This article was originally written by Joel Bagg in 2013. It was edited May 25th, 2022 by Christine O'Reilly to reflect current insecticide options to control alfalfa weevil. Alfalfa weevil can be an issue in Ontario, particularly in south-western parts of the province. While outbreaks tend to be isolated, they can be severe and dramatically [...]
Considering bunchgrass management as a pasture management strategy…As we draw closer to spring turn-out, it’s a good time to think about strategies to improve grazing and pasture management for optimized cattle performance. Using recent research investigating factors that influence dry matter intake, OMAFRA Forage and Grazing Specialist Christine O’Reilly explains why the amount the of forage and types of plant structures (notably bunchgrasses) are important factors to consider when managing pastures. Read on to learn more about how bunchgrasses can be managed to optimize intakes on pasture.
OMAFRA Summer Research Assistant – Grazing Number of Positions: One (1) Location: Lindsay, ON Contract Length: 6 – 18 weeks, starting May 1, 2024 (start date negotiable) Salary: $17.40/hour (Level 2), based on a 36.25-hour work week Job Description: Are you interested in grazing ruminants (beef, sheep and/or organic/grass-fed dairy) and are looking to develop transferable skills, support your career [...]
Caution! Members of the sorghum family – sorghum, sudangrass, and hybrid sorghum-sudangrass – contain dhurrin, a glucoside that breaks down to release hydrocyanic acid, also known as prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide, HCN). A sudden disruption of growth such as frost, drought or cutting, causes prussic acid to be released inside the plant at a more [...]
Key Points Alfalfa needs about 6 weeks in the fall to store energy that will fuel spring regrowth. A killing frost for alfalfa is -4°C for at least 4 hours. Other stressors - stand age, cutting frequency, disease and insect pressure, soil fertility - also affect winterkill risk. Stands that are mostly alfalfa are not [...]
This article was originally written by Joel Bagg in 2012. It was edited June 27, 2023 by Christine O'Reilly to reflect current insecticide options to control potato leafhopper and the cessation of third-party alfalfa variety trials in Ontario. Potato leafhopper (PLH) is the most damaging alfalfa insect pest in Ontario in most years. While the [...]
Key Points: Wet hay may heat and cause a fire. Immature hay and early first-cut hay may retain stem moisture where a meter cannot detect it. Call the fire department immediately if you suspect a hay fire. What Causes Fires? Hay that is too wet (above 25% moisture) will heat and then enter the spontaneous [...]
Key Points: Most silo fires occur because the silage is too dry Silo fires frequently smoulder undetected for a while; the forage bursts into flames when it comes in contact with the air Call the fire department immediately if you suspect a silo fire What Causes Fires? Silage and haylage that is too dry (below [...]
Mixed hay is one of the most common stored forages used in beef production in Ontario. Christine O’Reilly, OMAFRA Forage and Grazier specialist, reviews the advantages and disadvantages of varying proportions of alfalfa and orchardgrass
Number of Positions: Two (2) Location: 322 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON Contract Length: 18 weeks, starting May 1, 2022 (start date negotiable) Salary: $16.35/hour (Level 2), based on a 36.25-hour work week Job Description: Are you looking to develop transferable skills, support your career goals and learn more about the Ontario Public Service? These [...]
Dairy and Beef Cattle Production 