Ontario Forage Network

Advanced Grazing Systems Workshop and Pasture Walk in Carp, ON
2022-10-11 17:00 - 2022-10-12 17:00 (America/Toronto)
October 11, 2022

5:00PM-6:30PM Twilight Pasture Walk – Solar Farm with Lyndsey Smith and Chris Moore

Refreshments and networking to follow

October 12, 2022

9:00AM-12:00PM Cell Design Workshop – Steve Kenyon

12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch (Provided by BFO and Speare Seeds)

1:00PM-2:00PM Pasture Fertility & Carrying Capacity – Birgit Martin

2:00PM-4:30PM OFCAF Program Overview – OSCIA Field Staff, Colleen Acres

Advanced Grazing Mentorship - Series 1
2022-08-17 19:30 - 2022-09-28 21:30
Register

The Ontario Forage Council is providing the provincial delivery of the Advanced Grazing Systems program. The program offers training for producers to gain expertise in rotational grazing. The curriculum is designed to teach farmers key concepts and develop a rotational grazing plan for their operation. In addition to the course content, the program will create a support network of other grazing producers and provide instructional support resources. The Advanced Grazing Systems program is supported by Farmers for Climate Solutions in partnership with the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association.

The program will be delivered in three separate series of seven online sessions; followed by field days in spring/summer 2023 to demonstrate the implementation of systems outlined in the program modules. By the end of the program, participants will have completed a personalized grazing plan for their operation that will increase eligibility for funding through Ontario Soil and Crop Association’s Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF). Participants are asked to advise their mentor if they have pre-approved projects through this program.

These sessions will take place on consecutive Wednesdays from August 17 through September 28. You will be forwarded a link one week prior to the first session. Registration deadline is August 10, 2022

Forage Expo 2022
2022-07-14 10:00 - 15:00
Click here for demo, tradeshow, and sponsorship forms

The Ontario Forage Council (OFC), in conjunction with the Waterloo County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, is proud to announce the return of the Ontario Forage Expo 2022 – Forage Equipment Demonstrations and Trade Show.

After a two-year hiatus to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, OFC and Waterloo SCIA are excited to bring Ontario Forage Expo 2022 to the farm of Scott and Darlene Martin and family, 161 Hawkesville Rd., St. Jacob’s, Waterloo County!

This year’s demonstrations will include equipment from the leaders in forage production equipment. Attendees will have the chance to see what’s new for 2022 and have the unique opportunity to witness this equipment in head-to-head field trials! Equipment will include various mowers, conditioners, rakes, tedders, windrow inverters, mergers, harvesters, dump wagons, large round balers, large square balers, small square bale bundlers, bale wrappers, and bale grapplers. This event will provide the opportunity for farmers to view the latest technology available to harvest forage quickly with minimal loss and maximum quality. Ian McDonald, OMAFRA will be in the field, working with the equipment companies to provide information to farmers and answer questions. This is important in making decisions on investments that ultimately enhance their farm operations in capacity, minimizing harvest losses, product quality, and profitability.

This is a FREE event! Lunch will be available on-site at a nominal fee, and no pre-registration is required.

Trade show, demonstration, and sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event. Spaces are limited and will fill quickly, so don’t hesitate. Ontario Forage Expo is an excellent opportunity to advertise to a forage-focused audience compiled of producers from counties across the province!

Steel in the field

Making Better Bales
2022-06-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Valleykirk Farms, To be shared at time of registration
Grey County Agricultural Services is hosting “Making Better Bales” at Valleykirk Farms near Owen Sound on Monday, June 20th from 1-3 pm.

This is a free, informative event about producing the best quality bales with the fewest baling headaches.

Learn about cutting time, baling techniques, net wrap and twine application, and machinery set up for successful baling. This event is a spin-off from a winter course planned by Grey Ag Services. It is open to anyone who would like to attend and there is no cost.

Presentations will be made by: Nathan Ficzere and Alain Gratton of Tama Canada, and Earthpower Tractor with equipment in the field.

REGISTER: All are welcome to attend but must pre-register with Grey Ag Services by emailing info@greyagervices.ca or calling 519-986-3756.

