A fire that started in the engine of a skid-steer destroyed the composting facility at Gorrie-based Schefter Poultry on April 21 but was contained before it affected the primary processing area. Why it matters: Any disruption in the availability of processing capacity at the plant would have forced hundreds of small-flock producers to make other […] Read more
News — page 322
Quick fire response saves poultry processor from widespread damage
Schefter Poultry plays key role for small-flock sector in Ontario
EastGen announces virtual event for beef and dairy youth
EastGen has created the EastGen Youth Ag-Stravaganza for beef and dairy youth in Ontario and the Maritimes. The event replaces the four traditional youth events EastGen normally has each summer that cannot be safely held this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The virtual event for beef and dairy 4-Hers is slated to be held July […] Read more
Living Lab project to energize knowledge transfer
AAFC initiative pushes for greater validation and faster adoption of environmental farm practices
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is pushing to increase the adoption of environmentally friendly growing practices by farmers in Ontario’s Lake Erie region. Adding to similar initiatives in the eastern Prairies, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, the $4.2 million Living Lab — Ontario initiative intends to bring the sector together to develop, test and share innovative […] Read more
Holstein classifier remembered for his friendship and mentorship
A 4-H calf partnership helped the writer deal with the death of her father and create a life-long friendship
Editor’s note: Don Aylsworth passed away May 10, just shy of his 83rd birthday. Like many Holstein Canada classifiers, he was well-known on dairy farms across the country. Mel O’Shea’s family’s farm was one of the farms he visited. We always enjoyed classification day, but Don Aylsworth’s last trip to Frontenac County as a Holstein […] Read more
How are Ontario soybeans holding up?
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for June 2
The majority of the soybean crop was planted by May 20th. Although plant stands have generally been good, there are fields with poor emergence. Poor soybean stands can be caused by various issues such as insect or slug feeding, but this year the main problem has been dry soil. Soybeans must be seeded about 0.5 […] Read more
Corteva opens expanded crop breeding research facility near Tavistock
$6 million project combines corn, soybean and wheat research
Corteva Agriscience’s new research facility at its Woodstock Research and Development Centre brings several crop breeding programs under one roof. The 53,000 square foot facility near Tavistock how houses the company’s Ontario corn breeding programs, one soybean breeding program and a future winter wheat breeding program. The facility was recently officially opened. Why it matters: […] Read more
Opinion: Farmers, workers deserve better
The company given the task of managing coronavirus tests for travellers entering Canada continues to cause headaches for farmers and the international workers they employ. Switch Health is managing the initial tests being given to travellers within 24 hours of entering Canada, and the second test given several days later. International farm workers and others […] Read more
Province sees mixed frost damage
Northern and some Eastern regions hardest hit, with some replanting occurring
After a generally favourable planting season, cold weather and frost in the last week of May brought mixed damage to Ontario’s corn and soybean crop. Why it matters: Favourable weather conditions in April and May offer excellent seeding conditions – but early seeding can also increase the risk of cold damage and poor emergence. Growers […] Read more
VIDEO: Assessing stand counts in corn
Field Talk with Johanna Lindeboom
Farmtario contributor Matt McIntosh speaks with Johanna Lindeboom of Clark Agri Service about assessing stand counts in corn and crop conditions in Norfolk County.
Is this the year for double-crop soybeans?
Sky-high prices make it an alluring strategy but risks and tradeoffs remain
Are high commodity prices a temptation to try double-crop soybeans? More growers are considering the option this year, but experts remind producers not to let the prospect of good returns overshadow inherent risks. Why it matters: Double-cropping soybeans could complement sky-high prices. But there’s no guarantee of a crop and the opportunity to improve fields […] Read more
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