If a farm from Huron, Perth or Middlesex planned a drainage project this year, some of the plastic used in the tile likely had a former life as shampoo bottles and laundry detergent jugs on those same farms. For about 14 months now, an agreement has been in place between Bluewater Pipe and Listowel-based EFS […] Read more
News — page 315
Huron County plastics recycling loop ends up in drainage tile
Blue-box collected bottles from rural homes are processed locally and used in tile
VIDEO: Water hemp weed management
Field Talk with Chris Snip
In this edition of Field Talk, Farmtario contributor Matt McIntosh talks with Chris Snip, crop sales specialist with Agris Co-operative, about waterhemp in Essex County, wider herbicide management concerns – and the importance of dialogue with your farm neighbours.
New app helps farmers weigh options for cropping decisions
Resilient Fields is a free web-based tool that simplifies decision-making
There is no shortage of information available to farmers to help them make management decisions on-farm, but often this information results in mixed messages, and can even be conflicting. The information is often broad in scope, while many challenges farmers face can be field-specific. That’s why Al Mussel, research lead with Agri-food Economic Systems and […] Read more
Mobile trailers bring soil knowledge, research right to the farm
Units have soil research and audio visual technology to help with research plots and events
A new initiative is expected to showcase field demonstrations and applied soil research for the benefit of Ontario farmers. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has assembled a Mobile Soil Technology Suite for all those interested in soil health. It consists of two trailers, specialized scientific tools, audio-visual gear and field-ready tools. The […] Read more
Chicken Farmers of Ontario name new CEO
The Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) Board of Directors has appointed Denise Hockaday as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 30, 2021. Denise will act as chief advisor to the Board, represent CFO provincially and nationally, and provide strategic leadership for the organization, its farmer-members, staff team and stakeholders. Most recently, Denise held executive […] Read more
Grassy weeds in winter wheat at harvest
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for July 28
Three different types of grassy weeds have been found above the winter wheat canopy at harvest this year. To prevent them from becoming a problem, they need to be identified so that the appropriate management actions can be taken. Here is a breakdown of each grass species and control options. Chess grass (Bromus secalinus) Management: Chess grass […] Read more
Policy proposals released ahead of Food Systems Summit
International and Canadian groups have identified food system and agriculture goals
Ahead of the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit, a lengthy list of “game changing” action items have been released by organizers, including proposals for integrating climate plans across nations and developing a “responsible meat” initiative. Taking place in September, many expect the Summit to launch new strategies for achieving the international communities’ 17 development goals. […] Read more
Northwestern Ontario farmers to receive emergency drought support
The Ontario government is providing up to $2 million in emergency funding to farmers in northwestern Ontario to help them acquire feed, water and basic livestock needs due to the ongoing drought conditions in the area. The Northwestern Livestock Emergency Assistance Initiative will help livestock farms in the the Kenora-Rainy River district by addressing critical […] Read more
Grain-based foods popular in post-pandemic world
Altered purchasing behaviours and personal preferences may bring opportunities
Homemade sourdough bread might not last into post-pandemic life, but that doesn’t mean the popularity of wheat and grains will diminish overall. Changing consumption behaviour offers many opportunities for the sector, according to Dana McCauley, veteran food system analyst and director of New Venture Creation in the University of Guelph Office of Research. Why it […] Read more
Ag society turns funding efforts to ag-tech start-ups
First recipient offers technology that assists high-value orchards
A new type of investment in agriculture technology is being made by the Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) which takes it into new territory for an agricultural society. Why it matters: There isn’t a lot of flexible investment available to mid startup stage agriculture companies and several groups are working to find original ways – […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