New: June 2 Webinar from the Biomass Canada Cluster
2022-06-02 13:00 - 14:30
RegisterDr. Shahab Sokhansanj and Dr. Donald Smith will be presenting the updates on their activities:Activity#12: Development of logistics, pretreatment and commercialization of agri-pelletsActivity#13: Integration/optimization of crop residue production, processing & handling

Dr. Shahab SokhansanjAdjunct Professor, Dept. of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Research Leader, Biomass & Bioenergy Research Group (BBRG), the University of British ColumbiaDr. Donald SmithDistinguished James McGill Professor

Upcoming Webinars from the Biomass Canada Cluster
2022-06-02 08:00 - 2022-06-09 17:00
The Biomass Canada Cluster is holding its next webinar series from April 28 to June 9, 2022 to present progress in its activities since the first webinar series. Similar to the previous series, the project leaders and their industrial partners will provide updates on the results and achievements of their activities. The webinars schedules, presenters, and their presentation titles can be found on our website.

Next week: June 2 Webinar from the Biomass Canada ClusterThursday June 2, 1:00-2:30 pm EDTDr. Shahab Sokhansanj and Dr. Donald Smith will be presenting the updates on their activities:Activity#12: Development of logistics, pretreatment and commercialization of agri-pelletsActivity#13: Integration/optimization of crop residue production, processing & handling

Dr. Shahab SokhansanjAdjunct Professor, Dept. of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Research Leader, Biomass & Bioenergy Research Group (BBRG), the University of British Columbia

Dr. Donald SmithDistinguished James McGill Professor

To register for the June 2 webinar, please click here

Final Webinar from the Biomass Canada Cluster: June 9Thursday June 9, 1:00-2:30 pm EDTDr. Ajay Dalai will be presenting the updates on his two activities:Activity#4: Biochar production from Canadian lignocellulosic biomass and application for carbon sequestration, soil improvement and crop productivity Activity#9: Application of thermo-chemical and hydro-thermal pre-treatments in production of fuel pellets using agricultural wastes

Dr. Ajay DalaiDistinguished Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1), Chemical and Biological Engineering, the University of Saskatchewan

To register for the June 9 webinar, please click here

Presentation slides and recording of the third webinar held on Thursday May 19, 1:00-2:30 pm EDTDr. Kevin Vessey, Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos, Dr. Lining Tian and Dr. Julia Lu presented the updates on their activities on “Activity 6: Establishment and yield potential of four biomass crops on marginal lands in Nova Scotia ” and “Activity 7: Further investigations of sorghum for biomass on marginal lands – hybrid genotypes, growth-promoting microbes, and plant usable nitrogen“. The presentation slides and the recording of this webinar can be found on our website.

May 19 Webinar from the Biomass Canada Cluster
2022-05-19 13:00 - 14:30
Thursday, May 19, 1:00-2:30 pm EDTRegisterDr. Kevin Vessey, Dr. Lining Tian and Dr. Julia Lu will be presenting the updates on their activities:

Activity #6: Establishment and Yield Potential of Four Biomass Crops on Marginal Lands in Nova ScotiaDr. Kevin VesseyProfessor of Plant Biology at Saint Mary’s University in HalifaxActivity #7: Further investigations of sorghum for biomass on marginal lands – hybrid genotypes, growth-promoting microbes, and plant usable nitrogen Dr. Lining TianResearch scientist at London Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Dr. Julia LuProfessor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University

Addressing Complex Problems in Agriculture and the Environment ﻿
2022-05-18 09:30 - 12:00
Research Forum

Join us to build capacity around transdisciplinary research and One Health in Ontario’s agri-food sector, environment, and human health. The event will explore addressing complex problems in agriculture and the environment through research.

An agenda and more details will be provided as available.

Hay press open house
2022-04-23 10:30 - 15:00 | 7715 Wellington Road 8, Alma Ontario, 7715 Wellington Rd 8, Alma, Ontario, Canada
Register

Hay Press Company, in collaboration with the Ontario Hay and Forage Cooperative, is celebrating the launch of Ontario’s premier Hay Press! Now accessible to Ontario hay producers and brokers, the hay press can process up to 16 tonnes per hour and has compaction capabilities required for the export hay market. This is a real game-changer for Ontario Hay Producers!

The open house will highlight the benefits of using the press for hay producers and will include live demonstrations of both the flat pack and bundling system. Additionally, producers will have the opportunity to view a full-scale commercial hay storage and drying operation through our location partners Marhaven Agri and Chinook Hay Dryers.

WHO: Hay Press Company Inc.

WHAT: Open House

WHEN: April 23,2022 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

Live Demonstrations at 11:30 and 1:30 pm

WHERE: 7715 Wellington Road 8, Alma Ontario

Ontario’s Agricultural Biomass-based Activated Carbon andActivators: Preparation, Utilization and Value Chain
2022-04-13 08:00 - 10:00

Ontario Biomass Producers AGM
2022-03-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd., Milton, Ontario, L9T 2X3, Canada
The AGM will take place online. A Zoom link will be forwarded in advance of the meeting.

