The importance of cybersecurity can’t be understated so why don’t equipment companies market top-notch digital security capabilities as a feature in their products? For that matter, why are even passing mentions of cybersecurity rare? These questions are posed by David Masson, a long-time digital security professional and director of enterprise security for the globe-spanning AI […] Read more
Why is cybersecurity not a selling point?
Expert believes ag and automotive sector’s cybersecurity focus is lacking, despite immensity of threat
Weed failing in the face of demand
Production challenges and overexpansion means some large cannabis companies face financial reckoning
Forget waterhemp – cannabis might be Canada’s fastest spreading weed. Since legalization in October of 2018, cannabis production in Ontario and across the country has exploded. From oils and edibles to dried flowers and other products, consumer demand for what was once a morally and legally maligned product continues to rise. But while legal cannabis […] Read more
Leamington comes to light pollution deal with vegetable greenhouse sector
Most but not all greenhouse businesses sign-off on updated bylaw stipulations
A bylaw restricting light pollution from Leamington’s greenhouse sector has been replaced by a new version considered to be a better compromise between the needs of greenhouse operators and the wider community. The light from some greenhouses in the area flood the night sky and can be seen for miles. The density of Leamington and […] Read more
Getting your combine ready for harvest
Repairs are easier to manage pre-season; parts getting easier to source
The summer harvest season will soon be upon us and farmers may want to check harvest equipment to ensure the combine is ready to roll. The previous two years featured an unpredictable supply of equipment parts, if not outright shortages of electric components and steel hardware. Things are much better going into the summer of […] Read more
Making public outreach more effective
Instagram is one thing; multi-layered experiences are another
Although the digital age we live in has a plethora of ways to reach an audience, ensuring a message has genuine impact amid the noise of so many media channels is a tall order. For agriculture and science communication, at least, busting through the noise can be achieved by delivering more developed, multi-layered experiences. That’s […] Read more
VIDEO: Gauging corn growth stage
Know when to apply what
Are you measuring corn growth stages properly? During a June 23 visit to a Leamington-area test plot, Emma Epp, agronomist and owner of Epp Ag Solutions, reviewed the basics of corn growth stage measurement and early cob assessment. Why it matters: Accurately determining corn growth stage is important to ensure fertility and chemical applications are […] Read more
Health Canada clarifies rules for gene edited crops
Regulations for traditionally bred crop varieties apply
Crops developed via gene editing will not be subject to the additional regulation requirements imposed on genetically modified organisms, according to Health Canada. Gene editing, such as CRISPR technology, allows scientists to target or alter genes of interest in a plant’s genome to create plants with desired traits, such as disease resistance, enhanced growth or […] Read more
Are tighter hay supplies in Ontario’s future?
High crop prices and other factors drive growers away from forage acres
Commodity crop prices are sky high. The same can’t be said about Ontario’s hay. A generally good 2021 production season contributed to a glut of dry forage, lowering hay prices across Ontario. In the face of much higher-value commodities, acres that would normally be reserved for forage production, specifically dry hay, are being turned to […] Read more
Why life insurance matters in succession
Farm transition specialist Ray Riel discusses what different types of insurance can and can’t do for a family and business
In a previous edition of Farmtario, we spoke with farm transition professional Ray Riel about why young farmers should have a last Will and Testament. In this instalment, Riel expands on estate planning by delving into life insurance. We asked Riel to explain how and why farmers of all ages should ensure they have the […] Read more
Common waterhemp: An adaptable and potent foe
Problem weed continues to spread in Ontario while diversifying its herbicide resistance capability
Waterhemp with resistance to multiple herbicide groups continues to spread across the province, in part because of its similarity to other pigweed species. First detected in Lambton County in 2002, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) describes common waterhemp as “extremely difficult” to identify. Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) also describes […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
