Nutrition, health and welfare are three pillars of dairy calf research at the University of Guelph. Members of the cross-faculty Dairy at Guelph group are focusing on this trifecta and conducting rigorous research designed to help dairy farmers and industry advisors improve calf management. Nutrition Dr. Michael Steele, animal biosciences professor at the Ontario Agricultural […] Read more
Setting dairy calves up for success
Calf research trifecta advances management recommendations to aid in animal health and production
Consumer relations could shape the future of agriculture and food
What is the biggest challenge facing Canadian agriculture? Will the sector play a role in creating the future or be forced to react to one that’s built by others? What will food of the future look like? These are the big-picture questions that Christina Crowley-Arklie believes agricultural groups should discuss. She thinks the Canadian agriculture […] Read more
Farm & Food Care Ontario celebrates 10 years with new funding agreement
OMAFRA will contribute up to $547,200 to outreach initiatives over three years
A new funding agreement that will contribute up to $547,200 to Farm & Food Care Ontario’s (FFCO) outreach activities over the next three years was announced by Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Lisa Thompson at FFCO’s annual meeting on April 13 in Elora. “Ensuring Ontarians have the facts on where their […] Read more
Plant-based product development competition highlights student innovations
2022 Project SOY Plus winners announced at University of Guelph
Building material made of corn cobs, chips made of duckweed and grain, and a non-alcoholic oat fibre beverage, were each named top innovations at this year’s Project SOY (Sustainable Opportunities for You) Plus finale event at the University of Guelph on March 25. The interdisciplinary program, now in its 26th year, gives students the opportunity […] Read more
Sliding scale pricing brings fresh produce to all
CSA farmers are improving food accessibility across the province
Hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables will be grown in Ontario this year, but many residents still face barriers to accessing nutritious food. It’s a problem some community-supported agriculture (CSA) farmers have found a way to tackle. They are offering flexible payment terms for produce and accepting customer donations to subsidize discounts. Ann Slater, […] Read more
Farmers can prepare now to better manage stress during planting season
Nutrition, sleep and communication strategies are key to maintaining health during busy times
Farmers and farm families face unique challenges. As the busy season of planting approaches, the rising demands and pressures of farming are likely to increase stress. Kathy Somers, a registered kinesiologist who runs the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic in Guelph, says farmers should prepare now to better manage their mental and physical health […] Read more
Parlour versus robot financials prove systems are surprisingly similar
BDO’s national benchmarking data compares dairy farm profitability
Is it better to invest in a parlour or robots? It’s a question many dairy farmers are facing as they consider their next expansion and make future plans. The answer depends on labour availability and personal preference, according to a team of national accountants who have recently developed financial benchmarks for both milking systems. The […] Read more
Workplaces urged to set clear COVID-19 vaccination policies
Lawyer says there’s onus under health and safety act to protect workers
Legal experts are urging employers to implement COVID-19 vaccination policies, whether mandatory or voluntary, to protect employees and customers and prevent the spread in workplaces and the community. Farms and other agri-businesses are included in the recommendation. “If you are operating a workplace during a global pandemic and you haven’t turned your mind to a […] Read more
Getting the best bang for the AgriInvest buck
Proactive planning can save tax and help farmers improve their financial position
Investing time in planning AgriInvest withdrawals can save taxes and help farmers build their cash flow and retirement funds for the future. But it’s a management opportunity that too many account holders leave on the table, according to a national accounting firm. Canadian farmers have money sitting in AgriInvest accounts that earn next to nothing […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
