On-farm grain drying opens doors for Eastern Ontario family

On-farm grain drying opens doors for Eastern Ontario family

By building their own grain drying and storage facility, the Doelmans are less vulnerable to market and weather swings

Lack of grain drying and storage in their area led Michael and Jennifer Doelman of Bonnechere Haven Farms to realize it limited their ability to market and deliver crops, exposing them to unnecessary risk. That's why they invested in on-farm storage and a grain drying system.



“Our goal is to increase the labour and talent pipeline to our agri-food sector.” – Akosua Alagaratnam.

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

Fair Vodka will be available for purchase and tasting at the Spencerville Fair this month. It is distilled by a local distillery from corn grown by a nearby dairy farm.

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


The new interactive Pig Mobile from Ontario Pork has a larger animal viewing area and modern equipment including in-barn monitors and an expandable stall for a sow and piglets.

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

Rats and mice will find a way into feed storage areas in their search for food.

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

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


Euthanasia is sometimes required and it’s important that the animal’s welfare be maintained at the moment of death.

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

Sometimes choosing not to take the write offs on equipment depreciation or a new shed and deferring them can pay off the next year, if you believe your farm income with be high.

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