When even a $400 book about flower seed production failed to yield useful information about isolation distance for popular cut flower varieties, Kim Delaney knew she needed to dig deeper. Now, after three years of an on-farm research project through the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO), she’s starting to find answers. “With veggie seed […] Read more
On-farm trial aims to pin down flower seed isolation standard
Flower seed information is largely proprietary, unlike that for veggies
Small grains in the mix can pay dividends
EFAO session explores benefits of having small grains in crop rotation
The benefits of adding small grains to a crop rotation were explored Dec. 1 in the first of a five-part series hosted by the Ontario version of the federally supported Living Labs Project. The “Innovations in Small Grains” session featured Ontario farmers Greg Vermeersch, Brett Israel and Joe Wecker and was co-hosted by the Ecological […] Read more
Reviving the forest — with agriculture as part of the mix
Silvopasture can provide forage for grazing animals, while managing and building woodlots
It’s best to ease your way into using woodlots to pasture livestock — by working to transform edge-of-field hedgerows or planting trees in marginal areas no longer used for cropping. For those working to create “silvopasture” the ultimate goal is a diversity of landscapes on the farm that more accurately mimics the natural world. Steve […] Read more
Debating carbon decrease priorities
There’s debate among agriculture organizations on how to measure the sector’s contributions
Should agriculture’s decreases in carbon emissions be based on intensity of use per unit of food, or measured in the total volume of reductions? That’s the crux of a philosophical discussion happening in agriculture and showcased by competing reports on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Why it matters: How farmers are required […] Read more
Farmers eye potential impacts from minimum wage hike
Despite agricultural exemptions, pay rates are typically affected
The significant increase to minimum wage recently announced by the provincial government garnered a muted, and in some cases, positive response from Ontario’s agricultural sector. This is a contrast to reaction from the sector in 2018, when the last major increase occurred. According to one of the loudest voices of dissent from 2018, Hamilton-area broccoli […] Read more
Wild boar sightings prompt swift action from province
‘Whole sounder removal’ goal of natural resources ministry after multiple sightings near Pickering
Multiple sightings of 14 Eurasian wild boar in rural areas north of Pickering have Ontario’s northern development, natural resources and forestry ministry working quickly to trap and remove them. “A sounder of wild pigs typically consists of one or several related females and their offspring,” said Erin Koen, a research scientist in the provincial Wildlife […] Read more
Province to include border shutdowns among animal health ‘hazards’
Proposed amendments would allow Chief Veterinarian to act
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is proposing a new regulation in the province’s Animal Health Act (AHA) that will add to the definition of “hazards” to better prepare the province should an animal health emergency occur, and better support animal health. The new regulation will prescribe that a provincial surplus […] Read more
Holstein Canada live shows sell out; livestream available
Tickets sold out quickly for the scaled-down scaled-down return of its Holstein Canada’s National Red-and-White and Black-and-White shows, but the organization has pledged to provide a “top-quality livestream” for those not quick enough to secure in-person tickets. The events, traditionally held in Toronto during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, were relocated to Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec after […] Read more
Food processor survey highlights labour challenges
Sector must promote opportunities to job-seekers
A 2021 report from Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) pinpoints labour availability as the “the most critical business challenge” for the food processing sector and it has issued a call to action. Its recent survey report, entitled “Crossroads to Greatness: key insights and labour market research about Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry,” identified the […] Read more
Ag and food processing sectors join forces on labour challenges
Two-year industry-led project aims to spur action and attract workers
In Canada’s agriculture sector, 16,500 jobs went unfilled in 2017 due to a labour shortage and recent estimates indicate the problem has worsened. In food and beverage manufacturing, 2020 surveys reveal approximately 30,000 positions were not filled. The 2017 cost in lost sales and decreased yield due to delayed harvest was estimated at $2.9 billion, […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