Agenda

Please register here: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/ontario-biomass-producers-agm-2138820711

Profitable Pastures - Webinar Series - 3
2022-03-10 19:30 - 20:30
March 10, 2022, 7:30 pm EST – Grazing Ruminants- The original soil builders. Lessons learned from my Nuffield Scholarship – Ryan Boyd

CEU Area – Professional Development – 1 credit

Ryan will detail insights gained from visiting with farmers and ranchers across the globe researching grazing systems as part of his Nuffield Scholarship and a lifetime of grazing on his own farm. New ideas about how to effectively manage pastures to maximize stocking rate, soil carbon sequestration, and overall profitability will be shared including the technique of ultra-high stock density grazing.

Profitable Pastures Webinar Series - 2
2022-03-09 19:30 - 20:30
March 9, 2022, 7:30 pm EST – 2022 Mapleseed Pasture Award Recipient, Mark Souldice, Big Rock Bison

CEU Area – Sustainability – 1 credit

Mark will share his family’s story as a Bison Producers in Ontario. Starting from the beginning of learning about the bison business, searching for an ideal farm and then what it takes to both establish a herd and raise and handle these massive and majestic animals. They focus on regenerative, sustainable and profitable farming practices that produce both nutritious and delicious protein. All while raising healthy/ happy bison in a low-stress environment with a focus on having a healthy grassland ecosystem that has a positive impact on the environment.

Profitable Pastures Webinar Series - 1
2022-03-08 19:30 - 20:30
March 8, 2022, 7:30 pm EST – Planned Grazing – Making the Cows work for you – Pam Iwanchysko

CEU Area – Crop Management – 1 credit

Planned grazing refers to the process of moving livestock from paddock to paddock in a pasture, at the correct time and for the correct duration. Managers using this type of system, subdivide their pastures into paddocks which enables them with the power of controlling the livestock movement. A project was developed and monitored at the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives Research Farm near Brandon, Manitoba that provided a means of showcasing proper grazing management in order to promote the reduction and elimination of the practice of continuous grazing. It demonstrated the positive impact of monitoring and managing the movement of animals, with the proper timing and duration, allowing for proper amounts of rest and recovery time for the plants and how that can rehabilitate the landscape. Pam will provide an overview of the results of the three-year project.

BQNC annual conference
2022-02-09 12:00 - 15:00
A reminder that the BQNC annual conference will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 9, and Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022, from 12-3 pm EST.

To join, please go to: https://www.bqnc.ca/ and click on the Register button. A confirmation email will be issued with a Zoom link.

Wednesday, February 9th • 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. ESTPresentations from Kate Bigney, Aaron Barr, Tam Tekle, Farough Motasemi, Martin Pudlas & Murray McLaughlinThursday, February 10th • 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. ESTProject updates from BQNC’s bioenergy, biomaterials and biorefining sectors

Forage Focus 2021 - Kim Cassida - Alfalfa quality and lessons from forage trials
2021-12-02 12:00 - 13:00

Forage Focus 2021 - Anita Heeg - Understanding your forage analysis
2021-12-01 12:00 - 13:00

Forage Focus 2021 - Rentato Schmidt - Minimize losses to get the most out of your silage
2021-11-30 12:00 - 13:00

Soil Organic Carbon KTT Workshop and Field day
2021-10-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Mable May farms, 6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, Canada
Join us at Mabel May Farms, 6214 Appleby Line,Burlington, Ontario.Coffee & Lunch will be provided

Register Now

o Information on commercially available biofertilizers,application methods, cost per ha; GHG emissionsreduction values and methods used; SOC sequestrationquantification methods and values will all be presentedin a field-setting (10 am to 12 noon)o Lunch (provided) – 12 noon to 1 pmo Field tour at local switchgrass and miscanthus Fields (1pm to 3 pm)

Speakers: Amir Bazrgar, James Fisher,Mahendra Thimmanagari, Naresh Thevathasan, Roger Samson, NormRichardson, Sarah Hasenack, SowthiniVijayakumar

Register by emailing Patricia EllingwoodEmail: support@ontariobiomass.com[ NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 12, 2021]

Success stories and lessons learned from the use of agricultural biomass for bioenergy production in the European Union
2021-05-05 10:00 - 11:00
A free webinar, jointly presented by Biomass Canada Cluster and AgroBioHeat, will take place Wednesday, May 5 at 10 a.m. EST.

The webinar is called “Success stories and lessons learned from the use of agricultural biomass for bioenergy production in the European Union.”

