Planning Your Feed Inventory for Spring

Planning Your Feed Inventory for Spring

Spring is often when forage plans are tested and where any gaps begin to show.

By this point, most producers have worked through the toughest stretch of winter feeding. What remains in the yard gives a clear picture of how accurate the original plan was, how well feed was stored, and whether there is enough in place to carry through to first cut.

Taking the time now to assess your Silage and hay inventory can prevent shortages, protect performance, and give you more flexibility before the season accelerates.

Start With What’s Actually There

Before making adjustments, walk your inventory.

Count bales and open a representative sample. Surface appearance can be misleading. Moisture damage and heating are often worse inside. With silage, pay close attention to exposed faces and edges. If packing or covering was not consistent, losses in the range of 10 to 20 percent are not uncommon.

Most forage shortages do not come from poor planning. They come from overestimating what is actually usable.

Separate inventory by:

  • Quality
  • Feed type
  • Intended use such as lactating, growing, or maintenance

Understanding what you truly have available makes it easier to allocate feed strategically and avoid unexpected gaps.

Match Feed to the Animal in Front of You

Not all forage performs the same, and small mismatches can affect intake, performance, and cost over time.

  • Lactating animals require consistent energy and protein
  • Growing stock benefit from nutrient-dense forage such as Alfalfa, Timothy, or Mixed Hay to support steady development.
  • Maintenance rations can rely more on Timothy or grass mixes
  • Finishing programs are generally energy driven with silage forming part of a broader ration

As discussed in our January article on matching forage to livestock needs, aligning feed type with production stage is one of the most effective ways to control both performance and cost.

Project Forward and Do Not Assume First Cut Solves It

Spring conditions do not always cooperate.

A delayed or wet season can push first cut back several weeks. If inventory is already tight, that gap becomes significant.

Work through:

  • Herd size
  • Daily intake
  • Days until turnout or first cut

Then allow for some margin. Weather tends to use it. Planning purchases or additional cuts early gives you more control over supply and cost.

Plan Supply Before You Need It

Once you have a clear picture, act early.

  • Secure additional hay or Silage
  • Confirm supply with a consistent producer
  • Adjust harvest plans based on realistic timelines

Waiting until feed is short usually limits options and increases cost.

Use Each Feed for What It Does Best

  • Alfalfa delivers high protein and highly digestible fiber for demanding stages such as lactation, growth, and performance.
  • Timothy and Mixed Hay provide balanced nutrition for steady intake and maintenance.
  • Corn or Barley Silage supply concentrated energy in higher output systems.
  • Straw works well for bedding and as a supplemental fiber source when used deliberately.

Problems tend to show up when feeds are treated as interchangeable.

Protect What You Have Already Paid For

Proper storage and handling preserve both quality and value.

  • Keep hay dry and off the ground
  • Maintain proper Silage covering and face management
  • Rotate older inventory forward before quality declines further

Feed quality can shift quickly if not monitored, especially during spring temperature swings.

Feed Options

Barr-Ag supplies a range of forage and feed products, available in both bale and pellet formats to support different operational needs. Pelletized options can offer convenience for handling, storage, and targeted feeding applications, while traditional bale products remain a dependable choice for many operations.

Whether you are planning for bedding, supplemental fiber, or forage allocation, having flexible format options can help improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Final Thought

Forage issues rarely show up all at once. They tend to appear gradually as lower intake, inconsistent performance, and higher costs. A straightforward assessment in early spring provides time to make adjustments while there are still options available.

Need help planning your spring forage?

If your forage numbers are not lining up, it is worth addressing it early.

Barr-Ag supplies Alfalfa, Timothy, Mixed Hay, Silage, and Straw products, with a focus on consistent quality and dependable supply. We proudly serve both domestic and international markets, working with producers across Canada and abroad. Our team can also assist with logistics and delivery coordination to ensure a smooth, reliable supply.

Reach out to discuss your operation, your timeline, and what you will need heading into the season. Email us directly at [email protected] to get started.

