The tiny organisms living in soil may have a greater effect than previously known on yield and crop resistance to pests and disease. Researchers at North Carolina State University and the University of Kansas have shown that soil microbes — microscopic organisms like viruses, bacteria and fungi found throughout nature — play a role in […] Read more
News — page 311
Microbes play role in corn hybrid vigour
Science Notes: Microbes seen as critical players in affecting corn plants
Do More Ag works with national fundraiser project
Proceeds will go to a national support line for farmers
Glacier FarmMedia – The Do More Agriculture Foundation is participating in a national fundraiser called Maple (Re)Leaf. It has partnered with 18 organizations across Canada and the proceeds go to the organization of the donor’s choosing. Adelle Stewart, executive director of Do More Ag, said its funds will go toward a national support line for […] Read more
Two Ontario farms to test automated mushroom harvesting system
Creating a system that can select the right mushrooms without bruising is the challenge
The vision of an automated harvesting system for the mushroom industry recently took a significant step closer to becoming a reality. The federal government, through its national supercluster for advanced manufacturing, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), announced almost $4.2 million in funding to improve the mushroom harvesting system that Putnam,Ont.-based Mycionics Inc. has been developing. […] Read more
Cargill fiscal 2021 revenue rises to US$134.4 billion
Reuters – Global commodities trader Cargill Inc. has reported a 17 per cent rise in revenue in fiscal year 2021, the latest company to benefit from high prices for agricultural goods. Privately held Cargill halted public reporting of most of its quarterly and annual financial data last year. It said in an annual report fiscal […] Read more
China targets sow herd at about 43 million head until 2025
Reuters – China aims to maintain its breeding sow herd at about 43 million head during the period to 2025, the government said in early August, as it looks to put herd production on a firm footing since numbers were decimated by African swine fever. Following the onslaught of the disease first detected in China […] Read more
Flight of the western bean cutworm
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 25
It is safe to say that western bean cutworm (WBC) is a pest that we can rely on entering corn and dry beans every year in Ontario. Though a frustrating pest to scout for, using traps to monitor moth flight has helped us better predict when to expect peak moth flight occurs, which is shortly […] Read more
Funding has ‘bin’ a win for Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
Growers have a bumper year despite snowy start
Ontario tender fruit growers have a bin full of wins this year with a bumper crop, accelerated harvest and extended government funding. On July 29, the Ontario government announced a three-year funding extension of $867,484 to buy branded display bins for Ontario Tender Fruit Growers. Why it matters: The tender fruit farmgate value for fresh […] Read more
Opinion: Questions abound in farming’s future
Painful though it might be, would an industry shake-up be good for Ontario agriculture in the long term?
Running a business is inherently risky. But as the cost of growing a farm business rises higher, does the sector understand its vulnerability to sudden change or who will win and lose from it? For those trying to break into or grow small farm businesses, what series of events could occur to level the financial […] Read more
Ontario ag minister Thompson steps into new role
Focus on growing efficiencies, market share and innovation top new ag minister’s to-do list
Lisa Thompson has a quick, warm smile and a penchant for direct eye contact when engaging in conversation. Her open nature can momentarily eclipse her razor-sharp observational skills and the wealth of knowledge she brings to the table as a farmer, businessperson and politician. “I think the foundation to addressing any situation, whether it’s good […] Read more
Opinion: Drought-prompted AgriStability changes not a sign of continued co-operation
A drought forced the federal and western Canadian governments to reach an agreement on AgriStability but is it a sign of what’s to come? Near the start of August, the two governments agreed to allow Saskatchewan producers early access to the 2021 payments to which they are entitled. The two ministers of agriculture involved, Marie-Claude […] Read more
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