Canada is globally regarded as a leading producer, processor and exporter of high-quality oilseeds, pulses, and cereal grains, and its unique geography, including several different climatic zones and millions of hectares of fertile soil, allows producers to grow diverse and numerous crops.

Read more.

To view the list of panelists and their biographies, click Panelists.

Ontario Hay and Forage Co-Operative Annual General Meeting
2021-04-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
You’re invited to the OHFC Annual General Meeting

Topic: OHFC AGM

Time: Apr 19, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5199863756

Meeting ID: 519 986 3756

Ontario Hay and Forage Co-Operative Annual General Meeting (2020)
2020-03-03 10:00 - 15:00

Timothy Tour and Twilight Meeting
2019-04-25 15:00 - 20:00

OHFC AGM (2019)
2019-03-01 11:00 - 15:00

How to Grow Quality Hay for Overseas Export
2018-04-10 11:00 - 17:00
Join us to learn more about how to grow quality hay for overseas export!

April 10, 2018 11am-4pm

Mount Forest Community Hall – 850 Princess St., Mount Forest

The overseas markets demand high quality alfalfa and timothy from their suppliers. We want to help you understand what will be required for our co-op to participate in those markets. Our speakers will take us through the growing process from fertility, selecting varieties, input and fungicides, quality control in the field to meet required specifications and analysis. Harvesting techniques, storage, drying and more specific know how required to be successful in these markets.

Speakers will include: Christine O’Reilly-OMAFRA, Joel Bagg-Quality Seeds, Ken Currah-BASF, Fritz Trauttmansdorff-OHFC Chair, Chris Martin-OHFC Director.

Hot lunch and refrershments will be served.

FREE to OHFC Members

$50 for non-members, $50 admission fee is refundable upon purchase of a co-op membership (applicable on April 10, 2018 only)

Registration is required to reserve your meal.

OHFC AGM 2018
2018-02-16 12:00 - 16:00

Ag BIomass Day 2015
2015-03-27 09:00 - 16:00
Detailed AgendaDownload

Videos (Archive)

Growth Strategy for Ontario Biomass Producers Linked to Expanding Markets

Biomass Producers Talk About Their Experiences With Switchgrass in Ontario

Animal Bedding a Target Market for Ontario Biomass Producers

Ontario Grown Switchgrass Tested as a Component of Animal Feed

Ontario Trial Results Encouraging for Use of Switchgrass in Mushroom Substrate

Presentations (Archive)

1-OFC-Switchgrass-Research-Project-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

2-Miscanthus-Rhizome-Harvest-Planting-David-Smith-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

3-Ag-Biomass-_-Soil-Health-Bill-Deen-UofG-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

4-REAP-Canada-presentation-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

6-The-Advance-Payments-Program-Biomass-Crops-Don-LeDrew-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

7-Livestock-Farm-Uses-of-Switchgrass-and-Miscanthus.-Jake-DeBruyn-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

7a-Marc-deJong-Ag-Biomass-DayDownload

8-Switchgrass-in-the-Dairy-Industry-Bedding-and-Feed-Use-Marlene-Paibomesai-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

9-SWITCHGRASS-IN-MUSHROOM-SUBSTRATE-Bill-Stevens-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

10-Switchgrass-to-Biogas-Evaluation-Chris-Ferguson-CCS-Biogas-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

11-Biomass-Markets-Nursery-Mulch-March-27-2015-FinalDownload

12-IGPC-Ethanol_Ag-Biomass-DayDownload

13-Agricultural-Biomass-Heating-Terrence-Sauve-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

15-Combined-Heat-and-Power-CHP-Using-Agricultural-Biomass-Jake-DeBruyn-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

17-Advanced-Biomass-Fuels-and-Products-Animesh-Dutta-Ag-Biomass-Day-2015Download

18-OBPC-Growth-Strategy-Download

Student Posters (Gallery)

Clinton Field Day 2014
2014-09-05 08:00 - 17:00
Presentations (Archive)

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Don-Nott_Film-RecyclingDownload

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Don-Nott_Switchgrass-EstablishmentDownload

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Don-Nott_Switchgrass-RenovationDownload

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Urs-Eggimann_OFC-Switchgrass-Research-Project-UpdateDownload

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Roger-Sampson_Switchgrass-and-Bluestem-Breeding-Successes-Download

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Elke-Eichelmann_Carbon-Cycle-of-SwitchgrassDownload

Clinton-Field-Day-2014-Gord-Surgenor_Biomass-Where-Are-We-GoingDownload

Biomass Knowledge Exchange, February 25, 2014
2014-02-25 08:00 - 17:00
This event will be conducted on the same day and location as the OBPC AGM (afternoon session). Even though the Biomass Knowledge Exchange is an open event, priority seating will be given to OBPC members as well as former co-operators of the OSCIA Biomass Research Field Trial.

