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FIRST & FORage MOST October 2013
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 Canadian Forage & Grassland Association Association Canadienne pour les Plantes Fourrag�res |
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Become a CFGA Sponsor Platinum - $10,000 Gold - $5,000 Silver - $2,500 |
Become a Member Overseas Exporters $1500 U.S. Exporters $250 Patrons/Friends $250 |
Canadian Research Report:
Forage & Research Report - Dr. Surya N. Acharya,
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB
New Sainfoin Populations for Bloat-free Alfalfa Pasture Mixtures in Western Canada
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is by far the most productive forage legume crop in western Canada. Due to its capacity to produce high biomass, high nutritional quality and wide adaptation alfalfa is often referred to as 'Queen of forages" in this area. Alfalfa is probably the only forage crop that is capable of sustaining beef cattle growth of 1 to 1.5 kg d-1 and gains of 535 to 923 kg ha-1 have been reported for steers grazing alfalfa pastures rotationally. However, cattle grazing alfalfa can bloat and die, discouraging producers to use this high performance grazing system.
Earlier research had demonstrated that condensed tannin (CT) containing sainfoin, when present in low (about 15%) proportions, can prevent alfalfa pasture bloat. However, this information was not used by cattle producers as sainfoin cultivars available in the market did not survive in the mixed alfalfa stands for long and even in the initial year sainfoin did not grow back after the first grazing to prevent bloat. Therefore, a number of new sainfoin populations were developed at Lethbridge Research Centre specifically for their ability to survive in alfalfa mixed stands for 3-4 years, regrow after cutting at a similar rate as alfalfa, and produce more biomass than Nova sainfoin without sacrificing forage quality. For the past four years a series of tests were conducted to determine if the newly developed sainfoin populations are actually capable of preventing bloat in alfalfa mixed stands for a number of years without sacrificing animal performance.
Several newly developed sainfoin populations and Nova check were grown in pure and mixed stands with three alfalfa cultivars in four western Canada locations (Lethbridge, Saskatoon, Lanigan and Swift Current) over four years. These tests indicated that some newly developed sainfoin populations can produce higher biomass both in pure and in mixed stands with alfalfa than Nova under hay or simulated grazing conditions. New sainfoin populations not only survived in alfalfa stands, but also contributed over 20% to the total dry matter throughout the growing season (all three cuts). In contrast, Nova sainfoin contributed only about 10% to the total dry matter content starting in the second cut of the second production year.
The new sainfoin populations and Nova did not differ in forage quality including their CT content. Under direct grazing all four sainfoin+alfalfa mixed stands in Lethbridge and Swift Current produced similar (non-significant) average daily gains (ADG) and live weight gain (LWG). In Lethbridge and Swift Current where direct grazing trials were conducted the only differences noticed were between the years of grazing. The ADGs (kg/d) obtained at Lethbridge were 0.86 in 2010, 1.20 in 2011 and 1.14 in 2012; while they were 0.75 for 2010 and 1.12 in 2011 at Swift Current. In 2010, the stands were more mature (past full bloom) than in 2011 and 2012 (~10% bloom) when grazing started. The mean LWG (kg/ha) observed at Lethbridge were 318, 422 and 595 for 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively; while they were 135 and 284 for 2010 and 2011, respectively at Swift Current. The differences observed between the two locations is primarily due to the differences in biomass productivity in the two locations
Under direct grazing of mixed alfalfa pasture no incidence of bloat was observed in Swift Current over the two years. This reconfirmed earlier observations that adequate proportion (26-39%) of sainfoin in alfalfa pasture prevents bloat. In the Lethbridge grazing study, Nova was found to constitute about 10% of the mixed alfalfa stand by second cut/grazing starting in the second year. Incidentally one of the Nova paddocks containing 5% sainfoin and a LRC 3519 paddock with 25% sainfoin were used for our bloat study. This study indicated that the bloat incidence and severity in mixed alfalfa stands with 25% sainfoin were 90 and 98% lower in 2010 and 2011 compared to the stand containing 5% sainfoin. In spite of the fact that the new sainfoin populations do not produce higher ADG they will be preferred by the cattle producers as they produce more biomass per unit area and their proportions in the mixed alfalfa stand remains high to prevent bloat. Research on mixed pasture productivity and quality will continue to maximize output from this high performance grazing system.
