Characterization of First Cut Alfalfa and Grass Silage Management Practices on Canadian Dairy Farms

Production practices for first cut alfalfa (ALF), alfalfa-grass (AFG) and grass silages (GRS) were surveyed on dairy farms in four Canadian regions, i.e. British Columbia (BC, n=21), Prairies (PRA, n=32), Central Canada (CEN, n=218), and Atlantic Canada (ATL, n=17). Results are presented as percentages of responses by region; forage type, silo type, wilting method and inoculant use varied among regions. In CEN (93.0%), ATL (88.2%), and PRA (68.8%) AFG was most common. In BC, GRS was most common (66.7%). ALF was only reported in the PRA (28.1%) and CEN (5.6%). Respondents from BC only reported bunkers (52.4%) and baleage (28.6%). Bunkers were most common in PRA (31.3%), followed by baleage (28.1%), piles (18.8%) and tower silos (6.3%). In CEN tower silos were most common (37.2%), followed by bunkers (33.9%), baleage (22.0%), and piles (1.8%). In ATL bunkers (29.4%) and baleage (29.4%) were most common, followed by tower silos (17.7%), and piles (11.8%). Wilting was mostly done in windrows: BC (55.0%), PRA (45.0%), CEN (77.1%), and ATL (71.0%). In BC and ATL, 45% and 17.7%, respectively, of respondents used tedders to enhance wilting. In BC, CEN, ATL, and PRA, 55%, 58.3%, 64.7% and 44.8% respectively of respondents used inoculants.