Nutrient release from cover crop biomass is determined by several factors:
Read the full article by Christine Brown, Field Crops Sustainability Specialist, on Field Crop News by clicking the link below:
Growing cover crop-based organic no-till soybeans requires a different system approach than for standard organic production. Three years of extensive research trials in Ontario have guided the development of four key best practices for growing no-till organic soybeans following a cereal rye cover crop. Check out the tip sheet on field crop news by clicking the link below:
Book your day to attend the Guelph Organic Conference running from January 24 to 27, 2024. The theme for this year’s Conference is Bring Organic Home: Cultivating Community in a Changing Climate. Check out the Conference program here. There will also be a free to the public trade show on January 26 and 27. The event will be located at the University of Guelph.
Register for the conference today!
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 goals and learn more about the Ontario Public Service? This position will provide excellent opportunities for those interested in a career in livestock production, pasture management, research in the agricultural sector, and knowledge transfer within the province.
Duties will include:
How to Apply:
Application Deadline: January 9, 2024
We thank all those who apply, however only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Questions:
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact:
Christine O’Reilly at christine.oreilly@ontario.ca, 705-341-4899
OMAFRA Dehorning of Calves Factsheet
Dehorning is recommended to reduce the risk of injury to herd mates, enhance on farm safety and maximize financial returns. The Dehorning of Calves factsheet provides information on the ideal age for dehorning, welfare and economic significances of dehorning and pain management. Several dehorning methods are described and tips for aftercare are provided.
Read more or download a PDF version of this factsheet here.
OMAFRA Growing Blueberries for Home Gardens and Small Scale Production Factsheet
Blueberries are a popular and versatile fruit for home gardens and small-scale operations. Learn about the specific soil conditions blueberries require to thrive, how to plant effectively and how to care for blueberry plants in this factsheet, written by OMAFRA fruit specialists. Information on expected yields and different cultivars is provided as well.
Read more or download a PDF version of this factsheet here.
OMAFRA Water Requirements of Livestock Factsheet
Providing enough high-quality water is key for good livestock health. The Water Requirements for Livestock factsheet, written by Dan Ward and Kevin McKague, discusses water needs for all major livestock types depending on weight and weather, including dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, sheep and chickens. Information on the importance of water quality and livestock tolerance to minerals in water is also provided.
Read more or download a PDF version of this factsheet here.
OMAFRA Growing Currants and Gooseberries for Home Gardens Factsheet
Currants and gooseberries are versatile fruits that can be used for making jam, juice and desserts. The Growing Currants and Gooseberries for Home Gardens factsheet, written by OMAFRA fruit specialists, provides recommendations for preparing the soil, planting and caring for the plants. Tips for disease and pest management and information on different cultivars are provided as well.
Read more or download a PDF version of this factsheet here.
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 rapid rate. High prussic acid levels may be lethal to ruminants; death often occurs within 20 minutes of ingesting sorghum forage with elevated prussic acid concentrations.
Early fall, between the first frost and the first killing frost, is the riskiest time of year for prussic acid production in sorghum species. These warm-season grasses are very frost-sensitive. It is impossible to know by looking at them how much prussic acid is present in the plants. Below are some frequently asked questions related to managing sorghum species and frost.
Wait 3-5 days after a killing frost to ensile sorghum or make baleage. Prussic acid levels will decrease with fermentation. Silage should be completely fermented before feeding (6–8 weeks).
Cut grasses don’t know they have been cut. Cellular processes, like respiration and photosynthesis, continue so long as the leaves have enough water and oxygen to keep going. While information on this specific situation is scarce, the safest option is to respect the same wait times as if the crop was hit by frost just before cutting. This will give the prussic acid time to dissipate.
Yes. Prussic acid levels are highest just after the frost occurs. Since this is usually in the wee hours of the morning, it is generally much easier to avoid an issue by removing livestock from the sorghum before the forecasted frost.
Sometimes frost comes as a surprise. Immediately after a frost, remove the livestock from the pasture until it has dried out (usually 6–7 days). If new shoots develop, harvest the field as silage rather than pasture.
Prussic acid concentration is always higher in leaves than in stems. Because livestock preferentially graze leaves, they are more likely to be poisoned by prussic acid in a pasture situation. Lightly grazing a field will not reduce risk.
Brown, C. (ed.) 2017. Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto, Canada.
Cassida, K. 2019. Frosted sorghum and sudangrass pasture poses prussic acid poisoning risk. Michigan State University. Retrieved 21 September 2020 from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/frosted_sorghum-sudangrass_pasture_poses_prussic_acid_poisoning_risk
Vough, L. Date Unknown. Preventing prussic acid poisoning of livestock. Oregon State University. Retrieved 21 September 2020 from https://forages.oregonstate.edu/fi/topics/pasturesandgrazing/grazingsystemdesign/preventingprussicacidpoisening
The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million over two years through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support productivity and growth in the province’s maple syrup sector.
The Maple Production Improvement Initiative will provide eligible maple syrup producers access to cost-shared funding to support a range of activities to enhance their operations. Project costs can be applied retroactively to April 1, 2023, when Sustainable CAP officially launched.
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