Dr Acharya can be reached at: surya.acharya@agr.gc.ca
or 403-317-2277.
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Wayne's Fodder
A Note from our Chair Doug Wray
To the CFGA community:
Wayne has decided to step down as the Executive Director of the CFGA effective this fall. We have been the benefactors of his leadership in bringing the concept of a national forage organization to reality. I believe we have exceeded the expectations of many. Wayne's organizational and communication skills combined with his perseverence and patience working with the diverse membership of the CFGA has allowed us to take root and grow. I concur with his analysis that the CFGA is beginning to make a positive difference in Canadian agriculture. Our progress is very much the result of a team effort with significant contributions from across the membership. That could not have happened without Wayne's talents for setting priorities, building consensus and enabling the committees to function and deliver on their agendas. Over the last four years many of us on the board have often remarked that Wayne Digby was " The right man for the job". We will comment further in the next newsletter, but for now, THANKS WAYNE.
Wayne's Fodder
This this will be my last opportunity to contribute to the CFGA Newsletter I want to spend just a few minutes reflecting on the progress we have made as an organization.
Over the past 5 years we have developed, from what started as a concept of a national voice for the forage and grassland industry into an organization that is starting to make a real difference with regard to how forage and grasslands are viewed across this country.
When we incorporated the CFGA in December of 2009 as part of our incorporation document we set out a number of goals as targets to reach by December 2013.
Goals
By December 1st 2013, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association / Association Canadienne pour les Plantes Fourrag�res will achieve:
1. A national voice for the entire forage and grassland industry, recognized as one of the top 5 national agricultural commodity associations;
2. Recognition of the industry value
a) Sustainability
b) Environmental
3. An adequately funded, functioning and effective national and provincial primary production and marketing research and development infrastructure;
4. A functioning communication and education program;
5. A 25% increase in the value of the industry.
It is interesting to look back at these goals and to evaluate the progress we have made. While we have been quite effective in moving the yardsticks in some areas there is still much work to be done. Now that we are four years down the road perhaps it is time to take another look into the future.
So, in wrapping up I want to say a great big thank-you and to recognize the huge amount of volunteer time that many of you have put into helping to grow the organization. Without this dedicated base of support an organization such as CFGA could not exist. I also want to extend a big thank-you to Corie Arbuckle and Chris Yuzdepski whose contribution to the CFGA in support of communications and managing our finances has been appreciated very much.
I am especially proud of the large base of support that we have from the Provinces including our Provincial forage and grassland organizations as well as key Soil and Crop Improvement Associations. The CFGA can only be successful if these Provincial associations are strong and carrying out effective programs. As well the relationship with key livestock commodity groups and the support they provide is critical to the CFGA. The forage export sector recognizes the value of a national voice and membership in this area continues to grow.
We are in the midst of preparing for our 4th CFGA AGM and Conference to be held in Olds, Alberta, this December. This annual Conference and AGM has become a key factor in bringing the forage and grassland community together and in setting direction for the CFGA. I hope to see you there. For more info and to register click here.
