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FODDER CROP IRRIGATION - HARNOIS WILL HELP YOU TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE

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Fodder crop irrigation is still rare in Quebec, although widespread in Europe, some dry regions of the United States and elsewhere in Canada. It compensates for the lack of precipitation received during the vegetative period.

 

Indeed, many farmers in Quebec are concerned by increasingly frequent droughts, especially dairy and beef cattle farmers who face a shortage of fodder crops, their animals’ main food source. In 2018, an especially long drought forced a considerable number of farmers to buy outside hay and other feed, incurring $60 million in damages across the province.

 

 

 

 

Last year, the first trials on Orleans Island proved to be completely conclusive. By the end of the summer, irrigated plots showed 70% higher profitability than control plots.

 

The biggest challenge for farmers is likely water supply. That’s where Harnois comes in, with mechanical field irrigation systems being the key solution.

 

First, the use of Ocmis travelling hose reels, a high-quality, reliable and versatile product, allows the hose to coil even with low pressure and considerably reduces water pressure loss. Then, when paired with a low-pressure spray boom, you can achieve more precise spreading, saving a considerable amount of water and fuel. Harnois spray booms are equipped with highly-efficient, low-pressure spray heads, greatly increasing the amount of water that reaches the roots.  As with pivots and linear models, commonly referred to as self-propelled frontal spray booms in Europe, the selection of sprinkler heads remains crucial.

 

 

To conclude, farmers who have tried these irrigation systems to meet their agricultural fodder crop production needs, refer to this solution as everyday “crop insurance”. Quality irrigation helps extend crop life and increases the number and quality of fodder harvests.  To learn more, visit Harnois Irrigation for a large variety of solutions.

 

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