The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) has released results of a new study examining the economic impact that Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) and Self-Directed Risk Management Program (SDRM) have on Ontario farms, farm production and the broader Ontario economy. Highlights of the study include: Every dollar spent on RMP/SDRM leads to $2.01 – $3.60 […] Read more
News — page 253
Study highlights economic impact and funding shortfall of RMP/SDRM programs
Study results come at an important time as farm sectors struggle with inflation
Ontario farmland values nearly double national average
Interest rate effects are present, but delayed
High commodity prices and pent-up demand for Ontario property continue to raise farmland values despite higher interest rates. Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) recent mid-year land values report again highlights across-the-board increases in average farmland values, but Ontario figures are nearly double the national average. FCC analyses highlight an 8.3 per cent increase in farmland values […] Read more
Editorial: Sustainability shouldn’t be an optical illusion
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, one our freelance writers, Rebecca Hannam, brought to my attention an interesting press release from the University of Guelph on how its on-campus child care centre has reduced its carbon footprint by switching to only feeding a plant-based diet. She asked in her email to me “why is no one talking […] Read more
University of Guelph child care centre touts plant-based menu to reduce carbon footprint
Food service decision and sustainability claim raises concerns among farm groups
The University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre (CCLC) has become the first in Ontario to switch to a fully plant-based menu. A commissioned report estimates that its new carbon footprint is nearly 65 per cent lower than when the menu included animal-based products. Now the director is encouraging other institutions to follow suit. […] Read more
Retiring CEO sees bright future for Gay Lea co-op
Michael Barrett oversaw company’s expansion into goats and other provinces
Michael Barrett, CEO of Gay Lea Foods, will retire early next year and he predicts bright futures both for the producer co-operative and the Canadian dairy sector. Barrett’s successor beginning to ease into her role as the CEO of the 1,400 member dairy producer co-operative on Oct. 31. “I’m not only confident there’s a future […] Read more
Digital biosecurity software attracts local, international attention
Ontario-based Farm Health Guardian improving communication for farmers during disease outbreaks
Disease prevention and responding quickly in case of an outbreak are two critical components to keeping livestock healthy, borders open and food on grocery store shelves. An Ontario company has developed a series of tools to help the agriculture sector do just that, and their innovations are turning heads on both sides of the Atlantic. […] Read more
Dairy sustainability lead has high hopes for 2050 emission goals
New DFC recruit previously worked with Canadian Cattle Association
Fawn Jackson recalls a message she heard from forestry and fishery stakeholders when she moved into her previous role as executive director of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. “Get ahead of it, or else you’ll end up struggling to catch up from behind.” Why it matters: On-farm practices developed to meet DFC’s goals may […] Read more
What keeps plant roots growing toward gravity?
Science Notes: Roots grown at a steeper angle could be more beneficial
What happens below ground in a corn field is easy to overlook, but corn root architecture can play an important role in water and nutrient acquisition, affecting drought tolerance, water use efficiency and sustainability. If breeders could encourage corn roots to grow down at a steeper angle, the crop could potentially access important resources deeper […] Read more
U.S. sees beef, pork export boom
Exports are forecasted at $20 billion, despite COVID restrictions in Asia
Glacier FarmMedia – America’s red meat exports are booming, says an industry official. The United States shipped a record US$18.7 billion worth of pork and beef products around the world in 2021 and is on pace to exceed that total this year. Beef exports have topped $1 billion in six of the seven months that […] Read more
AALP Class 20 accepting applications
The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) is now accepting applications for Class 20. During the 18-month executive program, up to 30 individuals will embark on a personal leadership journey to realize their potential, while exploring the agri-food sector from the local to the international level. Each Class is created with attention to the diversity of […] Read more
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