differences in the North American vs European way of farming.

I also visited a few farms that were very modern as well as two apple farms. The Swiss had an amazing year for Apples, the trees were so full. Never had seem something like that before. As well as a mini - kiwi farm.
Mac

Roadrunner said:

Nice video Mackenna,

The Swiss must subsidize the milk producers alot if they can use lawn mowers to cut hay.

There practices are not likely cost competitive with the mass production dairy farms in California etc.

How large was the dairy you visited?

 

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

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

Soybean Markets Surge Amid Trade Truce and Strong Crop Reports

Soybean futures climbed after USDA crop reports and trade truce news; corn, wheat, and biofuel demand also supported gains.

SHIC's Standardized Outbreak Investigation Program Fosters Positive Response from Veterinarians

The Swine Health Information Center reports a positive response to its Standardized Outbreak Investigation Program. The Swine Health Information Center's Standardized Outbreak Investigation Program allows swine producers and veterinarians to report disease outbreaks on farm in a standardised manner.An article circulated through SHIC's January eNewsletter examines lessons learned from the program.

OPP Wrangle Runaway Horses

Ontario’s OPP had their hands full this month rounding up adventurous horses who decided it was the perfect time to tour the countryside.

KAP Celebrates 42nd Annual General Meeting and Sets Strong Policy Direction

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) held its 42nd annual meeting on February 3, 2026, at the Delta Hotels Winnipeg bringing together farmers, industry partners, stakeholders, elected officials, and government representatives to review a year of significant advocacy achievements and to set priorities for the year ahead. “Our AGM provides an opportunity each year to gather members from across the province, and I want to thank them for attending the 2026 AGM this week to connect with each other, engage on critical issues facing for our sector, and set priorities for our ongoing work and future direction,” said Jill Verwey, KAP President. Panels and policy workshops during the AGM focused on Manitoba’s drainage network, right to repair, interoperability and digital agriculture led by Tyler McCann, Managing Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.   “KAP’s work is driven by the priorities and perspectives of Manitoba farmers, said Colin Hornby, KAP General Manager. “This pa

Horticulture School

The Horticulture School is presented by Manitoba Agriculture, Agriculture Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - Portage and Assiniboine College - Brandon.  The school provides horticulture producers with learning opportunities to improve yield and quality of their crops.  If you are a market gardener, vegetable &/or fruit producer, or have an interest in horticulture production please join us at the school. The following are the focus areas of the school: Pathology - Conventional and non-conventional disease management. Fruit - Production information and updates Vegetable - Production information and updates, sweet potato production, storage issues Entomology - Early season pests - cutworms, flea beetles, diamondback moth, grasshoppers Soils - Soil fertility planning Weeds - Recognizing drift, systemic vs contact herbicides, post harvest weed control Certified Crop Advisor credits are available for participants. Upcoming Horticulture Webinar Series: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. Dr. Vi

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service