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: 310

▶ 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

CGC license changes

Two licenses expired, and the CGC issued two others

Protecting Plant Health Supports All Life

CFIA marks Plant Health Day urging Canadians to protect plants from invasive species and understand their role in supporting people, animals, and ecosystems.

U.S. Tax and Regulatory Cuts Cause for Concern in Canada

The Research Lead with Agrifood Economic Systems warns changes to the U.S. regulatory system, fueled by the Trump Administration's cuts on spending could negatively impact Canada.An Independent Agri-Food Policy Note, released by Agrifood Economic Systems, examines the impact on Canada of U.S. policy shifts, involving deportations, tax policy changes, government cuts and tariffs.Dr

Diversification Key to Addressing Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions

The Research Lead with Agrifood Economic Systems suggests Canada needs to reduce its reliance on the United States by finding new friends with whom to trade, starting within Canada. An Independent Agri-Food Policy Note, released by Agrifood Economic Systems, examines the impact on Canada of U.S. policy shifts, involving deportations, tax policy changes, government cuts and tariffs.

Warmer Weather and Limited Rainfall Allow Rapid Advancement in Spring Planting

Manitoba Agriculture reports limited rainfall and warmer soil temperatures allowed for rapid advancement in spring seeding over the past week. Manitoba Agriculture released its weekly crop report Tuesday. Sonia Wilson, an oilseed specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, says warmer temperatures and limited rainfall have allowed farmers to make excellent progress.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service