Brett Israel of Drayton-area 3-Gen Organics shared his family’s recent experiences on how reintroducing the moldboard plow can be a winner for both yield and soil health on heavier-textured land. 3-Gen Organics hosted a farm tour Aug. 30 to show how prudent tillage with cover crops is working on their farm. It was co-hosted by […] Read more
Well-chosen tillage part of organic family’s innovative crop system
Adding alfalfa to the rotation inspired the moldboard plow's return
Increased Group 1 rates advised under Enlist system
Volunteer corn will require an adapted strategy as new Corteva technology expands
As more Ontario growers adopt Corteva Agriscience’s Enlist-branded stacked-trait genetics in soybeans and corn, they may need to adjust their approach to controlling volunteer corn. That was one message delivered by Thorndale-based Corteva field scientist Laura Smith during a research plot tour in early July at the company’s Tavistock location. Why it matters: The technology […] Read more
AAFC explores options for cover crops in organic rotation
Findings show some corn yields at Harrow plot were comparable with conventional
A recently completed study into organic cash crop rotations added support to those who believe the moldboard plow still has a place in southwestern Ontario agriculture. A team at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s Harrow research station will continue looking into alternative ways of terminating cover crops prior to corn. Why it matters: Many organic farmers […] Read more
New dairy innovations featured at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
Dairy business leaders’ perception of what consumers expect of Canadian farmers is driving information technology innovation in the sector. The DeLaval dairy equipment company used the 2023 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show to officially launch in Canada and the U.S. its DeLaval Plus Behavior Analysis tool for monitoring in-barn cow behaviour and herd health. The company’s […] Read more
Cost of borrowed money continues to rise on farms
The peak is coming, but Canadians could yet see another rate hike tomorrow
After the hustle of the 2023 harvest season settles, a lot of Ontario farmers will examine their business’s financial numbers and be surprised at the impact of rising interest rates, says Shawn Brenn, chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Despite early 2023 predictions that the Bank of Canada would curtail its two-year-long […] Read more
New additive touted for feed efficiency, solids-not-fat control
Strong results seen in Mexico trial for biocatalyst
Calgary-based feed additive innovator CBS Bio Platforms is trumpeting the feed efficiency benefits of its newly released Optimax E enzyme-based bio-catalyst, as it appeals to dairy farmers’ goals of achieving carbon-neutral status. Given recent implementation by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario of a revised formula to pay for solids-not-fat (SNF), producers may also be interested […] Read more
Maintain vigilance to prevent silo gas exposure
This season’s weather trends should limit risk
The mid-range weather forecast shows continued occasional rains through September in Ontario, so the risk of elevated nitrates in harvested corn should remain low. That doesn’t mean producers of corn silage should let down their guard in protecting themselves and employees against silo gas poisoning. When filling conventional tower silos, ensure sufficient ventilation and, if […] Read more
European innovators aim for North American rake market
Speed of operation a key selling point for new models
Large fields and gentle terrain are the norm in forage-producing areas of North America, but some European companies aim to have their forage equipment – developed with the typical European farmer in mind – adapted for widespread use on this side of the Atlantic. Two companies in particular hope to promote the time savings their […] Read more
Rain disrupts annual Forage Expo and hay harvest
Attendees enjoy networking but not all of the planned demos
This year’s Forage Expo, hosted July 6 by Barry Ribey and family near Paisley, was a microcosm of the 2023 Ontario hay season so far. Some high-quality equipment and forage were on display, but precipitation played havoc with attendees’ ability to enjoy it. Leading up to the first week of July, that corner of Bruce […] Read more
Enlist system options for soybeans, corn continue to evolve
Entering third phase for commercialization of three-trait system
As it anticipates a significant increase in the soybean seed market share for its Enlist-branded herbicide-resistant varieties, Corteva Agrisciences hosted dozens of Pioneer and Brevant sales representatives for a research station plot tour on July 5 near Tavistock. The company’s top Canadian sales and research and development staff sat down with members of the farm […] Read more
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