A new online tool, Forage U-Pick, is helping Canadian farmers make more informed decisions when selecting forage species and planning seeding strategies. Developed with input from forage specialists across Canada, the tool provides region-specific guidance on forage selection, seeding rates, and weed management.
While Forage U-Pick offers a strong starting point, users are encouraged to consult local agronomists and forage professionals to tailor recommendations to specific conditions. The tool is designed to supplement—not replace—local expertise, technical resources, and new research.
🔗 Explore the tool: Forage U-Pick
Forage Mixes vs. Monocultures
The tool emphasizes that most forage stands are established as mixtures of grasses and legumes. These blends offer a number of advantages, including:
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Greater yield and forage quality
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Broader adaptability to varying soil and climate conditions
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Improved weed suppression and erosion control
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Reduced risk of pest and disease pressure
However, monocultures can offer benefits in certain systems, including simpler management, consistent regrowth, and better compatibility with herbicide programs.
When selecting a mix, several factors should be considered:
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How the forage will be used (e.g., pasture, hay, or both)
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Site conditions (e.g., soil variability, salinity, slope)
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Compatibility of species in terms of maturity, palatability, and regrowth
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Seasonal needs and longevity of species within the mix
Calculating the Right Seeding Rate
Forage U-Pick includes a built-in seeding rate calculator, taking into account:
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Pure Live Seed (PLS): Germination × Purity
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Seed count per pound/kilogram: Important to ensure species are correctly balanced in blends
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Soil zone and moisture availability: Heavier seeding may be needed in higher rainfall zones
An example highlighted in the tool demonstrates the importance of seed count: sainfoin contains about 30,000 seeds per pound, while timothy contains over 1.2 million. A 50:50 weight blend would result in a vastly disproportionate number of timothy seeds, potentially overwhelming the mix.
The tool also offers scenarios when increasing the seeding rate may be beneficial, such as with coated seed, reclaimed land, or broadcast seeding methods.
For more detailed resources on forage establishment, stand mixtures, and pasture management, producers are encouraged to visit the BCRC Forage & Grasslands section.
Forage U-Pick is a practical resource that supports on-farm decision making by offering regionally adapted recommendations. It serves as a helpful planning tool for anyone looking to improve forage productivity, longevity, and resilience.
