The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) is reminding all producers to plan ahead for the fall and winter feeding periods.
Many hay producers are reporting decreased yields and slow regrowth due to dry conditions.
"It looks like our weather extremes have taken a turn to the drier side of things over the past year in Manitoba as well as Saskatchewan and North Dakota," says Darren Chapman, MFGA Chair and Virden-area producer. "We all need to prepare a plan for the rest of this season and forthcoming winter feeding requirements. This will require some tough decisions, but necessary ones."
John McGregor is MFGA's hay expert and Green Gold Program lead.
"Fall pasture growth often provides additional opportunity for grazing livestock. However, careful management of pastures is essential for the over-wintering of forages and improvement into the next growing season," he said. "The dry summer this year has stunted fall pasture regrowth dramatically and for many producers, feed supplementation will be necessary. "
McGregor says the overall provincial picture leans toward a reduced hay yield heading into fall and winter.
"Most alfalfa growers have completed their second cut of alfalfa and many producers have the first cut of hay just finished or are close to finished...The continued dry conditions have had a drastic effect on both yield and regrowth. Producers across the province are reporting yields in the 40-60 per cent of normal range with very limited re-growth. Without additional moisture many areas won't have the opportunity to take a second cut of hay which will affect hay supplies for the coming fall and winter feeding period."
MFGA Past Chair Dave Koslowsky runs a mixed farming operation near Killarney. He says putting up and testing green feed is one way to bridge the impacts of the dry growing season.
"With all the green feed being put up, there is a need to promote feed testing."
Source : Steinbachonline