To optimize our event preparations and making sure you get your guaranteed seat, we highly encourage to use our online registration.

AgendaDownload

Presentations (archive)

The following is a collection of low resolution presentations of the Biomass Knowledge Exchange. If you need a PDF file with a higher resolution please contact Urs Eggimann.

OFA Biomass Project Report – Charles LalondeDownload

OSCIA Biomass Report Summary – Heather EngbersDownload

Switchgrass Grower’s Perspective – Don NottDownload

Miscanthus Grower’s Perspective – David SmithDownload

OFC Grant Project – Urs EggimannDownload

Examining the potential for biofuel grasses to become invasive – Heather HagerDownload

Biogas from Perennial Grass Biomass: Survival Rates of Seeds Exposed to a Commercial-Scale Anaerobic Digester – Kurtis BauteDownload

Can biomass fields serve as breeding habitat for Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark? – Nicole MacDonaldDownload

Winning Strategies for Establishing Bioenergy Grass Stands – Kate WithersDownload

OBPC Biomass Forum & AGM 2013
2013-01-23 12:00
Agenda

1 Stone Road W., Guelph Ontario, January 23, 2013

Speaker BiosDownload

Registration and Networking (6:30 pm- 7:00 pm)

“The Cents in Ontario Biomass – Budding Opportunities in an Emerging Biomass Market”: Presentation by Nick Betts, OSCIA (40 minutes, including Q&A)

Biomass in OntarioThe agricultural biomass industry has been developing in Ontario for over a decade, with various ventures and opportunities coming and moving by. 2013 presents a state where the industry is maturing and requires the input and cooperation of individuals and corporations across the spectrum of agriculture, aggregation, manufacturing and retail to succeed. What these options are, where they exist, and what the state of these markets at a global level can be deceiving and hard to evaluate. This presentation will discuss some of the challenges and successes in this developing market.OBPC Growers’ GuideIntroduction of the document, talk about sources, desire to make a “one-stop” document for farmers.Membership DevelopmentComing together as a united, farmer-driven front (Cooperative) and approach industry, clearly stating your current abilities, ramp-up abilities and potential with more members.

Introduction of Biomass Posters by UofG Students (5 minutes)

Break for Networking and Poster Presentations (15 minutes)

“The Challenge of Connecting the Biomass Sectors” (75 minutes)

A Panel Discussion – co-moderated by Ian McDonald, OMAFRA and Jim Todd, OMAFRA

Panel members:

Murray McLaughlin – Executive Director at Bioindustrial Innovation CenterCharles Lalonde – Ontario Federation of Agriculture & CJ Agren ConsultingBarry S. Wortzman – VP Business Development at Greenfield EthanolJohn Kelly – Vice President, Erie Innovation and CommercializationDon Nott – Owner, Nott Farms and Switch Energy Corp.Ralph C. Martin – Prof. at UofG, Loblaw Chair in Sustainable Food Production

The panel will address Market Opportunities, Business Models, Developing Relationships in the Value Chain and Environmental Opportunities along the value chain.

The audience has an opportunity to cover these hot topics in an interactive format with a panel of biomass industry insiders.

Within this forum we will attempt to shed more light and look for answers to questions like:

How can we engage biomass producers with end customers and players in the value chain?What are the attributes that manufacturers require in a feedstock?How can we leverage existing environmental opportunities, practically and market wise?How can we raise more effectively the awareness and knowledge of our biomass crops within the larger agricultural and industrial community?How can we improve the profile of our crops to become a highly desirable feedstock for bio-based products?How can we learn from existing and successful Ag value chains?Which biomass applications have the best earliest and best opportunity of opening profitable markets for producers and industry?How can we convince the vast majority of farmers, who are passively sitting on the sideline, to join early adopters and become active participants in a new biomass industry?

Annual General meeting (45 minutes)

Registration

WelcomeRecognition of the 2012 Board of DirectorsPresident’s RemarksFormal Meeting

Formal Meeting

Approval of the AgendaApproval of the Minutes of February 8, 2012Financial Reports/Financial Review – David LyonsAppointment of Reviewer for 2013Elections of New Directors (4 positions for 3 year terms, 2 positions for 2 year term and one position for a one year term, as well as one associate member as an adviser)New Business
