Tag Archives: Alfalfa and Timothy hay producers and exporters

Canadian Forage: A Reliable Supply Option for European Livestock Producers

Europe’s 2026 summer has been a difficult one for agriculture. Persistent heat and a lack of rainfall across large parts of Western and Central Europe have affected crops, grasslands and forage availability.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre reports that grassland productivity and pasture availability have declined significantly in several regions, raising concerns about fodder supply. The areas most affected include France, southern Germany, northern and central Italy, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and western Romania.

The impact is already being felt by livestock producers. In the Czech Republic, for example, drought has significantly reduced feed crop production, with some farmers reporting substantial shortages of haylage and other feed crops.

Situations like this highlight the importance of having access to additional sources of forage and animal feed.

Looking Beyond Local Forage Supply

Local production will always be at the centre of livestock agriculture. However, when weather conditions affect yields or when additional volumes are needed, international suppliers can provide another option.

Canada is one of the world’s major agricultural-producing countries, with a large land base, established agricultural infrastructure and experience supplying forage products to international markets.

At Barr-Ag, we produce and export a broad range of Canadian forage and animal feed products, including hay, straw, dehydrated silage and pellets.

Our products include:

Alfalfa Hay
Timothy Hay
Mixed Hay
Wheat and Barley Straw
Dehydrated Corn Silage
Dehydrated Barley Silage
Alfalfa Pellets
Timothy Pellets

Different products serve different feeding requirements, giving customers the flexibility to source the type of forage that best fits their operation.

Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa hay is an important forage for many dairy and livestock operations. It is valued for its nutritional content and is widely used in feeding programs around the world.

Canadian alfalfa is produced in a range of qualities and can be supplied in different bale formats depending on market and customer requirements.

Timothy Hay

Timothy hay is a widely used grass forage known for its fibre content and palatability.

It is used across a variety of livestock and animal feeding applications and is an established Canadian export product for international markets.

Mixed Hay

Mixed hay provides a versatile forage option consisting of a combination of grasses and legumes.

The exact composition can vary depending on the crop, growing conditions and production requirements, making mixed hay suitable for a variety of feeding programs.

Straw

Wheat and barley straw are used in both animal feeding and livestock bedding.

As a fibre source, straw can form part of a livestock ration, while its physical characteristics also make it a widely used bedding material for cattle, horses and other animals.

Dehydrated Corn Silage

Dehydrated corn silage is a different approach to supplying corn forage internationally.

Traditional corn silage is a high-moisture product and is generally produced and consumed relatively close to where it is grown. Its moisture content makes long-distance transportation and storage more challenging.

Through dehydration, we are able to produce a stable, low-moisture corn silage product that is suitable for storage and international transportation.

Our dehydrated corn silage typically contains approximately 8–10% moisture, with approximately 7–9% crude protein and 25–30% starch, although analysis can vary by crop and production year.

One of the biggest advantages of the dehydrated product is its year-round availability.

Rather than being limited to the traditional harvest and feeding season, dehydrated corn silage can be produced, stored and supplied throughout the year. This provides customers with a consistent product and a more predictable supply option.

Dehydrated Barley Silage

Dehydrated barley silage offers another forage option in a stable, low-moisture format.

Like dehydrated corn silage, it can be produced and supplied throughout the year, allowing customers to access a consistent product outside the traditional growing and harvest season.

The ability to store and transport dehydrated barley silage makes it particularly suitable for international markets where traditional fresh or high-moisture silage is difficult to move over long distances.

Alfalfa and Timothy Pellets

Pellets provide forage in a compact and easy-to-handle format.

Alfalfa pellets offer a convenient form of alfalfa forage for a variety of animal feeding applications, while timothy pellets provide a similar option for customers looking for a grass-based forage product.

Compared with traditional baled forage, pellets can offer advantages in handling, storage and transportation, depending on the customer’s feeding system and requirements.

Why Year-Round Availability Matters

The growing season naturally creates a degree of uncertainty for agricultural production.

When forage production is lower than expected, livestock producers and feed companies may need to source additional feed outside their usual market or earlier than planned.

This is one area where dehydrated forage products can offer an advantage.