Understanding Forage Quality

Understanding Forage Quality

How Moisture, Cut Timing, and Storage Affect Performance Across Livestock Systems

Forage is the foundation of most feeding programs, whether it supports milk production, weight gain, body condition, or digestive health. Choosing the right forage type is an important first step, but quality and consistency ultimately determine how that forage performs. Moisture levels, harvest timing, and storage practices all influence intake, nutrient availability, and overall animal response.

Across dairy, beef, and equine operations, consistent forage quality supports stable performance and fewer nutritional challenges. Understanding how forage is managed from the field through storage helps producers protect animal health and maximize the value of feed.

Moisture Content

Moisture levels play a critical role in forage stability, palatability, and nutrient retention. For dry hay, excess moisture increases the risk of mold growth, internal heating, and nutrient loss. These issues can reduce intake, compromise safety, and lower overall feed value. For silage, harvesting at the correct moisture range is essential to support proper fermentation and long-term preservation.

Key considerations include:

· Excess moisture increases the risk of spoilage and reduced intake

· Forage that is too dry may lose palatability and digestibility

· Consistent moisture supports predictable nutrient delivery

Effective moisture management benefits high-producing dairy cows, growing and finishing cattle, brood cows maintaining body condition, and horses that rely on forage consistency for digestive health.

Cut Timing

Moisture management begins in the field, but cut timing determines which nutrients are being preserved. Harvest timing has a major impact on protein, fibre, and energy levels. Earlier cuts generally provide higher protein content and improved digestibility, which supports higher milk production, weight gain, or performance demands. Later cuts typically offer greater yield and may be better suited for maintenance rations, cow–calf herds, or easy-keeping horses.

Key considerations include:

· Early cuts support higher nutritional demand and performance

· Later cuts may suit maintenance, winter feeding, or lower-energy diets

· Consistent cut timing helps stabilize rations and feeding outcomes

Matching cut timing to animal class and stage of production helps reduce supplementation needs and improves overall feed efficiency.

Storage Practices

Once forage quality is established at harvest, storage and handling determine how much of that value is retained. Moisture and oxygen exposure are the primary drivers of forage degradation. When either is poorly controlled, internal heating and spoilage can occur, leading to dry matter losses and reduced nutritional quality.

Ambient temperature alone is rarely the root cause of forage loss. However, rising temperatures within stored forage often indicate moisture or air infiltration that should be addressed. Dense baling and effective protection help limit oxygen movement and reduce the risk of quality loss during storage and transport.

Key considerations include:

· Protecting forage from moisture and air exposure

· Using appropriate covering and sealing methods

· Minimizing handling damage, waste, and contamination

· Maintaining clean, well-managed storage environments

Strong storage practices help preserve forage integrity for dairy rations, feedlot diets, winter cow–calf feeding programs, and equine operations where cleanliness and consistency are especially important.

Why Consistency Matters

Livestock and horses perform best when diets remain stable. Sudden changes in forage quality, such as shifts in cut timing, moisture level, or lot consistency, can disrupt intake, digestion, and performance. In dairy systems, this may appear as milk production variability or the need for ration adjustments. In beef operations, it can affect weight gain, feed efficiency, or body condition. For horses, inconsistent forage increases the risk of digestive upset.

Consistent forage quality supports predictable performance, improved feed efficiency, and fewer management challenges. Consistency is not just about having feed available. It is about knowing what is being fed every day and being able to plan accordingly.

Barr-Ag’s Approach to Forage Quality

As a Canadian-owned and operated forage producer, Barr-Ag is committed to delivering consistent, high-quality feed across livestock sectors. Quality does not stop at harvest. Forage is compressed into dense bales and shrink-wrapped to help limit moisture exposure and oxygen movement during storage and transport.

This approach supports consistent quality throughout shipping by truck, rail, and ship, and helps ensure forage arrives in the same condition it left the yard. By focusing on handling, protection, and uniformity, Barr-Ag helps producers build feeding programs they can rely on throughout the year, with fewer surprises and more predictable results.

Looking to improve forage consistency and performance?

Contact Barr-Ag to discuss your operation’s needs and ensure your forage program supports long-term animal health, efficiency, and productivity.

