The 2021 federal budget included provisions designed to garner more revenues from high-level sources such as digital media companies and absentee homeowners. On the farm side, however, analysts say tax changes appear light by comparison. Why it matters: Some anticipated tax increases for small business were not included in the 2021 federal budget. What wasn’t […] Read more
Federal budget brings few farm tax changes
Main points include wage subsidies, closing loopholes, and front-loading equipment write-offs
Bolstering the food system is about people, regulations
Managing risk has taken on new meaning during the pandemic
Farm sector representatives say greater investment in public outreach and improved risk management programs are needed to propel the sector beyond the pandemic. Industry representatives who were part of the launch of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) report on the province’s food system and COVID-19, also mentioned more agriculture-oriented education opportunities for young adults […] Read more
VIDEO: Wheat progress in Ontario, and do you need a fungicide?
Field Talk with Emma Epp
Farmtario contributor Matt McIntosh caught up with Emma Epp – Leamington-based agronomist with Epp Ag Solutions and a sales representative for Pioneer. They talked about how this year’s wheat crop is progressing, how quickly fungicide recommendations can change with some rain and look at how to identify flag leaf emergence.
Picking the right digital tool
Have specific goals in mind – and be prepared to make new ones
There are a lot of digital farm management tools out there. Which one should you buy into? Why it matters: The number and capability of agronomic and farm business management tools is large and diverse, but they cost money. Knowing which best matches your goals and farm will bring a better return on investment. From […] Read more
Encouragement needed for healthy soil practices
Report argues for significant investment in programs that are easy for farmers to use
Soil improvement is a keystone of Canada’s agricultural future, and fundamental to its longevity, according to the “Power of Soils” report published by the Greenbelt Foundation. Produced in partnership with a wide array of industry associations, the publication is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Canada’s current agri-environmental policy and programming, what practices are […] Read more
‘Right to repair’ rules prove challenging
Creating legislation that enforces a right to repair has been popular around the world, but why has most legislation not passed?
Countries around the world are considering the rights of consumers and farmers to repair everything from medical equipment to phones, but few legislative bills have made it into law, including in Canada. In farm circles, “right to repair” refers to the ability to fix machinery hardware as well as software. The concept has been hotly […] Read more
No solution yet to Line 5 shutdown
Oil pipeline ordered shut by Michigan governor could push Ontario agriculture into a crisis
What would happen if Ontario went dry? It’s a question many are asking as a May 12 shutdown deadline, issued by the governor of Michigan earlier this year, looms for Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline. The Line connects Ontario to Wisconsin via Sarnia, bringing hundreds of thousands of gallons of fossil fuels into the province each […] Read more
First responder livestock training goes virtual
Containment and material sourcing emphasized in response to transportation crises
Getting livestock out of a downed truck can be tricky, but keeping them calm and together afterwards can be even tougher. Farm and Food Care Ontario is tackling the problem in an online series of livestock emergency training workshops. Why it matters: First responders require expertise in animal rescue and handling — as well as […] Read more
Input costs escalate
Pandemic-driven demand for materials make farm projects expensive
From fertilizer to steel, agricultural input costs are rising. The only certainty, say some analysts, is the great number of factors in play make forecasting prices a challenge. Why it matters: Farmers need to play far ahead in purchasing inputs and planning purchases and expansion, and volatile, rapidly rising prices can make for more expensive […] Read more
Opportunities in a new food relationship
Not every pandemic-induced food trend will stick, but buying Canadian is one that should
The pace of change in Canada’s food system might have accelerated under pandemic pressure, but will alterations to our personal relationship to food really stick? In some ways yes, but likely not everything. According to a meta-analysis of purchasing trends grocers, farmers, and other purveyors will have to wrangle with a combination of new, lasting […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
