Canada makes first commercial alfalfa hay shipment to China

Canada has made its first commercial shipment of alfalfa hay to China, through Green Prairie International, since Canada gained market access for the crop in March 2011, according to Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. 
Twenty containers of the hay have been shipped to China and 40 more containers have been ordered; the total is estimated at $600,000. "This is the first of many shipments as China's growing demand translates into new sales opportunities for Canadian producers, and jobs and growth for our economy," said Ritz. "This is solid evidence that Canadian exporters are taking advantage of new market access secured by this government."
China's hay and forage product imports have increased significantly in the last five years, going from $119,000 in 2006 to over $103 million in 2011. Alfalfa hay is a high-quality forage used in livestock feed, in particular for dairy cattle. China is expanding its dairy industry — aiming to double its milk production by 2015 — and the growing demand for alfalfa hay on the Chinese market is offering sales opportunities for Canadian producers. "We are extremely excited by this new marketing opportunity between Canada and China," said John Van Hierden, president and CEO of Green Prairie International. "This will create unprecedented opportunities for the Canadian forage industry. We believe this will create important economic and cultural benefits to both Canada and China."

Lallemand sponsors forage challenge

Lallemand Animal Nutrition North America will sponsor the contest awards and prizes for 2011 World Ag Expo’s Forage Challenge. It’s the second year the company has been a partner in the event.
Open to alfalfa hay and corn silage grown and harvested during 2010, winners will be on display at the 2011 World Ag Expo, Feb. 8-11 with educational displays and seminars where growers can learn more about forage production. Farmers and ranchers from 11 western states can participate in the challenge, held to determine highest-quality forages.

Monsanto can plant modified alfalfa in US

Monsanto can plant genetically modified alfalfa seeds under a new ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The New York Times reported the court overturned a lower court's ruling that prevented the company from planting the seeds.
In its first decision on genetically modified crops, the high court examined the ruling that required a study on how Roundup Ready seeds would affect nearby crops. A number of environmental groups and seed firms sued the U.S. Agriculture Department in 2006 after it had approved the seed, pending a full environmental study. Monsanto appealed to the Supreme Court.