The aMPV turkey disease is highly contagious and is spreading in Ontario and Manitoba after arriving from the U.S.
New aMPV turkey disease is highly contagious
Employment program aims to fill agri-food sector labour gap
Ontario’s First Work organization focuses on connecting young workers with potential employers
The First Work organization has a mission to expand Ontario’s agri-food workforce and fill the current labour gap, and for the first time, it is focusing on farm, agriculture and agri-food employment opportunities. First Work connects young job seekers with more than 100 community-based employment agencies across Ontario. The organization works as a conduit to […] Read more
Capturing the spirit of the fall fair
Spencerville Fair to offer Fair Vodka, made from locally sourced corn at a local distillery to showcase agriculture in a new way
The Spencerville Fair promises to be the toast of the town with the launch of its own locally sourced and handcrafted vodka. Why it matters: Like many agricultural fairs, the Spencerville Fair is trying to find new ways to support agricultural and local businesses. Fair Vodka uses corn from a local dairy farm and is […] Read more
Ontario Pork recharged and ready for education, promotion events
Organization has upgraded its Pig Mobile and provides training for ‘Hambassadors'
Ontario’s pork industry is taking a renewed approach to consumer and agriculture education events this year. Starting with an interactive Pig Mobile, a spring Hambassador training event, and building on a collection of new online resource tools, the industry is ready to hit the road. “About two per cent of Canadians have a direct connection […] Read more
Manage rodents, minimize disease risk
Service providers should understand the biosecurity requirements of a farm before arriving to treat a rodent problem
Mice and rats are more than just an irritation on farms. Known as the most destructive vertebrates on earth, mice and rats pose a serious threat as disease transmission vectors and they cause structural and electrical damage, feed loss and contamination. “While fall is peak season for rodent infestation as mice and rats seek shelter […] Read more
Ontario distillery harnesses sustainability across business
Dairy Distillery achieves carbon neutral status
Dairy Distillery, producers of Vodkow vodka and cream liquors, says it has achieved carbon neutral production after four years in business. The Almonte-based company is dedicated to building a sustainable dairy value chain. “We’re proud to work in such an amazing industry that celebrates farmers, their animals and the future of agriculture,” says co-founder Neal […] Read more
Livestock euthanasia course offers producers hands-on training
Ontario veterinarian developed course to prepare farmers and staff on how to use a captive bolt gun correctly
Euthanasia is one of those topics no one likes to talk about, but it’s a harsh reality on the farm. “Most importantly, it’s an animal welfare issue,” said Dr. Sue Burlatschenko, swine veterinarian with Goshen Ridge Veterinary Services. She’s identified a significant knowledge and training gap in the industry when it came to properly euthanizing […] Read more
Year-end tax advice you don’t want to ignore
There are many strategies for tax deferral, but be strategic, says a tax specialist
It’s year-end tax strategy crunch time. For those farmers who had higher crop returns or have experienced an especially good year, Dec. 31 is the deadline to take advantage of farm tax deferral strategies that can help manage extra income. Tom Blonde, partner at Baker Tilly GWD, said that most farm businesses have plenty of […] Read more
Why two wills are better than one if you live in Ontario
Having two wills allows isolation of certain assets exempt from probate tax
When it comes to sophisticated estate planning, having a legal will may not be enough for Ontarians. In the past five years, Jim Kibble of Ontario Estate Consulting Solutions Inc. has helped create more than 500 estate plans and is a strong advocate for the creation of two wills per person – one to cover […] Read more
National Farmers Mental Health Alliance seeks to support farmers, rural social support systems
New group offers ag-minded and farm-lived experience training to support farmer mental health in a more relatable approach
The newly formed National Farmers Mental Health Alliance (NFMHA) offers a way to help farmers get support that understands the unique lifestyle and circumstances of farming. “We’re combining real farm-lived experience with our professional practices and connections to develop agriculturally informed therapy training for on-the-ground social workers and therapists to serve farmers, their families and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
