The government’s Canadian Underused Housing Tax (UHT) Act could impact 2022 farm taxes. “The intent is to impose an annual one per cent tax on vacant or underused housing in Canada that’s owned directly or indirectly by persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents,” said Kurt Oelschlagel, BDO partner and national agriculture tax […] Read more
Understanding the Underused Housing Tax
Many farm partnerships and corporations are obligated to file this new return, even if they don’t owe
Researchers examine role of soil microbes in GHG emissions
Guelph study compares coniferous, deciduous and grass riparian buffer zones
Researchers at the University of Guelph are studying how best management practices on farms affect soil microbial communities and greenhouse gas emissions. Kari Dunfield, professor and Canada Research Chair in the School of Environmental Sciences, postdoctoral researchers Dasiel Obregon and Tolulope Mafa-Attoye and other collaborators recently published studies on whether riparian buffer systems produce greenhouse […] Read more
AndyClean expands distribution through John Deere parts network
Farmer-owned equipment soap is now available at any location in North America
Nearly one year after Norfolk County farmer Andy Pasztor launched AndyClean High Performance Cleaner, product popularity has grown and it is now available exclusively through the John Deere parts network. Marketed with the tagline “Good Clean Fun,” the apple-scented soap can be purchased in one-gallon or five-gallon quantities at any dealer location in Canada and […] Read more
Three ways to advance farm transition planning
‘Canada’s farm whisperer’ recommends key discussion topics for farm families
Farm family coach, author and speaker Elaine Froese has a clear message for farmers who are not actively working on transition planning. “Stop procrastinating and avoiding conflict,” she says. “To create solutions, you have to talk about tough issues.” Froese recommends three key topics for discussion that will create clarity within the family and move […] Read more
First-ever women elected to Grain Farmers of Ontario board
Julie Maw and Angela Zilke will represent two districts of grain farmers as provincial directors
Two grain farmers have become the first women elected to the Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) board of directors, one of the only provincial commodity organizations that has never had female representation at the board level. Julie Maw of Courtright will represent barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers in Lambton county (GFO District 3) […] Read more
Top transition tips for young farmers
How the next generation can help farm transition be successful
Transitioning management and ownership of a farm business from one generation to the next can present many challenges. While there are numerous resources to support farm founders in assessing their business and planning their transition into retirement, not many advise young farmers on how they should prepare. Elaine Froese, a farmer from southern Manitoba who […] Read more
Farmer mental health worsened during COVID-19 pandemic
National survey findings reflect significant concerns and need for more mental health interventions
Canadian farmers have poorer mental health and more substance abuse than people in the general population and that hasn’t improved in the last five years, according to survey data recently released by researchers at the University of Guelph. Scores in anxiety, depression, perceived stress, emotional exhaustion and cynicism (two components of burnout), alcohol use and […] Read more
New professorship to lead teaching and research in sustainable cropping
The Ontario Agricultural College chairholder will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Pick family
A newly-funded faculty chair at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) will be focused on growing food crops more efficiently while maintaining soil health. Recruitment of the Martin and Denise Pick Family Chair in Sustainable Cropping Systems is underway and the position will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Pick […] Read more
University of Guelph child care centre touts plant-based menu to reduce carbon footprint
Food service decision and sustainability claim raises concerns among farm groups
The University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre (CCLC) has become the first in Ontario to switch to a fully plant-based menu. A commissioned report estimates that its new carbon footprint is nearly 65 per cent lower than when the menu included animal-based products. Now the director is encouraging other institutions to follow suit. […] Read more
Ontarians bring diverse backgrounds to cattle mentorship program
Next generation of leaders are not only primary producers
Three Ontario women have been named finalists in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program, a national initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association. Madison Lewis of Meaford, Danika Mayer of Alexandria, and Holly McGill of Listowel were selected as three of 16 finalists from a pool of 22 semi-finalists who competed in judged roundtable […] Read more
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