Corn planted early this spring saw some chilly spells while still in the ground, but OMAFRA corn specialist Ben Rosser says that although a bit behind, it will still make it through. Why it matters: Compared to spring of 2019, farmers are on the ground much earlier this year. But cold spells throughout this spring […] Read more
Waiting on cold corn
There’s optimism for early-planted corn, despite its long time in the ground
34 Ontario fairs cancelled due to COVID-19
Community safety and financial risk cited as reasons not to run in 2020
Many agricultural societies across Ontario have cancelled their 2020 fairs due to continued concerns caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Vince Brennan, manager with the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS), says that as of April 29, 34 of the 214 fairs that are members of the OAAS have officially cancelled their events for the year. […] Read more
Food service shutdowns challenge system
Diverse food system panel talks about COVID-19 effects
The Canadian Club of Toronto recently held an online event for key players in the agriculture and food supply chain. The May 7 event looked at key factors that affected the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why it matters: Food is regarded as a critical sector and was one of the hardest hit industries. […] Read more
OMAFRA launches new AgMaps tool
The map helps farmers understand the water erosion potential of their fields
A new program involving Ontario’s Agricultural Information Atlas, commonly known as AgMaps, helps farmers determine the soil erosion potential of their fields. The water erosion potential map has been in the making for years. It takes advantage of information previously within the AgMaps portal and recently collected LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) remote survey data […] Read more
Sorting through COVID-19 programs
Federal and provincial governments have created significant programs to support businesses and farmers. Here’s a summary.
COVID-19 has affected farmers and agri-businesses across all sectors of the agriculture industry. Provincial and federal governments are providing funding and options for producers as they deal with the pandemic’s effects. Why it matters: Some agriculture and food systems are struggling during COVID-19, especially farm and processing labour. Tax filing The Canadian Revenue Agency has […] Read more
Bunk silo cover decreases plastic use and dry matter loss
SiloStop limits oxygen flow to the forage with thinner film
Covering bunk silos has become common practice for livestock farmers, but results in a significant amount of plastic being sent to landfills. SiloStop, a 3.2 mil thick forage protection layer was recently brought to Canada. It only requires one layer and is an oxygen and ultraviolet light barrier. Why it matters: Feed bunks hold important […] Read more
Field-level research continues, but with COVID-19 distancing
Private and public research continues in the field, but some lab work is shut down
Universities and private companies continue the develop and research crops, but they are dealing with the imperative to conduct the research apart to assure farmer and co-operator safety. Why it matters: Plant research is an essential service. Trying to continue the research for the agriculture sector while maintaining safety of those involved is important. What’s changed? […] Read more
Floral industry hit hard by COVID-19
Flower growers say a glut of flowers to sell could set their sector back for a couple of years
Greg Schuurman and his family have gone back to their roots selling flowers at the roadside, as much of their Easter and Mother’s Day floral crop has failed to find its usual markets. Schuurman, president and partner in Schuurman Greenhouses, the leader in cut chrysanthemums in Ontario, has been feeling the pain of not being […] Read more
Independent meat processors show increase in sales during COVID-19
Restaurant and market sales are down for independent meat processors, but overall sales have increased
Ontario Meat and Poultry, representing Ontario’s independent meat processors, says that business has increased during COVID-19. The pandemic has driven up demand for independent meat processors across the province as consumers are purchasing more products and looking for options outside of grocery stores. Why it matters: Independent meat processors have seen increasing demand, but virus […] Read more
Mild winter temperatures were kind to winter wheat
Wheat survivability is high, but disease will pose a risk, especially stripe rust
Mild winter temperatures in Ontario have resulted in a healthy looking winter wheat crop but stripe rust poses a risk.. Why it matters: Last spring, many winter wheat acres were lost to a harsh winter and wet spring, so a solid wheat production year will be welcome. Joanna Follings, cereals specialist with OMAFRA, says farmers […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
