The shortage of specialized hog barn contractors and a shortage of labour for those contractors could create challenges as Ontario’s swine sector works its way toward compliance with planned loose-housing requirements for sows. So far, these factors haven’t slowed a boom in hog barn construction, a trend that could continue at least in the short […] Read more
Labour shortage a challenge for hog barn construction
Rebounding market and loose sow deadline push building boom
Turning on-farm renewable natural gas into a reality
Stanton Bros. set to become first agricultural supplier into Ontario grid
An Ilderton-area dairy farm is set to become the first agricultural contributor to Ontario’s natural gas grid, with only minor steps remaining to connect to the pipeline passing along the front property line. “We’re very close. Our end of the project is complete. We’ve got gas flowing to the road,” said Murray Logan of Rural […] Read more
Consider spreader efficiency when hiring custom operator
Timeliness of cropping activities is also important
When it’s time for an upgrade in manure application, efficiency per spreader is a key consideration for a livestock operation. This is shown by data from a variety of southern Ontario livestock operations serviced by Adrian Guntensperger, who runs a Seaforth-area solid manure handling company. He reviewed the numbers in preparation for a panel discussion […] Read more
Tracking environmental gains on farms
Ecological Outcome Verification aims to take the marketing out of farm environmental assessment
Years of researching how to get the most out of the pastures on his Cayuga-area beef farm eventually left Cory Van Groningen frustrated. “One book says only take the top sward and leave the rest to regrow; another book says use high-intensity grazing and trample it down; another book says take a third of the […] Read more
National Holstein show moves to Saint-Hyacinthe
The show was moved after the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair was cancelled again in 2021
With post-COVID-19 regional shows done and more to come this fall, Holstein Canada is guardedly confident it can pull off a hybrid version of its national shows Nov. 17-20 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Martintown-area dairy farmer Nancy Beerwort, Eastern Ontario director to the Holstein Canada board, told Farmtario there was swift reaction from the nation’s dairy […] Read more
Maplevue experiences new kind of public event
Pandemic prevented Listowel farm from hosting in-person Manure Expo
The North American Manure Expo, hosted by the 75-cow Maplevue Farms near Listowel, brought attention to midwestern Ontario’s dairy sector and other farm operations. The event was delayed by one year for pandemic reasons and was attended by a small group of manure handling equipment operators and farm-sector stakeholders. Originally billed as North American Manure […] Read more
Nutrient strategies must reflect Erie watershed’s diversity
Local research and best management practices important to reducing phosphorus movement
When making decisions about best management practices (BMPs) to minimize phosphorus loss to Lake Erie, farmers should consider the variability of the region’s climate and topography as well as the drainage and land-use realities on their own farm. Why it matters: Nutrient overload can cause problems in nearby water bodies, affecting the environment and farmers’ […] Read more
Haulers face challenges from inattentive, aggressive drivers
Manure Expo session tackles safety on roadways
The 2021 planting and harvest seasons saw a return to normal, when compared to the unexpected calm of 2020. But when it comes to traffic on rural roadways, it might be worse than normal. That’s the observation of Pumped Environmental Services owner Larry Bearinger, whose Tavistock-based business pumps, transports and custom-applies liquid manure on farms […] Read more
Stanton Bros. Ltd. set to become first agricultural supplier into Ontario grid
An Ilderton-area dairy farm is set to become the first agricultural contributor to Ontario’s natural gas grid, with only minor steps remaining to connect to the pipeline passing along the front property line. “We’re very close. Our end of the project is complete. We’ve got gas flowing to the road,” explained Murray Logan of Rural […] Read more
Lessons learned from public reaction to palm oil in dairy rations
Canadian had front-row seats for both Buttergate and New Zealand controversies
Social media conversations about food can go from benign to trending in a matter of hours or days. That became painfully obvious to Canadian dairy farmers during the so-called “Buttergate” controversy earlier this year. The same thing happened five years ago to New Zealand dairy farmers during an environmentalist-led campaign against using a palm oil […] Read more
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