From left to right: Mark Horst of Marcrest Manufacturing, Fritz Trauttmansdorff of Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative, Chris Martin of Marhaven Agri and Chinook Hay Systems, James Fisher of Hay Press Company, Jaye Aitkins of Agricultural Credit Corporation, and Christine O’Reilly of OMAFA.

An incredible year finished in the best way with Forage Focus on December 6th. A snow squall blew through the Gorrie area right before the event was to start, but that didn’t stop forage enthusiasts from showing up to hear Mark Horst of Marcrest Manufacturing talk about considerations that went in to designing his hay shed and how he stores hay to keep it in the best shape possible.

Attendees then got an up-close look at the Marcrest hay dryers as Mark discussed how the dryers work and the purpose they serve in his hay production.

Then it was on to Marcrest Manufacturing in Listowel for a tour of their manufacturing facility where the Bale Baron and the 210 Baler are produced. It was interesting to get an idea of how the equipment goes from concept to finished product. A delicious lunch was provided by Marcrest.

After lunch the tour headed to Marhaven Agri in Drayton, where attendees got to see the Hay Press in action, learn more about the Ontario Hay & Forage Co-op, Chinook Hay Systems, and the financing programs available through ACC. The day was topped off by a panel discussion.

Videos from the day are being posted on our YouTube channel. You can watch the first video here.

Thank you to our trade show exhibitors!

Forage Focus 2024 was held in conjunction with the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s Annual Conference, as the post-conference tour.


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.

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