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Forage

Tame hay production for 2006 was 31,100 tons for 13,500 acres in comparison to production levels that were are 15,000 tons on 8300 acres. The province is 80% self sufficient in forage production with the Western and Central areas basically self sufficient. The major species grown include clovers, timothy, red top fescues and Alfalfa.

Silage corn is used primarily as forage for the dairy industry. Indications are that continued expansion of this crop will occur. Silage corn yields about twice as much as traditional grass hay. In 2001 there were approximately 700 acres in production yielding 10,500 tons valued at $700,000.

Forage production presents various opportunities such as:

• Improvement of quality and yield through better forage fertility.
• Introduce legumes such as alfalfa and clovers.
• Converting to large square bales to reduce plastic storage cost.
• Introduction of better designed transport carriers.

There are also challenges involved with forage production including:

• Areas of marginal land bases
• Poorly drained soils
• High input costs including land development, high transportation, and high fertility
• Substantial acreage of suitable land tied up by private ownership.

Related Information

• Forage Management Under Drought
• Extending Forage Resources
• 2001 Forage Cost of Production (23 KB)

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