Despite the best efforts to quell its rise, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) has hit 20 Ontario poultry operations and backyard flocks as of early May. It’s been […] Read more
Avian influenza continues to break across province, Canada
Concerns rise over spring planting contributing to spread
Benchmarketing projects aim to improve available farm data
Canadian and global numbers can help compare Ontario to other jurisdictions
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs is engaged in two benchmarking initiatives which aim to improve the quality of information comparing Ontario farms. Why it matters: Benchmarking […] Read more
Mini-biodigester offers big output for Ontario dairy farm
Ontario’s only mini-biodigester has been operating for more than a year and has changed how Harcolm Farms manages manure
After about 18 months of operation, Ontario’s one and only mini-digester is going strong. It’s situated at Harcolm Farms near Beachville, Ont., and owned by dairy farmers Rob and Rachel […] Read more
Combine readiness heading to the field
Check and replace parts as needed, and calibrate — but do not over grease
Combines are large and complex machines, so it is critical to do maintenance and checks before heading to the field. Louis Melanson, a combine specialist at Case IH has 43 […] Read more
The largest soybean crop ever?
The switch away from corn due to late planting and a wet spring could mean record soybean acres
Planting of the Ontario soybean crop was still underway in early June, with time left in the planting window. Horst Bohner, soybean specialist at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food […] Read more
Information from above
The quest is on to obtain more detailed soil type and topography data on Ontario croplands from satellites
If farm agencies in Ontario were to make an information wish list, it would likely include detailed and up-to-date soil and topographical data. This information would, among other things, help […] Read more
Use planter checklist before heading to the field
Smooth planter operation requires attention to hydraulics, meters and other parts
Spring planting will be underway shortly, and thorough checks of planting equipment are vital to crop success. Josh Boersen and his father Brad farm cash crops and broiler chickens north […] Read more
Variable land good place to start with variable rate fertilizer
Best strategies, hiring custom operators or DIY
Farmers on land that’s variable in soil type, such as southwest of London, are likely already thinking about variable rate fertilizer application. Darryl Boersma, who farms a large number of […] Read more
Small investments, big gains
Where to start with free and low-cost precision ag tools – and why
For producers looking to dip their toes into the precision agriculture pool for little cost and potentially substantial rewards, help is here. The big advantages precision agriculture can provide are […] Read more