Category Archives: Canadian agriculture

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.