Because dehydrated corn silage and dehydrated barley silage can be produced and stored for supply throughout the year, they are not dependent on immediate local harvest availability at the time a customer needs the product.

For international buyers, this also means having access to a forage product that is specifically suited to storage and containerized transportation.

From Canada to International Markets

International forage supply is about more than the product itself. Transportation and freight are an important part of the overall equation.

At Barr-Ag, our main international business is port-to-port container shipping. We work with freight providers and customers to arrange transportation from Canada to ports around the world.

Depending on the destination, we can also look at additional delivery options.

For selected destinations, we are able to offer delivery beyond the port and, in some cases, directly to the customer’s door. The availability and cost of these options depend on the destination, local transportation infrastructure and shipment requirements.

This allows us to look at different logistics solutions where appropriate, while our primary international business remains containerized port-to-port shipments.

A Broad Range of Canadian Forage Products

The current conditions in Europe are a reminder of how closely animal feed availability is connected to agricultural production and weather.

For livestock producers and feed companies, having relationships with suppliers in different agricultural regions can provide additional flexibility when circumstances change.

Canada offers significant agricultural production capacity and established export infrastructure, making it possible to supply a broad range of forage products to international markets.

At Barr-Ag, we combine several different product categories under one operation — from traditional baled forage and straw to pellets and dehydrated silage.

For customers looking for alfalfa hay, timothy hay, mixed hay, straw, pellets or dehydrated corn and barley silage, Canadian supply can provide another option when planning forage requirements.

Our dehydrated corn and barley silage add another dimension to that offering, with year-round production, consistent product format and suitability for international storage and transportation.

As European livestock producers and feed businesses navigate changing growing conditions, having access to reliable international forage sources can be an important part of planning ahead.

Barr-Ag supplies Canadian forage and animal feed products to international markets and works with customers to develop practical product and logistics solutions based on their destination and requirements.

Interested in learning more? Contact Barr-Ag to discuss our products, current availability and shipping options for your destination.

Why Moisture Management Is the Foundation of Export-Grade Forage

When evaluating forage quality, most buyers focus on protein, fiber, digestibility, and relative feed value. While these metrics are important, one critical factor often determines whether forage maintains its nutritional value from harvest to feeding: moisture management.

Proper moisture management is the foundation of producing and delivering export-grade forage. From the moment a crop is cut until it reaches the end user, moisture levels must be carefully monitored and controlled to prevent mold, heating, spoilage, and nutrient loss.

Whether the product is alfalfa, timothy, mixed hay, straw, or silage, managing moisture correctly helps preserve forage quality and protects the value of every bale.

Quality Starts in the Field

The moisture management process begins immediately after harvest.

Freshly cut forage contains a significant amount of moisture that must be reduced through proper curing before baling. The goal is to remove enough moisture to ensure safe storage while preserving leaves, colour, and nutritional value.

Baling forage too wet can create serious challenges:

Mold growth
Excessive heating
Nutrient degradation
Reduced palatability
Increased risk of spoilage during storage or transit

On the other hand, allowing forage to become excessively dry can increase leaf loss, particularly in alfalfa and other legume crops, resulting in reduced feed value.

Achieving the proper moisture balance is one of the most important decisions during harvest.

Why Moisture Matters for Nutritional Value

Many producers recognize that excessive moisture can cause mold, but fewer realize how significantly it can affect forage nutrition.

When moisture levels are too high, biological activity continues within the bale. This activity generates heat and can lead to nutrient losses over time.

Excessive heating may:

Reduce protein availability
Lower energy value
Decrease digestibility
Cause discoloration and quality deterioration

Forage that initially tested well can lose nutritional value if moisture is not properly managed during storage.

Maintaining appropriate moisture levels helps preserve the protein, energy, fibre characteristics, and overall feed quality that livestock producers depend on.

Preventing Mold and Heating

Mold and heating are among the most common causes of forage quality loss.

When excess moisture remains trapped within a bale, microorganisms can continue to grow and reproduce. As microbial activity increases, temperatures inside the bale rise.

This process can result in:

Mold development
Musty odours
Reduced feed intake
Increased waste
Loss of marketability

In severe cases, excessive heating can create fire risks within forage storage facilities.

