Water is the most important limiting input for crop production. In more than a couple of the past years, producers across the province have been forced to watch while their crops suffer from dry conditions in the heat of summer. Other than irrigation (which is rare for field crops in Ontario), there’s really nothing we […] Read more
Managing to get the most from available water
Tips for keeping it in the ground to make it accessible to crop roots
Fertilizer market volatility raises pricing questions
Analysts say normal ups and downs much less predictable in light of global upheaval
As planting and the early growing season drew to a close, fears over potentially significant fertilizer shortages did not come to fruition. But questions regarding price volatility did. Significant reductions in pricing, perceived by some to be conveniently timed after many growers paid for product, has led to accusations of unfair pricing practices south of […] Read more
AMC and Bioenterprise Canada sign MOU
The Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC) and Bioenterprise Canada, Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, have agreed to work together to support the development of world-class agricultural technology. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on innovation opportunities and provide commercialization services to innovative start-ups, entrepreneurs, research organizations and firms in […] Read more
Claas Terra Trac technology fully suspended
Axion 900 TT offers better flotation, added traction and less compaction
Glacier FarmMedia – Claas’s new Axion 900 TT introduces Terra Trac to mid-size tractors. It’s the world’s first fully suspended half-track, with suspended tracks at the rear and suspended flotation tires at the front. The elongated rubber rear tracks differ from the design of some other tractors that sport rear tracks and front tires. The […] Read more
Give thanks to drought-tolerant corn hybrids
Modern genetics and management should help keep corn yields in the three-digit range despite prolonged dry conditions
Extended dryness is affecting corn and soybean fields across much of Ontario’s main growing regions. Such conditions allow decades of improvements in drought tolerance genetics to shine. “I remember in 1988, the tap was basically off until early July. It was two months of the driest early season on record,” says Russ Barker, Pioneer sales […] Read more
Report lobbies for better foreign agriculture worker rights
20 recommendations provided to ensure better representation, wage parity and labour law inclusion
A new report calls on federal and provincial governments to shore up representation, wages and health and welfare protection for foreign agri-food workers. The COVID-19 special report: The Status of Migrant Agricultural Workers in Canada 2022, issued 12 recommendations at the federal level and eight provincially, said Pablo Godoy, Western Canada regional director for United […] Read more
Editorial: Food from space
The recent Canada-wide Rogers outage was a reminder for me of what life was like before the internet. Although it was a huge inconvenience (I wasn’t able to work at all that day), it was a trip down memory lane. It was nice to disconnect and not feel the need to check my email or […] Read more
New barns and bedding pack management make for more efficient feedlots
Encouraging employee contribution to farm management helps keep them engaged
Feedlot managers are going to school. Maximizing productivity and reducing labour needs are among the core subjects being explored in three informational tours this summer organized by the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) and the Ontario Cattle Feeders Association (OCFA). The first 24-hour Feedlot Management School, held in late June, focused on advancements in feedlot […] Read more
Measuring feedlots for better management
New tech tools and software are bringing data to the forefront of feedlot management
Technology is gaining traction in the beef sector and feedlot operators are turning data into physical and economic gains. More Ontario feedlot operators are ditching pen and paper in favour of apps, programs and barn tech accessories to track cattle movement and improve management efficiencies. Why it matters: Tech support and data collection are changing […] Read more
North American acreage surveys show increase in corn, soybean plantings
Average yields expected in Ontario due to dry weather
A large portion of the Ontario growing region received less the 40 per cent of normal precipitation between June 10 and July 10. Temperatures were 3 C below normal across Ontario. The monthly weather forecast for Ontario calls for below normal precipitation and normal temperatures. There is potential for yield drag on corn and soybeans. […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
