Steady growth in demand for domestic organic food is set to accelerate in the post-COVID reality, according to those who participated in the recent virtual version of the Guelph Organic Conference. A new initiative of the Canadian Organic Growers (COG), funded through the federal government, aims to facilitate bringing additional Canadian acres under organic certification. […] Read more
Project aims to study organic value chains
Scale of operation and how it fits with organics is a key consideration
European innovations aim to capture waste from cows
There’s a lot of research on feed additives to reduce methane output, but collection devices are starting to show up
European inventors are coming up with what might seem outlandish ways to manage emissions from cattle — collecting the emissions and excretions from both ends. In late 2020, the United Kingdom-based Zero Emissions Livestock Project (ZELP) announced its efforts to equip cattle with halters harbouring a methane-converting fan and filter system. Why it matters: Consumer […] Read more
Burford research farm sold
Trouw Nutrition shifts to universities and ‘validation farms’
More than 800 acres of farmland, livestock barns for three species as well as several houses were recently sold, marking the end of nearly 30 years of agricultural research at what’s known as the Burford Research Farm. “After a thorough evaluation, we have updated our R&D (research and development) strategy to expand our validation farm […] Read more
Rosenhill achieves top spot on provincial herd list
St-Albert dairy maintained top-flight status through 2017 transition to robots
André and Judith Hildbrand may view Lactanet’s Herd Performance Index (HPI) as just one tool in operating a successful dairy farm, but the results over the past two decades at their Rosenhill Farm is proof they’ve perfected the use of that tool. Why it matters: Recognizing top performing herds rewards producers and spreads awareness about […] Read more
Why on-farm research continues to grow
There’s a North American-wide trend to greater research conducted on working farms
Farmer confidence in making decisions is a major outcome of the increasing number of on-farm research trials happening in Ontario. “Conducting trials makes me make better decisions,” says Dr. Stefan Gailans, scientific co-ordinator of the “Co-operator” program of the Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), in describing the reaction of one PFI member participating in the […] Read more
Organic seed synergies sustain diversity
Vegetable seed companies find growing demand during COVID
Producers and marketers of organic seed in North America set themselves apart from their conventional counterparts by sharing uniquely “synergistic” relationships, said speakers at a scaled-down, virtual version of the recent annual Guelph Organic Conference. “We’re all in this together,” said High Mowing Seeds commercial grower representative Aaron Varadi, during one of five in-depth sessions […] Read more
Crop and feed analysis can tell a soil health story
U.S. farmer puts focus on tissue testing
Long-time organic agriculture advocate Gary Zimmer believes he can come up with the perfect recipe for his Otter Creek Farm’s soil health. They look at plant tissue and feed tests. Feed tests should include a full mineral analysis, plus feed digestibility, said the founder of the Wisconsin-based Midwestern Bio-Ag crop and livestock input supplier at […] Read more
Meat plant support snapped up in eight days
Lobbying effort ongoing for increased funding
A $4-million provincial fund for meat processing plant upgrades was snapped up in just eight business days following its announcement in late 2020. Lobbying began almost immediately to have more cash added to the program. “We have heard from a couple of business owners who did not have their application completed before the window was […] Read more
Searching for solutions to the lineup for abattoirs
COVID-driven increase in demand for small abbatoirs highlighted the long-term challenges
The organization representing smaller-scale meat processors in Ontario is creating a growth strategy to help draw new badly needed investment and workers to the sector. “We hope to show both government and smart investors that the meat sector is… a safe and smart place to make investments if you want to see a return,” said […] Read more
City eyes Welland farmer’s land for expropriation, future industrial use
Urban dwellers come to Marsha Rempel’s defense
A family-owned farm within the City of Welland is fighting back after it was threatened with a third round of expropriation. This time, the entire farm could be taken, after two portions were lost to railways in the last century. Why it matters: All three general farm organizations in Ontario have identified the loss of […] Read more
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