Wayne Digby, CFGA Executive Director
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CFGA Working on Inoculant Availability by: Jack Kyle, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs and CFGA Director CFGA continues to work on the availability of inoculants for forage legumes other than alfalfa. We are currently assembling  numbers to get an indication of the acreages of the various legume crops but data is difficult to find. From the inoculant manufacturers' perspective, the size of the market for the product is key as inoculants have a relatively short shelf life and must be used in the current planting season. If anyone reading this has an idea of acreage of any of the legumes other than alfalfa planted each year in your province I would appreciate hearing from you jack.kyle@ontario.ca Join us on Facebook Back to top |
University of Saskatchewan Seeking
Assistant Professor, Forage Crops
The Plant Sciences Department in the College of Agriculture  and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan invites applications for a tenure-track position in the area of forage crops breeding/genetics. The successful applicant will be expected to initiate a vigorous independent research program in the breeding and genetics of forage crops adapted to the prairie region of western Canada. The main focus of the position is to develop improved cultivars of important forage species for livestock and forage producers, with research projects supporting the cultivar development. The research conducted would be eligible for Government of Canada Tri-Council funding. The incumbent will also be expected to work with the forage and cattle industries in an extension capacity, teach one three credit unit class per year in the Department of Plant Sciences, and supervise M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. This position is a component of the Ministry of Agriculture's Strategic Research Program and its terms of reference defined by an agreement between the University of Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture.
Qualifications: This position requires a Ph.D. in plant breeding and genetics or closely related discipline, demonstrated ability in teaching and field and laboratory research related to plant breeding, and the potential to participate in extension activities aimed at livestock, forage and seed producers. Experience in a forage crop breeding program would be an asset. Relevant post-doctoral experience is desirable. Candidates should be eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to establish effective working relationships are essential.
For best consideration, applications should be received by November 8, 2013. Read more.
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New Holland Partnership provides support to CFGA Leadership Award and Speaker Series
Our new partnership with New Holland will assist us with the recognition of a deserving individual group or organization whose
leadership has had a significant positive impact on the forage and grassland industry either nationally, internationally or both.
In setting up the award, the CFGA recognized that contributions to the industry may come from many different areas and would not necessarily be limited to: management practices, research, teaching, or public relations and/or public education. Among those to be considered are farmers and ranchers, agency staff in land managing agencies, researchers, and technology transfer personnel, educational personnel, etc.
The award will be presented at the CFGA Annual General Meeting and Conference being hosted in Olds, Alberta from December 9 - 11, 2013.
The recipient will receive a cash prize of up to $6,000 to prepare either a keynote presentation or a promotional project related to forage and grassland. The keynote address or a summary of the project will be presented at the AGM as well as being scheduled at another industry event during the year following the award. When identifying a worthy candidate for the award, it is important to contact the nominee to identify his or her interest in participating in a speaker series or a promotional project.
The deadline for Applications is October 28, 2013. Read more.
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CFGA Forms Partnership with
Farm Business Communications
We are very pleased to report that we have formed a partnership with Farm Business Communications to promote the production, best management practices, research and innovation, market development, and benefits of forages and grasslands in Canada.
1) Feature Five Full Page CFGA columns in Country Guide (National), Canadian Cattlemen (National) and Le Bulletin des agriculteurs (Quebec) per year.
2)
An Annual Forage and Grassland Guide will be published in March in all three magazines.
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Forage Situation Across Canada
We asked our Provincial organizations to provide an update on the forage situation for their province and here are their summaries. 
Alberta - by Grant Lastiwka, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
Alberta had a productive hay year. But most hay was rained on and/or mature when baled. But there were a few tight windows that if you guessed just right...good quality hay was put up.
Less new forage stands were established and again more old forage stands were converted to canola or cereal crops.
Pasture production was very good for most, but quality probably was a bit down due to cloudy and wet weather. In pastures, clover grew well and weeds like Canada thistle seemed to be on the rise.
British Columbia - by Garth Healey, BC Strawdust Sales
Here in BC we have two forage boards, the PRFA in the north, where speaking with Darwin Linford the President, crops were a little late, with lower yields. Membership is holding, and the PRFA is looking at alternate ways to engage farmers to tweak interest, such as Sept. 13-15, they hosted a goat seminar.
The lower forage council, BCFC, President Doug Hatfield, said most of the producers were fighting with a year of too many rains at the wrong time, and yields and quality both were down. The BCFC continues to study future possibilities for growth in our forage acres.
