Fifty years ago, on a moonless night in the Fraser Canyon of British Columbia, I was trudging back to camp. As I crossed a railroad bridge, I heard the wail of a train whistle ricocheting through the canyons behind me. I couldn’t judge the distance between train and bridge, nor how far along the bridge […] Read more
Opinion: ‘Wait and see’ is not a climate solution
It is more practical to act now based on what is already known, and adapt as we learn more
Opinion: Cropping with wonky weather
Unlike other regions, Ontario has been spared from severe weather, but that doesn’t mean farmers shouldn’t be prepared
A farmer friend challenged me about what he considered alarming statements related to climate change. He sighed and said “a temperature bump of 1.5 C probably won’t bother me.” There is a difference between climate and weather. For example, the climate in July 2023 was 1.5 C higher on average, around the globe, than pre-industrial […] Read more
Opinion: Fertilizer reductions are possible
Retired prof says 2030 target is achievable with incentives for farmers
The 4R principles promoted by Fertilizer Canada are increasingly accepted and practiced by farmers across Canada. It makes sense to apply nutrients from the right source, at the right time, in the right place and at the right rate. However, recent Fertilizer Canada lobbying has morphed the fourth principle from right rates to holding the […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