Match Forage Products to Your Livestock Goals

How to Match Forage Products to Your Livestock Goals for the Year Ahead

A new year is the perfect time to reassess and plan your feed strategy to support the health and performance of your livestock. Selecting the right forage, whether for dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, goats, or horses, can make a significant difference in weight gain, milk production, reproduction, and overall animal wellbeing. At Barr-Ag Ltd., we offer a range of high-quality Canadian grown forage products, including Alfalfa, Timothy, Mixed Hay, Corn and Barley Silage, and Straw, suitable for farms both locally and around the world.

1. Understand Your Livestock Goals

Before choosing forage, identify the primary goals for each type of animal. Dairy producers may focus on maximizing milk yield and maintaining cow health during lactation, while beef operations prioritize steady weight gain and feed efficiency. Sheep and goats often require forage that supports growth and reproductive performance. Horses may have varying needs, from maintenance feeding to higher energy and protein requirements. Knowing these priorities will guide the selection of forage types, cuts, and blends.

2. Choose the Right Forage Type

  • Alfalfa: Rich in protein and energy, ideal for dairy cows, growing beef, and lactating goats. It is also commonly used for horses that require higher energy and protein levels, including performance horses, growing horses, lactating mares, and hard keepers. When fed appropriately, alfalfa supports milk production, muscle development, and overall growth.
  • Timothy: A high-fiber, lower-protein option, well suited for horses and adult ruminants needing maintenance feed without excessive energy intake.
  • Mixed Hay: Combines the benefits of legumes and grasses, making it a versatile option for operations with diverse livestock and balanced nutritional needs.
  • Corn and Barley Silage: High-energy forage used to support weight gain in beef cattle or to supplement dairy rations during peak production periods.
  • Straw: Primarily used for bedding or as a roughage filler. While low in nutritional value, it can play a role in ration balance when managed correctly.

3. Consider Cuts, Grades, and Blends

The nutritional value of forage varies with harvest timing, cutting method, and leaf-to-stem ratio. Early cut alfalfa typically offers higher protein and digestibility, while later cuts are more fibrous and better suited for maintenance rations. Mixed hay blends provide flexibility for farms managing multiple livestock types, and silage quality is influenced by moisture levels and proper storage practices. Evaluating your animals’ needs helps ensure the right match of cuts and blends.

4. Optimize for Animal Performance

The right forage program supports consistent performance throughout the year. Monitoring body condition, milk production, growth rates, and reproductive success allows you to fine-tune forage choices as conditions and livestock needs change. Thoughtful selection combined with good feed management helps ensure long-term herd health and productivity.

Start the Year Strong with a Custom Forage Plan

With Barr-Ag Ltd.’s premium Canadian-grown forage products, you can provide your livestock with the nutrition needed for optimal growth, production, and long-term health.

If you need an assessment of your forage requirements, connect with our team. We will work with you to select the right products for your specific livestock goals, feeding program, and budget. Whether you manage dairy, beef, horses, or mixed operations, we are here to help you get the most from your forage program.

Canadian Forage

Why Buyers Are Turning to Canadian Forage

Around the world, many producers face challenges in sourcing consistent, high-quality forage. Shifting weather patterns, inconsistent harvesting practices, and contamination concerns can all compromise feed programs and animal performance. As operations look for suppliers they can trust year after year, many are turning to Canada for forage that is consistently clean, nutritionally stable, and backed by reliable export systems.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Canada’s forage regions benefit from long summer daylight, cool evenings, and clean soils with naturally balanced minerals. This combination supports slow, steady plant growth, stronger fiber structure, excellent leaf retention, and higher feed value. While many regions battle heat stress or rapid drying, Canada’s climate naturally preserves nutrients and promotes uniform quality.

Clean Production in the Field

Contamination is a concern for global buyers. Even small amounts of dust, weeds, or mold can compromise feed for dairy, livestock, or equine programs. Canadian producers implement strong field management that includes low weed pressure, moisture monitoring, responsible fertilization, and crop rotation. These practices result in cleaner, safer, and more dependable forage compared to regions with inconsistent field standards.

