The next step in research and development of plant-based proteins is bringing ingredients into the kitchens of home-based cooks. However, major challenges remain, including labelling, consistency of supply for raw ingredients, and the regulatory framework around fortification of vitamins. Those were among the messages delivered on Jan. 29 by Leslie Ewing, executive director of Plant-Based […] Read more
Growing pains in the plant protein marketplace
Labelling and supply are issues as plant protein production grows
The next step for cover crops
Researchers with long-term trials looking at productivity benefits
Long-term cover crop research is moving beyond the basics to more complex interactions between covers and row crops. Projects are now looking at how cover crops affect yield over several years, have an impact on crop quality and the value they could have if farmers get credit for reducing atmospheric carbon. Why it matters: Economically […] Read more
Hay and forage can help ease organic transition
A program in eastern Ontario aims to help farmers going through the three-year period before certification
Having a plan for making money from either hay or pasture can significantly ease the financial strain of transitioning from conventional to organic production. That was one message delivered by Semican seed company agronomist Valerie Yoder, during a presentation Jan. 25 at the annual Guelph Organic Conference. Why it matters: Certified organic crops offer a […] Read more
Locally raised fibre targets premium markets
Predator protection and low-stress handling are key to achieving higher quality fibre
Cleanliness and stress avoidance are important factors in meeting the demand for high quality wool and animal-based fibre products raised on Ontario farms. Those points were made during a session led by two Napanee-area producers during the recent annual conference of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO). Why it matters: The premium prices available […] Read more
Animals seek food nutrition; humans could relearn how
EFAO speaker questions nutritional merits of food
When it comes to healthy eating, humans have a lot to learn, or relearn, from wild and domesticated farm animals. This “nutritional wisdom” has been a career-long research focus for University of Utah professor emeritus Fred Provenza. It was also a focus during three sessions he delivered at the recent sixth annual education conference of […] Read more
Ecological Farmers Association celebrates 40-years
Current president looks to a future of widespread acceptance
The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) marked its 40th anniversary during its annual educational conference in December in Belleville. But it is also looking ahead, as the ideas that it has espoused, regenerative farming and farm-level research and cooperation gain popularity. Why it matters: The EFAO has provided training and farmer-to-farmer networking for 40 […] Read more
Steel-making byproduct used as field tile filter
Conservation authority hopes to perfect farm-scale system for slag
At farms in South West Oxford and Lucan Biddulph, a byproduct of the steel-making process is being inserted into tile drainage systems, as part of a research project by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) aimed at removing phosphorus from field runoff. Members of the UTRCA board of directors saw one of the slag […] Read more
No special rules for supplying Fairlife
Peterborough milk processor remains on track for mid-2020 completion
Milk currently available to the Dairy Farmers of Ontario from conventional producers, will be delivered to Coca-Cola’s Fairlife processing plant in Peterborough, as soon as it enters the commissioning phase of development. Representatives of DFO and Coca-Cola Canada made those assertions when contacted recently by Farmtario. Why it matters: The plant will employ 35 people […] Read more
New energy efficiency funding program available for greenhouses
Electrical agency issues targeted call for proposals
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is looking to help fund energy-efficiency measures at Ontario greenhouses through a specialized call for proposals under its existing Grid Innovation Fund. The arms-length Crown corporation responsible for Ontario’s electricity market recently published a new “Greenhouse Energy Profile Study,” which included the call for proposals. Why it matters: This […] Read more
Aarden Farms handed Pork Industry Leadership Award
Ontario Pork Congress recognizes owners of McCully’s Hill Farm Market
A St. Marys-area farm family that, in 2012, moved beyond pork production and cash cropping to take control of a long-established direct-to-consumer roadside market was awarded the 2019 Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) Pork Industry Leadership Award. The award was presented by outgoing OPC President Kirk McLean to Dennis Aarts, of Aarden Farms — the only […] Read more
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