Careful moisture management, combined with proper storage practices, significantly reduces these risks and helps maintain forage quality throughout the supply chain.

The Importance of Testing and Monitoring

Producing export-grade forage requires more than visual inspection.

Moisture testing provides valuable information throughout the harvest and storage process, helping ensure forage is baled and stored under appropriate conditions.

Regular testing allows producers and processors to:

Verify moisture levels before baling
Monitor stored inventory
Maintain consistent product quality
Reduce spoilage risk
Meet customer specifications

Accurate testing helps support quality assurance programs and provides confidence that forage will perform as expected upon delivery.

Storage Conditions Matter

Even properly cured forage can lose quality if storage conditions are inadequate.

Protecting forage from moisture after harvest is just as important as achieving the correct moisture level before baling.

Best practices include:

Storing forage in well-maintained facilities
Protecting inventory from precipitation and ground moisture
Promoting adequate airflow
Monitoring storage conditions regularly
Handling bales carefully to preserve integrity

Effective storage management helps maintain forage quality from harvest through shipment and feeding.

Moisture Management Across All Forage Types

Although moisture targets vary between products, moisture management is essential across all forage categories.

For example:

Alfalfa requires careful curing to preserve leaves and protein.
Grass hay benefits from proper drying to maintain colour and digestibility.
Straw must remain dry to prevent mold and storage losses.
Silage depends on controlled moisture levels to support proper fermentation and feed stability.

Regardless of forage type, moisture management directly influences product quality, consistency, and performance.

Building Confidence Through Quality Control

Forage buyers around the world depend on consistent quality and reliable performance. Achieving those standards starts long before a bale is loaded for shipment.

Proper curing, moisture testing, handling, and storage practices work together to preserve nutritional value and ensure forage arrives in the condition customers expect.

At Barr-Ag, we understand that moisture management is one of the most important factors in maintaining forage quality. Our focus on proper handling, testing, and storage helps ensure customers receive forage products that meet demanding domestic and international requirements.

To learn more about our forage programs or discuss your forage requirements, contact Barr-Ag today.

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.

Canadian Alfalfa Hay and Its Many Benefits

Canadian Alfalfa Hay

Over the past four decades, the Canadian Alfalfa processing industry has experienced tremendous growth. Today, it ranks as one of the top five largest exporters of Alfalfa in the world. Alberta-grown Alfalfa hay offers many benefits and advantages when compared to hay grown in other parts of the world. Canadian Alfalfa hay provides farmers with a consistently higher quality product, while also offering a more rapid harvesting time than many other types of hay.

Because of its high protein content, farmers across Canada and the United States use dehydrated Alfalfa hay as food for their livestock. The soil on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies is rich in calcium and magnesium, which helps to produce a more robust, nutrient rich hay.

The clean air, long warm days, and cool nights in Canada ensure a vigorous production during the shorter growing season. Dry land alfalfa hay may be harvested up to twice per season, while irrigated alfalfa hay can be harvested up to three times each season. Because of it has a deep perennial root system, Alfalfa hay is a high water use forage crop. Although it optimally requires 540 to 680 mm of water per growing season in Alberta, the crop is relatively drought tolerant.

The long Canadian winters allow farmers to grow Alfalfa hay using more natural methods. This significantly reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides, as the cold temperatures effectively discourage pests and most weeds. The shorter growing season allows the land a greater resting period to recuperate. This recovery time helps eliminate the need for artificial fertilizers to coax more production, as is commonly necessary in areas with warmer climates.

This non-GMO crop also offers more stringent quality control guidelines. Instead of being graded by observation and smell the way Timothy hay is, Alfalfa hay is tested and graded by independent labs. Canadian Alfalfa hay promises a more consistent product, year after year.

Barr-Ag is a family-owned operation with a farm-to-farm business model. This allows them the unique ability to maintain much tighter control over the product they export. Barr-Ag’s farms and producers are strategically positioned near the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains where they are fortunate to have clean air, long warm days with cool nights, soil rich in calcium and magnesium and a pristine environment in which to grow their non-GMO alfalfa hay.

