Canaryseed (Phalaris canatiensis), or annual canary grass, is a major component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. It is native to southern Europe and the Middle East. In North America,...
Description
Canaryseed (Phalaris canatiensis), or annual canary grass, is a major component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. It is native to southern Europe and the Middle East. In North America, commercial production of canaryseed started in the U.S. after World War II and was concentrated in Minnesota and North Dakota. Production of canaryseed began in western Canada in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and although production has been cyclical due to fluctuating prices, a record 505,000 acres (204,000 hectares) were grown in western Canada in the 1994-95 crop year. This total is up from the 14,000 acres (5,600 hectares) grown in 1975-76. There were approximately 10,000 acres (4,050 hectares) of canaryseed grown in Alberta in 1995, down from the 22,000 acres (8,900 hectares) grown in 1994.