A projected shortage of sulphuric acid, a crucial chemical in modern industrial society, could stifle green technology advancement and threaten global food security, according to a new study led by University College London researchers. The study, published in the Royal Geographical Society journal, indicates that global demand for sulphuric acid is set to rise significantly, to […] Read more
Sulphur shortage: a potential resource crisis looms as the world decarbonizes
Science Notes: National, international policies require development to manage future demand
McDonald’s and McCain partner to boost regenerative soil practices
A new partnership between McDonald’s and McCain Foods will invest $1 million in regenerative soil education and practices for Canadian potato production. “Through our shared vision with McDonald’s Canada, we are focused on supporting our growers in accelerating the transition to the key principles of regenerative agriculture,” said Jeremy Carter, McCain Foods’ western Canada agriculture […] Read more
Opinion: Grain shipments offer dim hope
The EU should have seen the Ukraine war food and energy crises looming
Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in four interrelated security crises. The war in Ukraine is a tragedy for human security, but it affects geopolitical security as well as food and energy security. These four crises have been compounded by the failure of coercive diplomacy. This is a form of diplomacy that uses either sticks […] Read more
Opinion: Fertilizer reductions are possible
Retired prof says 2030 target is achievable with incentives for farmers
The 4R principles promoted by Fertilizer Canada are increasingly accepted and practiced by farmers across Canada. It makes sense to apply nutrients from the right source, at the right time, in the right place and at the right rate. However, recent Fertilizer Canada lobbying has morphed the fourth principle from right rates to holding the […] Read more
Managing cover crops ahead of the 2023 corn crop
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of September 7
If you’re like many Ontario farmers, you are not only watching as your crops head toward the finish line, but also keeping an eye on the progress of the cover crops you seeded after cereal harvest. With recent rainfall in many parts of the province, cover crop growth is taking off. Cover crops provide benefits […] Read more
Advances in optical grading increase potato sorting efficiencies
New equipment for vegetable growers can increase productivity
Potato farmers are seeking avenues to increase productivity, lower costs and comply with environmental regulations. “We’ve tried to pull together the equipment to go right from planting, fertilizer, spraying, irrigation, harvesting, storing,” said Dan Mann, vice-president of HJV Engineering. “And then coming out of storage, washing, packing and right to the end user.” Why it […] Read more
Private potato breeder hopes new variety can go commercial
Peter VanderZaag puts his chips on SP327 variety he developed
Peter VanderZaag is cautiously optimistic that SP327 will be the variety that finally makes it to the chipping big leagues. The SP327, developed by VanderZaag at Sunrise Potato in Alliston, has already shown consistency in fry tests throughout winter storage, with glucose levels remaining stable and low, providing a desirable colour and an ideal shape. […] Read more
Concerns grow over control-resistant pests
Corn rootworm and spider mites top list of concerns in summer 2022
Two significant insect pest problems have occurred this year, both stemming in part from building resistance to controls. Corn rootworm tops the list, according to Tracey Baute, field crop entomologist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Why it matters: Grain growers have limited tools to address spider mites and corn […] Read more
Europe facing its worst drought in 500 years
Europe is facing its worst drought in at least 500 years, with two-thirds of the continent in a state of alert or warning, reducing inland shipping, electricity production and the yields of certain crops, a European Union agency said Aug. 22. The August report of the European Drought Observatory (EDO), overseen by the European Commission, […] Read more
Province’s largest antique tractor collection went to auction
More than 500 pieces were available; proceeds from two pieces dedicated to help care facilities
A rainbow of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black and white tractors stretch out, row upon row, in front of Gordon Brindley, owner of Brindley Auction Service. For Brindley, known to many as Harry, each piece marks a moment when the eclectic mix of diesel, gas, propane and steam tractors, lawn tractors and horse-drawn farm […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