We see ourselves as the gateway to international markets, yet work to solve the transportation restraints we are up against. Each day the sun comes up - that's all we can ask for. Hay that's it, from the west!
Saskatchewan - by Leanne Thompson, Saskatchewan Forage Council
Forage production was delayed in Saskatchewan due to the late spring. Rains in June and July impacted hay quality in much of the province as producers struggled with moisture while cutting and baling, or delayed haying to avoid these rains and harvested hay at a more mature stage. Like hay production, pasture production has been average to above-average and even with the hot and dry weather experienced at the end of August, livestock producers in most areas of the province anticipate being able to keep livestock on pasture until the winter feeding season begin.
Forage supplies were reduced after the early snow and long winter of 2012/2013 so much of the hay produced will be used to increase inventories for winter. Prices appear to be up from last year somewhat, but this is wide spread, likely due to the variable quality of feed on offer. There is also uncertainty in the market as the grain harvest and second cutting of hay (in some areas) have not yet been completed.
Reports are that the second cut of hay is expected to be of much higher quality than the first cut.
Manitoba - by Glenn Friesen, Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives
Manitoba's hay crop was delayed this spring, with snow on the ground until late May, leaving a shortened season for our growers. Overall, yields were average across the province; however, getting good quality hay was difficult. Many producers in the central, southwest and northwest regions had a significant amount of their first cut rained on, reducing the quality. Second cut harvest is continuing late into the year, with initial yields and quality being reported as average. Third and fourth cuts in the central and east are reportedly average to below because of sparse rainfalls; however quality will be above average. Corn silage harvesting continues with above average yields across the province.
The prolonged snow cover on pastures delayed spring green up, putting many pastures grazed early at risk for not maintaining growth late into the year. Pastures fared well for the first half of the grazing season; however, below average rainfall in July and August reduced late summer pasture conditions in most areas of the province. Currently, cattle are being moved to fall pastures or crop residue fields for grazing.
There are a few producers with small hay shortages in the east, but generally speaking feed production was sufficient for this winter's feeding period.
Rapport sur la situation fourrag�re au Qu�bec
Au Qu�bec, la r�colte 2013 a �t� affect�e par le gel hivernal, le printemps frais et pluvieux et une s�cheresse qui a touch� tout l'est de la province. Les r�gions centrales et l'ouest de la province ont r�colt� leur premi�re coupe tardivement ce qui entraina une baisse de qualit�. Pour ces m�mes r�gions, la r�colte de la deuxi�me et de la troisi�me coupe ont �t� bonnes en quantit� et en qualit�.
Dans l'est la r�colte de la premi�re coupe a �t� l�g�rement retard�e, mais c'est un faible taux de prot�ine due au manque de chaleur qui entraina une baisse de la qualit�. La deuxi�me et la troisi�me coupe ont �t� faible due � l'absence des l�gumineuses occasionn�e par le gel hivernal et les rendements des gramin�es ont �t� faible � cause de la s�cheresse.
Sachant que la production fourrag�re au Qu�bec est surtout concentr�e dans les r�gions centrales et l'est de la province, le volume de foin pour le commerce au Qu�bec sera � la baisse en 2013.
Qu�bec - by Richard Miville, Haybec and Germain Lefebvre, Agro-Bio Contr�le Inc.
Most regions of Qu�bec have been hurt by severe winter kill. Spring and early summer have been wet and cool in most of the province with record precipitations in June. This resulted in average to low quality forages for the first cut, most of it has been stored as silage or balage.
Central and West Quebec experienced fair weather for the second and third cut with yield and quality good to very good. However, Eastern Quebec turned dry for most of the summer. Winter killed forages acreage have been turned to annual crop, mostly corn silage, this bears true as well for Eastern Qu�bec. With the massive disappearance of alfalfa due to winter kill and the lack of moisture for grasses, regrowth has been minimal. Forage production being heavily dominant in Central and Eastern Qu�bec, there will not be much left for the market in 2013.
