OUR PRODUCTION
Stretching between the 45th and 50th parallels, province of Québec’s farming region benefits from a climate favourable to forage production. Long days, cool weather and well-distributed precipitations allow for the harvest of a superior quality, palatable hay.
THE PRODUCERS
Although Québec’s forages mainly serve to feed our provincial herd, more than 4300 producers do market hay. More and more Québec farming operations are specializing in growing good quality forage for every need.
TYPE OF HAY
Mixed hay, composed of timothy grass and alfalfa in variable proportions, is the most common product. Brome and orchard grass in combination with alfalfa are more and more incorporated into forage mixes. Pure alfalfa or pure timothy is also cultivated.
THE MARKETS: PACKAGING, PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION
Dry hay in small square bales (18 kg to 25 kg in weight) is the most popular for exporting on our continent, especially on the East coast of the United States.
Big wrapped bales, round or square, and a substantial quantity of dry hay are sold extensively, both on domestic and export markets.
Québec counts one dehydrated alfalfa plant and one hay compaction centre. Some farms produce and market forages. These operations also invested in drying, storage and processing facilities. They dry, inspect, process and transport hay. And they sell equally on domestic, continental and overseas markets.
Québec forage marketing operations are structuring and organizing themselves to supply the market and serve their customers in the best way.
