A swath of Canada better known for maple syrup is being tested to mass produce berries normally grown in warmer locales. That makes the area an unexpected beneficiary of extreme weather, local demand and rising costs in traditional growing areas like California. Driscoll’s and grower-owned Naturipe Farms LLC, two of North America’s largest fruit sellers, […] Read more
News — page 256
Drought, high costs bring U.S. berry giants to Canada
A warming globe is pushing production into new regions as firms hedge their bets
Protect yourself from developing respiratory problems
Grain dust may be commonplace on farms, but respiratory problems don’t need to be
It’s harvest season and that means two things are common sights on farms across the country — combines and grain dust. Just because grain dust is a regular occurrence on many farms doesn’t mean you should ignore it. In fact, grain dust can wreak significant havoc and long-lasting damage on your lungs with repeated exposure. […] Read more
New technology uses radio waves to dry grain
Eliminating heat gets rid of the need for propane or natural gas
Glacier FarmMedia – Few farmers can likely envision using radio waves to dry grain one decade into the future. But Kevin Eichhorn not only envisions such radical radio frequency drying technology, he’s building it. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota, inventor connects an off-the-shelf radio frequency wave generator to his dryer using a coaxial cable. He calls […] Read more
Soil moisture more critical than rainfall to estimate climate impact
Science Notes: Evaporation, infiltration and runoff can result in dramatic differences
You don’t need a PhD in agriculture to know that water is critical to crop production. But for years, people like Jonathan Proctor, who has a PhD in Agriculture and Resource Economics from the University of California Berkeley, have been trying to explain why the importance of water isn’t showing up in statistical models of […] Read more
European Union forges on with organics amid food insecurity worries
Critics question wisdom of plan to certify one-quarter of farmland organic by 2030 as demand for more food increases
Glacier FarmMedia – The rubber is hitting the road on the European Union’s drive toward vastly increased organic crop production. The European Commission has approved the first slate of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans submitted by seven member states. The plans submitted by Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland and Portugal will guide agricultural […] Read more
Will your grain dryer become a grain fryer?
Eighty per cent of fires caused by trash buildup and can be avoided
Glacier FarmMedia – Fall is busy for grain dryers, especially if the harvest window is short and tough grain needs quick attention. Storing tough grain that hasn’t received proper attention is a good way to waste money, according to GSI dryer specialist Randy Sheley. He says there are two ways your money goes up the […] Read more
OFA encouraging voters to ask municipal candidates about farmland preservation
Municipal elections set for Oct. 24
Municipal decisions play a critical role in preserving farmland. With municipal elections rapidly approaching, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) encourages agri-food producers to ask hard questions at debates before they vote. “For voters who care about preserving farmland in Ontario, this fall’s municipal elections are critically important,” said Peggy Brekveld, OFA president, in a […] Read more
Fixing Ontario’s rural healthcare crisis
Funding and better infrastructure planning are needed
Closed emergency facilities, hard-to-find family doctors, an absence of medical support services – each is a reality through much of rural Ontario, and inadequate funding makes solutions just as scarce. Some say greater investment in the health care sector is ideal. However, supportive policies targeted to rural communities, as well as more long-term thinking toward […] Read more
Ontario Sheep Farmers hires new executive director
The Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) have hired Erin Morgan as executive director. The OSF began an extensive search for a new executive director following former Executive Director Jennifer MacTavish announced she would be leaving the organization at its March annual general meeting. MacTavish held the role for nine years, and held the same role at […] Read more
Recognizing a worthwhile gift
Rev. Ruth Butt receives a delayed Order of Ontario Agricultural College for her support for soil research
Among the many special events featured during Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show was a special award bestowed upon an incomparable individual. Reverend Ruth Butt, a United Church minister and former neighbour of the farm show site now known as Discovery Farm Woodstock, was presented with the Member of the Order of Ontario Agricultural College award Sept. […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