Ontario - by Ray Robertson, Ontario Forage Council
2013 has been bit of a challenging year for forages. Especially in eastern Ontario, where winter kill was a major factor on many farms. Weather patterns were quite sporadic throughout the province, and making dry hay was certainly a challenge. There was some small windows of good weather, and producers did make some nice hay, if you could hit it right.
The current hay prices has dropped considerably from what it was selling for in 2012, but that may be somewhat misleading. Many hay marketers are predicting a significant upturn in prices for quality hay as we get into late fall and early winter, when it is realized, that good quality hay is actually in very short supply.
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COOL FORAGE a new book highlighting Canadian forages
The Pacific Field Corn Association has published its third forage management book. Cool  Forages - Advanced management of temperate forages is available from regional BC Ministry of Agriculture offices. This full-colour publication was compiled from research around the world and contains chapters on: ecosystem services, growth of forage, forage diversity, forage breeding, soil nutrients, managing waste, and forage quality & feeding.
According to Duane McCartney, "It is excellent !!!! and covers a diverse range of topics including Ecosystems services, Growth of forages, Forage Diversity, Forage Breeding, Soil Nutrients, Manure Management, and Forage Quality and Feeding. The chapters are written by various forage research scientists from across Canada and the United States. The book is in full color with lots of charts and diagrams. It's one of the best books I have come across on telling the whole story of forages."
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CFGA Environment Committee sets up
'Resource Material' in Dropbox
by: Henry Nelson
The environment committee quickly realized there was a lot of information and research on  the environmental benefits of forages and grasslands that people were not aware of. In an effort to communicate this information to a larger audience We set up this Dropbox so more people could see what is available and could add information. The committee is very excited about this tool and encourage others to use and contribute to it.
Please find below a link to a Dropbox Folder containing Environmental Resources. You should be able to access this folder by going to this link. If it asks for a password just cancel that request. As well, as you come across additional resources please forward them to w_digby@canadianfga.ca and we can add them to this folder.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8gje45zc8x2ax8q/tuhVo-LW-R
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CFGA Exporting Members attend
World Dairy Expo
October 2013
by: Ray Roberson, CFGA Director
Canadian Forage & Grasslands was well represented at Madison for the World Dairy Expo again this year. The following region and members participated in a Trade Show booth at the World  Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, as part of the Canadian Forage & Grasslands Association.
- Quebec - Yves Marchessault
- Ontario - Ray Robertson
- Manitoba- Darren Chapman, Jake Heppner, Chris Kletke
- Saskatchewan- Nona & Dean Stewart
- Alberta - Russ Mellow
Nearly 71,000 people came through the gates from many countries. A number of overseas importers stopped into the booth to inquire about Canadian hay and forage products. Again, China was probably most visible, but also Bangladesh, El Salvador, Vietnam, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, India, Taiwan and UK, just to name a few.
We also spoke with many US producers who expressed concern about a lack of hay supply. Weather was also a major factor for many producers across the US.
The importers stopped by the booth and completed an "indication of interest form" which will be circulated to our members so they can fulfill some of their needs. 20 overseas companies filled out an interest form, and over 40 producers from the U.S. completed a form. The US producers came from New York, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and several other States.
All members felt that it was an excellent show and an important event for Canada to have a presence.
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For your information:
CFIA Joins Health Portfolio/ L'ACIA se joint au portefeuille de la Sant�
The Government of Canada announced that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) now  reports to the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health.
This new reporting relationship supports the Government of Canada's Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan. Having the three federal authorities responsible for food safety - Health Canada (HC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the CFIA - reporting to one Minister, allows for a clearer focus on consumer safety.
Under the Minister of Health, the important work of the CFIA, HC and PHAC will not change. The alignment of federal health and safety authorities under one Minister will help ensure coordinated federal food safety action and improved collaboration. It will enhance the ability of the Government to protect Canadian families from unsafe food and keep the Safe Food for Canadians Action Plan moving forward.
