Timothy Seed Production
 
Introduction
Manitoba produces timothy seed, supplying local markets as well as eastern Canada, Europe, and the United States. Yields typically range from 200–500 lbs/ac (225–560 kg/ha). Once established, timothy is relatively easy to grow, provided there is adequate moisture and fertility.
 
Site Selection
  • Timothy is a perennial, bunch-type grass adapted to a wide range of soils.
  • Prefers cool, moist conditions; best on well-drained clays or clay loams.
  • Tolerates flooding and performs well on poorly drained or peaty soils.
  • Seed into summer fallow due to small seed size.
  • Fields must be free of perennial weeds.
 
Seeding
  • Timing: Early spring is best; early August seeding is possible but reduces first-year seed yield.
  • Seedbed: Fine and firm; seed depth ≤1 cm (0.5 inch).
  • Row Spacing: 12 inches (30 cm) recommended; avoid 6-inch rows (growth becomes too rank).
  • Rate: 1–2 lbs/ac (1–2 kg/ha).
  • Equipment: Grain drills with grass seed attachments preferred; seed can also be broadcast and packed.
  • Companion Crops: Commonly used for protection and snow trapping.
    • Best options: Cereal crops, canola, or flax (flax allows more sunlight for seedlings).
 
Weed Control
  • Fields must be clean of perennial weeds (e.g., couchgrass, Canada thistle, sowthistle, dandelions, clovers).
  • Annual weeds also pose problems; no chemical control for green foxtail or barnyard grass in seedling timothy.
  • During production years, weeds like wild mustard, stinkweed, cinquefoil, and clovers complicate seed cleaning.
  • Ox-eye daisy is the most serious weed—prohibited in Canada and has no chemical control.
  • Refer to Manitoba Guide to Crop Protection for herbicide recommendations.
 
Fertilization
  • Soil test for specific recommendations.
  • Typical requirements:
    • Nitrogen: 80–110 lbs/ac (90–100 kg/ha)
    • Phosphate: 20–40 lbs/ac (22–44 kg/ha)
  • Timothy also needs sulphur and potassium, especially on grey wooded or coarse soils.
  • Apply fertilizer in late fall or early spring; avoid frozen soils subject to runoff.
  • High fertility promotes strong clumps and prevents stand thickening.
 
Harvesting
  • Swath in late July or early August when heads are golden and slight shattering occurs.
  • Avoid cutting too green—reduces yield.
  • Rain after swathing: minimal loss if within 1–5 days; significant loss after 6+ days.
  • Thresh 7–10 days after swathing; avoid hulling seed (reduces germination).
    • Cylinder speed: 700–800 RPM
    • Concave setting: Front 1/8–3/16 inch (3–5 mm); Rear 1/16–1/8 inch (1.5–3 mm)
  • Dry seed promptly; use aeration bins or spread thinly if harvested in hot weather.
 
Fall Care
  • Timothy straw can be used for cattle feed.
  • Remove or burn straw to prevent insect buildup (e.g., Stem Maggot causing silver top).
  • Emerging pests: European Skipper and Meadow Plant Bug—control methods not yet established; burning after harvest may help.