Hay Nutritional Quality and Grassland Bird Nesting: Impact of Delaying First Hay Cut on Dairy and Beef Production in Ontario

Perennial forage production exists in Ontario to support the livestock industry, but also provides nesting habitat for grassland birds such as threatened Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna). Delaying hay harvest until July 15 or later allows most nestling leave nest, nutritional value of decreases substantially. This project estimated economic impact delaying first cut after on beef dairy Ontario, Canada. Forage crops were sampled across analysis performed, effects economics modelled. 634 samples collected over 13 weeks at 16 sites from May 21 August 14 during 2014 2015. As expected, quality declined season. Crude protein decreased by 5.2%, total digestible nutrients 7.7%, neutral detergent fibre digestibility (NDFd48) 20.1%, while lignin increased 3.5%, 13.1%, acid 9.9%. Estimated yearly milk 10.9 kg C$7.87/dairy cow each day delay (2017 values). growth backgrounding steers 1.56 C$5.49/head harvest. translated into lost revenue per acre C$31 C$45 wintering cows a mid-June mid-July. Some agri-environmental incentives Canada, US Europe offset reduced due lower forages. informs farmers about cost practices benefit empirical data how structure stewardship these practices.