The Ontario Farmland Trust can ensure that agricultural land retains that designation in perpetuity with a Farmland Easement Agreement, whether or not owners have a succession plan in place. The agreement – permanent and legally binding – is between the farm owner and the trust. It is registered on the title of the land, which […] Read more
Locking farmland in a trust ensures succession potential
Land won’t end up split off and sold to developers if it’s under a trust
Ministers’ orders could mean faster development of farmland
CFFO says new powers could reduce local input into land use changes
Updated Sept. 11, 2020 The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act is already a matter of concern for some agricultural communities in the Region of Durham as well as the Town of Ajax. The bill, passed in the Ontario legislature on July 21 gives ministers broader powers to override local planning, which could put more farmland at […] Read more
New farm research group offers more by pooling resources
Central Ontario soil research and stewardship groups try two-year collaboration
A partnership based out of Trent University is offering farmers free access to its expertise. The Quinte Farm Research and Stewardship Collaborative is a two-year initiative described by project co-ordinator Lindsay Nash as a network focused on modern agricultural practices in relation to soil health, water quality and new technologies. Why it matters: There are […] Read more
Community and economy meet at Hoards Station
The livestock exchange works to remain competitive as sales barn numbers decrease
Sales barns like Hoards Station Community Livestock Exchange continue to provide a key service to livestock farmers, both in selling their animals and in being a place for community to gather. Why it matters: Livestock exchanges provide a place for local marketing and price discovery. Sales barns themselves are a place where old traditions meet […] Read more
Beekeeper makes a big bet on bees
Dancing Bee is a rapidly growing supplier of all things honey. Here’s how they got there
For more than a decade, Todd Kalisz’s adaptability and business sense has meant success for his Dancing Bee Equipment in Canton. But the business, already the largest beekeeping supplier in Canada, is taking its next leap, growing hive numbers and honey processing capacity. Why it matters: Honey bee producer numbers are growing across Canada, and […] Read more
Farm-sitter finds a summer job giving farmers a break
Young farm entrepreneur Meaghan Herrington starts a business taking care of farm chores
Almost any agricultural professional knows that a day off (or two or three) can be an impossible dream. But those living near Brighton, Ont., can turn to Meaghan Herrington and her summer business Early Morning Relief Milking and Farm Services. The East Northumberland Secondary School student offers such services as cow clipping, barn cleaning, relief […] Read more
Hopping mad
Why a move by Clearview Township to restrict some on-farm processing could have implications for value-adding across the province
Clearview Township hops grower says a bylaw passed earlier this year means it has fewer rights than apple and grape growers to market directly to consumers. The bylaw passed in March means no farmers other than those growing grapes and apples can create consumer products on farm with an alcohol content. While apple growers can […] Read more
New University of Guelph prof focuses on northern and eastern regions
MacSon Professorship recipient wants to consult with farmers, agronomists
The University of Guelph has acknowledged the special issues of agronomy in the northern and eastern regions of the province with the appointment of Joshua Nasielski to its MacSon Professorship. In addition to his teaching role at graduate and undergraduate level, the position involves research and outreach on issues affecting the economic and environmental sustainability […] Read more
Modified mob grazing makes efficient use of pasture
Piper Creek Farm won the 2019 Mapleseed Pasture Award for its sustainable pasture management
Doug Gray and Bonnie Wilson started Piper Creek Farms in 2002 with five head of Limousin cattle on 40 acres. They started 2019 with good news at the Beef Farmers of Ontario annual general meeting — the Mapleseed Pasture Award from Mapleseed and the Ontario Forage Council. Why it matters: Intensive grazing systems show efficient […] Read more
Greenhouse venture focuses on local
Tom Casteels is adding value to the family business with a new Caesar drink mix
Tom Casteels of Centreton, Ont. virtually grew up in a greenhouse, helping his father Alfons in the hydroponic-tomatoes business. Now that he’s buying it, he’s setting out to follow his own vision of creating a value-added product. Casteels considered making a salsa or tomato sauce, but decided so many of those already exist, so he […] Read more
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