6 Tips for Successful Spring Forage Establishment

Apr 18, 2024

By Farms.com

Spring's warm embrace brings the perfect conditions for establishing new forage stands. But busy farmers face tight planting windows and a long to-do list. Here's how to maximize your chances of success:

1. Nourish the Ground:

Just like healthy people need a balanced diet, strong forages require optimal soil conditions. Ensure your soil boasts sufficient available nutrients for robust growth. Additionally, maintaining the proper soil pH level allows plants to efficiently absorb these nutrients.

Provincial soil fertility guides can help provide you with the right information.

2. Choose Wisely:

Don't gamble with your investment! Select high-quality forage seed varieties specifically chosen for your region and intended use. Consider factors like your local climate, the plant's resistance to disease, and the desired forage characteristics. Remember, premium seeds are the building blocks for a thriving forage stand.

3. Time is of the essence:

Planting windows is short, so precise timing is crucial. Keep a close eye on soil temperatures and weather forecasts to identify the ideal planting window. Aim to plant when the soil temperature promotes seed germination, and the risk of frost has minimized. Seizing favorable weather conditions significantly increases your chances of successful establishment.

4. Plant Smart, Not Hard:

Follow recommended seeding rates and planting depths to ensure optimal seed-to-soil contact and uniform germination. This means adjusting your seeding equipment to ensure proper seed placement. Remember, proper seed placement is key to strong seedling emergence and establishment, ultimately leading to vigorous forage growth.

5. Give Your Forage a Fighting Chance:

Weeds are like uninvited guests at a party – they compete for resources and space. Implement effective weed control measures to minimize this competition. Proactive strategies, such as applying pre-emergent herbicides or timely cultivation, help suppress weed populations and allow your forages to flourish. Early intervention prevents weeds from stifling your newly established forages.

6. Keep a Watchful Eye:

Don't be a passive observer! Regularly monitor your forage stands throughout the establishment process. Assess plant emergence, growth rates, and overall stand density to identify any potential issues promptly. Address any emerging challenges by implementing appropriate management practices, such as irrigation or adjustments to your fertilization plan. This proactive approach ensures optimal forage growth.

By prioritizing soil health, selecting suitable seed varieties, planting at the right time, and implementing effective weed control and management strategies, you can significantly increase the success of your spring forage establishment. Careful planning and attention to detail will ensure your spring-planted forages thrive and contribute to a sustainable livestock production system.

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.