Mikhail Gorbachev’s recent passing has prompted many retrospectives about his role as the last leader of the Soviet Union and the downfall of communism. Few, however, know of his connections to agriculture – and a walk in the fields of southern Ontario during his first trip to North America – that helped inform his views […] Read more
News
Opinion: Gorbachev’s Ontario farm walk that changed the world
HPAI found on Ontario poultry farm
Ontario poultry industry urged to practice strict biosecurity
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on an Ontario poultry farm in Oxford County September 17. This is the first positive case of HPAI that Ontario has experienced since May 18, 2022. The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) is reminding all poultry farmers, small flock […] Read more
Climate change-severe weather link being studied
Western University launches five-year initiative to study hail and climate
Glacier FarmMedia – The discovery by scientists of a record-breaking hailstone in Alberta this summer is part of an initiative to better understand severe weather in Canada during an era of climate change, potentially improving forecasts that could help producers. “These are the questions that this project is trying to determine — essentially, is climate change causing […] Read more
Beef sector faces genomic roadblocks
Researcher urges industry to make the most of new technology, but producers say it must be worth the time it will require
Glacier FarmMedia – Producers must keep better records in order for the cow-calf industry to use the full potential of genomics to select cattle for desirable traits, says a scientist. “If you’re going to take advantage of any of the new technologies, having a comprehensive individual cow record-keeping system is essential,” said John Basarab, a […] Read more
David and Jennifer VanDeVelde named Ontario’s 2022 Outstanding Young Farmers
David and Jennifer VanDeVelde, owners of Wholesome Pickins Market and Bakery located in Delhi, were named Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2022. The winners were announced at the regional event held Sept. 12-13, in conjunction with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock. Both University of Guelph graduates, David and Jennifer returned to the family tobacco […] Read more
Tar spot and fungicide application timings
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of September 14
Although tar spot was detected in Ontario in the first week of July the past two years, 2022 is much different than 2021 and shows the importance of environmental conditions for disease development. Remember, this holds true for any disease! The big difference was the dry conditions early and shortened leaf wetness periods which delayed […] Read more
University of Guelph scientist slams fertilizer emissions plan
Financial incentives and more cost-effective testing for researchers and farmers is needed, he says
Glacier FarmMedia – A scientist from the University of Guelph says the federal government is rushing its plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer. Other scientists are concerned the plan could contribute to the urban/rural divide where city dwellers view farmers as bad guys who are trying to destroy the planet. Why it […] Read more
Horsch Ontario hosts opening
A ribbon cutting ceremony with Michael and Cornelia, leaders of Horsch farm equipment, took place at Horsch Ontario’s grand opening July 22 in Norwich, Ont. Farmers and industry representatives from across Ontario took part in agronomic discussions led by company founder Michael Horsch, while enjoying breakfast followed by in-field demonstrations with Horsch Ontario sales reps. […] Read more
Opinion: One-size-fits-all policies no longer work
Canada’s agriculture industry has been undergoing significant changes over the past 45 years. Since the 1970s, the number of farms has been steadily declining, but not all farms have been impacted equally — mid-size farms have been hit the hardest, as the number of small and large farms increases. The mid-size farm category used to cover the majority of agricultural operations. […] Read more
National Farmers Mental Health Alliance seeks to support farmers, rural social support systems
New group offers ag-minded and farm-lived experience training to support farmer mental health in a more relatable approach
The newly formed National Farmers Mental Health Alliance (NFMHA) offers a way to help farmers get support that understands the unique lifestyle and circumstances of farming. “We’re combining real farm-lived experience with our professional practices and connections to develop agriculturally informed therapy training for on-the-ground social workers and therapists to serve farmers, their families and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