The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food will continue to be responsible for non-food safety agricultural activities, including economic and trade issues, as well as important animal health and plant protection work. The CFIA will continue to support the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in exercising these responsibilities. This will ensure that continued focus can be given to Government activities, policies, programs and services for Canada's agricultural sector.
Regulated parties should see no noticeable impact in regulatory burden as the Agency's mandate is unchanged and its operations remain intact.
The CFIA remains as a separate agency under the leadership of the President of the CFIA within the Health Portfolio and will continue to carry out all of its current responsibilities. At the end of the day, the Government will be better able to serve Canadians.
For further information on this change in reporting relationship, please refer to Health Canada's web site athttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2013/2013-137-eng.php or contact Linda Webster, Director, Strategic Partnerships at Linda.Webster@inspection.gc.ca, 613 773-5876.
Sincerely,
Paul Mayers
Associate Vice-President
Policy and Programs Branch
Bon apr�s-midi,
Comme vous l'avez sans doute remarqu�, aujourd'hui le gouvernement du Canada a annonc� publiquement que l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA) rel�vera maintenant de la ministre de la Sant�, l'honorable Rona Ambrose.
Cette nouvelle structure hi�rarchique soutient le Plan d'action du gouvernement du Canada sur la salubrit� des aliments. Le fait que les trois autorit�s f�d�rales responsables de la salubrit� des aliments - Sant� Canada (SC), l'Agence de sant� publique du Canada (ASPC) et l'ACIA - rel�vent d'un seul ministre met plus clairement la s�curit� des consommateurs au centre des pr�occupations.
Sous la responsabilit� de la ministre de la Sant�, l'important travail de l'ACIA, de SC et de l'ASPC ne changera pas. Le regroupement des pouvoirs f�d�raux en mati�re de sant� et de s�curit� au sein d'un m�me minist�re contribuera � la coordination des mesures prises pour assurer la s�curit� des aliments et � l'am�lioration de la collaboration. Il permettra au gouvernement de mieux prot�ger les familles canadiennes contre les aliments insalubres et permettra au Plan d'action sur la salubrit� des aliments au Canada de poursuivre sur sa lanc�e.
Le ministre de l'Agriculture et de l'Agroalimentaire demeurera responsable des activit�s agricoles non li�es � la salubrit� des aliments, notamment des dossiers �conomiques et commerciaux, ainsi que de l'important travail effectu� dans les domaines de la sant� des animaux et de la protection des v�g�taux. L'ACIA continuera d'offrir son appui au ministre de l'Agriculture et de l'Agroalimentaire dans l'exercice de ces responsabilit�s. On veillera ainsi au maint ien des efforts d�ploy�s en mati�re d'activit�s gouvernementales, de politiques, de programmes et de services destin�s au secteur agricole canadien. Les parties r�glement�es ne devraient constater aucune incidence notable sur le fardeau r�glementaire puisque le mandat de l'Agence ne change pas et que ses activit�s demeurent intactes.
L'ACIA demeure une agence distincte dirig�e par le pr�sident de l'ACIA, au sein du portefeuille de la Sant�, et elle continuera d'assumer toutes les responsabilit�s qui lui incombent actuellement. En bout de ligne, le gouvernement pourra mieux servir les Canadiens.
Pour en savoir davantage sur cette modification du rapport hi�rarchique, veuillez consulter le site Web de Sant� Canada � l'adresse http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2013/2013-137-fra.php.
Vous pouvez aussi communiquer avec Linda Webster, directrice, Division des partenariats strat�giques, par courriel � l'adresse Linda.Webster@inspection.gc.ca, ou par t�l�phone au 613-773-5876.
Cordialement,
Paul Mayers
Vice-pr�sident associ�
Direction g�n�rale des politiques et programmes Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments
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