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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:
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Improvement of quality and yield through better forage fertility.
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Introduce legumes such as alfalfa and clovers.
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Converting to large square bales to reduce plastic storage cost.
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Introduction of better designed transport carriers.
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There are also challenges involved with forage production including:
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Areas of marginal land bases
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Poorly drained soils
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High input costs including land development, high transportation, and high
fertility
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Substantial acreage of suitable land tied up by private ownership.
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