Growing 60% of all exported hay ensures that they can set high standards in place at each stage of their product, from planting to packaging. The remaining 40% of their stock is purchased from local growers with the same dedication to quality. Barr-Ag’s quality standards allow them to guarantee mold-free hay with less than 12% moisture content.

Contact Barr Ag to get more information on any or our crops including Alfalfa, Timothy, Mixed Hay, Canadian Grains and Pulse corps.

Alberta Alfalfa Hay

Medicago sativa is the Latin name for “the Queen of Forages”, alfalfa, the most popular and important forage legume grown in Canada. (Agriculture Canada, 1987) It owes its monarchic nickname to its many virtues and merits. Alberta Alfalfa Hay is considered to be one of the most palatable and nutritious of hays. Rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, alfalfa hay is one of the chief components of dairy cattle feed, as well as serving as an important dietary ration for milking goats, beef cattle, sheep and horses. Aside from the nutritional advantages that it provides for ruminants and a variety of equine species, alfalfa is also an indirect source for honey as bees gather a substantial amount of nectar from alfalfa flowers. (Alfalfa) This high-yielding cultivar also has a great ability to improve soil quality and provide weed control for ensuing crops.

The plant itself is a bushy perennial legume which grows to a height of 60-100 cm. Its leaves consist of 3 leaflets which can range in shape from almost round to lanceolate. The stems are slender and may be either hollow or solid. Flowers grow in clusters of 10-20 and the florets are usually blue or purple, white or yellow, occasionally bronze and green and may be variegated with shades of blue and green. (Goplen, 1987) Seed pods are slightly downy and vary from kidney or sickle shaped to single, double or triple-coiled in appearance; however “the sickle pod has been almost eliminated by selection because it contains few seeds and shatters easily”. (Goplen et al., 1987, p.6)

The roots of the alfalfa plant are of four types: tap, branch, rhizomatious and creeping. The majority of roots probably penetrate most soils to a depth of about 2 m. (Fulkerson) Taproots typically penetrate “from 7 to 9 m, but roots have been observed 39 m deep in a mine beneath an alfalfa field”. (Sheaffer & Evers, 2007, p. 182) “Depending on the length of the growing season and maturity at harvest, alfalfa will have from 2 to 10 regrowth cycles”. (Sheaffer & Evers, 2007, p.182)

One of the distinctive characteristics of alfalfa is its ability to tap into the nitrogen supply in the air. It does this through an especially unique symbiotic relationship with a particular type of soil bacteria. These bacteria produce nodules on the root that convert nitrogen in the air into a form that is readily used by the plant- a process called “nitrogen fixation”. Soil acidity directly affects the growth and survival of these bacteria and can be a significant impediment to high alfalfa yields. Saline soil conditions also deter productivity because salinity adversely affects seed germination and also prevents roots from taking in water and essential nutrients.

At Barr-Ag, we take up to three cuts of the early maturing varieties of Alberta Alfalfa Hay from our irrigated farms. This alfalfa is sought after for its higher protein content. The later maturing variety is grown on our dryland properties and we harvest up to two cuts. All of our alfalfa hay is non-GMO.(See to the attached article: USDA to OK Genetically Modified Alfalfa )

Barr-Ag’s head office is located at 5837 Imperial Drive, Olds, Alberta, Canada, T4H 1G6. Please visit our website or call or write if you have any questions about our timothy hay, non-GMO alfalfa hay or any of our other products. We can be reached by telephone at: 403 507 8660 or by email at: [email protected] or [email protected]

References:
Fulkerson, R.S., Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Publication 59
Goplen, B.P, Baenziger, H., Bailey, L.D., Gross, A.T.H., Hanna, M.R., Michaud, R., Richards, K.W., Waddington, J., (1987) Agriculture Canada: Growing and Managing Alfalfa in Canada, Publication 1705/E
McKenzie, Ross H., (2005) Agri-Facts: Soil and Nutrient Management of Alfalfa
Sheaffer, Craig C., Evers, Gerald W., (2007) Forages: The Science of Grassland Agriculture
Alfalfa: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/botany/alfalfa-info.htm
Forage: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1174594338500&lang=eng

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