Processing and Storage That Preserve Feed Value

The difference between good forage and great forage is often determined after harvest. Canadian operations prioritize timely cutting based on nutrient stage, modern conditioning and baling technology, controlled storage to protect color and leaf structure, consistent moisture targets that reduce mold risk, and detailed load inspections before shipping. These practices apply to all forage types, including hay, silage, and straw.

Reliable Supply Chains

International buyers often face shipping delays, incomplete documentation, or inconsistent load quality. Canadian exporters are known for reliability, professionalism, and well-developed systems created specifically for global markets. These systems reduce the risk of delays, rejected loads, or supply chain disruptions.

Nutrition That Supports Performance

Canadian forage is trusted for its balanced protein-to-fiber ratio, strong digestibility, consistent dry matter, and dependable palatability. These qualities support improved milk production, healthier rumen function, better growth, and more stable feed behavior. For operations that rely on predictable outcomes, nutritional uniformity is essential.

Sustainability for Long-Term Supply

Buyers increasingly seek responsibly sourced feed. Many Canadian forage farms use soil conservation, water stewardship, smart fertilization, and diverse crop rotations to support long-term soil health and supply stability.

Why Canada Continues to Stand Out

Demand for clean, consistent, and predictable forage continues to rise. Buyers want transparency, reliability, and long-term partnerships rather than inconsistent or one-off shipments. Canada’s climate advantages, production standards, and export infrastructure position it as a dependable source of high-quality forage for operations worldwide.

Where Barr-Ag Ltd. Fits In

Barr-Ag Ltd. is Canada’s leading trusted forage producer and for over 20 years has been combining strong farming practices with proven international logistics. Offering Alfalfa, Timothy, Mixed Hay, Corn or Barley Silage, and Straw, Barr-Ag Ltd. supports every shipment with strict field management, careful processing and storage, accurate documentation, consistent load quality, and extensive export experience.

For operations seeking clean, reliable forage supported by a trusted Canadian export system, Barr-Ag Ltd. provides a proven solution.

Spotlight on Women in Agriculture

Spotlight on Women in Agriculture: Leading with Strength, Knowledge, and Innovation

At Barr-Ag, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible women who are shaping the future of agriculture, both here in Alberta and around the world. From the field to the boardroom, women play a vital role in every part of our operation, driving innovation, sustainability, and community in an industry that continues to evolve.

Rayelle, a next-generation Schmitt and driving force at Barr-Ag, believes that being a woman in agriculture means bringing new ideas into a field that has long been established by men. “Some challenges I face in a male-dominated industry are that people don’t think women work as hard as men. The truth is I work the same hours and do the same jobs. I am just as involved in the hands-on work as the men, and they often underestimate that,” she explains. Agriculture has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field, but that perception is changing rapidly. Today, women are leading advancements in agricultural science, environmental stewardship, international trade, and farm management.

At Barr-Ag, we see that transformation firsthand. Many of the faces behind our success are women who bring expertise, creativity, and a deep passion for the land. Their leadership helps push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable forage production and agricultural innovation.

“My favorite part about working in agriculture is getting to work with my hands” says Rayelle. “I love being outside, watching the sunrises and sunsets, and being surrounded by nature. That connection to the land is what keeps me passionate about what I do every day.”

At Barr-Ag, we believe that the future of agriculture depends on inclusivity, education, and the continued empowerment of women in the field. We’re proud of the women who make up a big part of our team, from operations and logistics to research, production, and administration. Their dedication and innovation help ensure that Barr-Ag remains a trusted name in high-quality forage products worldwide.

For women considering a career in agriculture, Rayelle’s advice is simple: “If it’s something you feel drawn to and think you would enjoy, just go for it. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s a male-dominated industry. Focus on yourself and what you truly want to do, and everything falls into place.”

As we celebrate the many achievements of women across the agriculture sector, we’re reminded that progress in this industry is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for the land we all depend on.

We’re also proud to share that Rayelle will be representing Barr-Ag and Canadian agriculture this December at the Dairy Women Summit 2025 in Sapporo, Japan—a two-day event bringing together dairy producers and women professionals from around the world to learn, share, and connect. Her participation highlights the growing influence and leadership of women who continue to shape the future of agriculture.