Current weather patterns are generally expected to hold for the next week or so. This will allow for planting of corn and soybeans to be mostly complete by the last week of May, though many fields and farms will appreciate some rain soon, particularly in the far southwest (See Figure 1 below). Significant precipitation is […] Read more
News — page 325
Weather makes way for corn, soybean planting
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for May 19
Wild boar ban included in draft invasive species changes
Ontario ministries aim to avoid damage experienced in U.S. and Prairies
The possession and trade of the Eurasian Wild Boar will be phased out over two years, pending the approval of changes to Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, which are up for public comment until June 7. A draft plan and proposed new rules for pigs under the Invasive Species Act were uploaded recently to the Environmental […] Read more
Guelph students win at 2021 North American Dairy Challenge
A team of University of Guelph agriculture students won the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC), held remotely this past month. Rebecca Barr, Brooke Boonstoppel, Clayton McWilliams and Tyrone Wagler competed against three other schools to present the best dairy farm management recommendations. For this year’s competition, students were given data and a series of […] Read more
Opinion: U.S., Canada have same challenge selling green policies
Like Canada, emissions from American farm operations continue to move in the wrong direction
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and United States President Joe Biden are fighting the same fight in trying to get farmers on board with ambitious climate plans. Industry groups in both countries say efforts are already being made to reduce emissions. That is true in many instances, but as was pointed out in a recent Canadian […] Read more
COVID-19 underscores the labour shortage impact
Study shows sector vulnerability to labour shocks like a pandemic
COVID-19 has pushed the already-dire labour shortage in agriculture into sharp relief, and the numbers aren’t promising for the future. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council’s (CAHRC) recent survey, Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on Canada’s Agriculture Workforce, took the pulse of how COVID-19 has impacted agriculture. Why it matters: The pandemic has accelerated the […] Read more
NDP introduces soil health bill
Bill C-290 proposes to rebuild soil capacity
A bill being introduced by the NDP vows to help fight food insecurity and support farmers. MP and NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor introduced a private member’s bill to create a National Soil Health Strategy for Canada. Why it matters: A bill to promote soil conservation could help rebuild soils by giving farmers new tools, […] Read more
Letters: Airline subsidies make no sense if serious about the environment
An open letter to the minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Dear Minister Bibeau, The $6.9 billion in support announced for Air Canada is assisting the industry most guilty of polluting the environment, while at the same time the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are severely discriminating against the farmers of Canada by imposing […] Read more
Federal budget brings few farm tax changes
Main points include wage subsidies, closing loopholes, and front-loading equipment write-offs
The 2021 federal budget included provisions designed to garner more revenues from high-level sources such as digital media companies and absentee homeowners. On the farm side, however, analysts say tax changes appear light by comparison. Why it matters: Some anticipated tax increases for small business were not included in the 2021 federal budget. What wasn’t […] Read more
Editorial: There’s hope ahead
I recently had my COVID-19 vaccination. It was one of the best and most hopeful days I’ve had in a while. I’ve still got some time to go before the first vaccination kicks in and I’m mostly covered, and then a while to wait until a second vaccination before I’m fully covered, but it’s a […] Read more
Activists challenge Bill 156 constitutionality
Filings suggest appeal would be based on Charter rights and arrest provisions
Animal Justice and two co-applicants caused a media stir in March by submitting an application challenging the constitutionality of what they call Ontario’s “ag-gag” law. The Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020, colloquially known as Bill 156, is aimed at deterring activist disruptions of farm and food processors, and closing the gap […] Read more
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