“The hay forage market is a little bit secretive,” said Pat Lynch during his Forage Focus presentation last year. He went on to say, “You need to find your own market.”
We took that to heart, so this year we reached out to some of the big names in the Ontario hay markets and asked them to share their secrets. They responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. The result is 2024’s Forage Focus: Hay As A Cash Crop.
Held in conjunction with the CFGA Annual Conference in Guelph this year, Forage Focus is a day-long tour with stops at hay production hubs, where you’ll learn more about the markets available to Ontario hay producers.
This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to expand their operation, as well as those thinking about getting started with hay production.
Agenda
Friday, December 6, 2024, starting at 9:30am
Stop 1: Marcrest Hay Storage in Gorrie
Visit the hay dryers and check out an innovative hay storage facility.
Stop 2: Marcrest Manufacturing
Get to tour where the Bale Baron is manufactured. The Bale Baron is a machine that bundles small square bales and virtually eliminates the need to manually handle bales.
Lunch will be provided here, courtesy of Marcrest Manufacturing.
Stop 3: Marhaven in Drayton
Here you’ll get to see the Chinook hay dryers and the hay press. There will be a panel discussion (speakers to be announced) about the opportunities that are present for hay producers, and what your potential buyers may be looking for. Come prepared with your questions!
A trade show will also be held at this location.
Details
Cost: FREE! But registration is required.
Register at: https://www.canadianfga.ca/en/events/conference-2024/
Please note: If you are registered for the CFGA Conference, you are eligible to ride the bus for the tour. The bus leaves the Delta Hotel in Guelph at 8am. If you are NOT attending the CFGA Conference, you will need to arrange your own transportation to each location. Address and further details will be provided to registered participants by email closer to the date of the event.
For sponsorship or trade show information, please see this form or contact Rebecca at admin@ontarioforagecouncil.com.
Event flyer can be found here.
Learn more about the CFGA Annual Conference here.
There is a special conference Producer Rate for producers from Ontario and Quebec. Learn how to get this rate here.
You can find Forage Focus presentations, among many others, on our YouTube channel. The channel is your source for all things forage!
Previous Forage Focus topics have included:
- Soil Compaction Management
- Alfalfa/Grass Management for Silage
- Understanding Your Feed Analysis, and
- Grass in Dairy Rations.