CRISPR-CAS9 technology made it possible for scientists to change the genetic code of living organisms. Although revolutionary, the tool has its limitations. Like the first cell phones that could only perform one function, the original CRISPR method can perform one function: removing or replacing genes in a genetic sequence. Later iterations of CRISPR were developed […] Read more
New CRISPR-Combo boosts genome editing power in plants
Science Notes: Ability to edit, change multiple genes at once explored
U.S. seeks to protect contract chicken growers
Biden administration proposes rule to improve treatment, transparency and price guarantees
Reuters – The United States government has proposed a rule requiring meatpackers to be more transparent in their dealings with contract farmers in efforts to enhance competition in the highly consolidated industry. Farmers and consumer groups have argued for decades that consolidation in the beef, pork and chicken sectors, where four companies control 55 to […] Read more
SeedMaster supplies Deere with drills
John Deere will install its air seeding technology on frames provided by SeedMaster
Glacier FarmMedia – Fans of SeedMaster toolbars and equipment with green paint may benefit from a new equipment supply agreement between John Deere and SeedMaster. SeedMaster will supply Deere with 60-, 70-, 80- and 90-foot frames in green paint, with 10- or 12-inch spacing and dual knife openers. The dual-knife opener places fertilizer 1.5 inches […] Read more
Health Canada clarifies rules for gene edited crops
Regulations for traditionally bred crop varieties apply
Crops developed via gene editing will not be subject to the additional regulation requirements imposed on genetically modified organisms, according to Health Canada. Gene editing, such as CRISPR technology, allows scientists to target or alter genes of interest in a plant’s genome to create plants with desired traits, such as disease resistance, enhanced growth or […] Read more
Re-thinking the value of farm plates for pickup trucks
Changes to the Ontario vehicle fee system cause of confusion for farm businesses
Your pickup is licensed to farm, but are the benefits worth the price to plate? “We recommend that our members – and all farmers – really look at what they use their truck for,” said Ian Nokes, Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) transportation policy analyst. If the trucks are more for personal use than farm […] Read more
Are tighter hay supplies in Ontario’s future?
High crop prices and other factors drive growers away from forage acres
Commodity crop prices are sky high. The same can’t be said about Ontario’s hay. A generally good 2021 production season contributed to a glut of dry forage, lowering hay prices across Ontario. In the face of much higher-value commodities, acres that would normally be reserved for forage production, specifically dry hay, are being turned to […] Read more
Ottawa will not ease Russian fertilizer tariff
Opposition says lack of government action hurts Canadian farmers
Glacier FarmMedia – Ottawa will not exempt buyers from the tariffs on Russian fertilizer even if the purchases were made before sanctions were imposed March 2. The Conservatives pressed the government during question period late last month and again in the House of Commons agriculture committee. Agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the 35 per cent […] Read more
Ukrainian farmers persevere for 2022 planting
Black Sea shipping closure represents biggest among many challenges, say Canadian companies who work there
Ukraine has shifted from input-dependent crops like corn towards the country’s more traditional sunflowers and small grains, as farmers there have persevered through an unimaginably difficult 2022 planting season to complete a significant portion of planned acreage. That’s according to two Ontario seed-sector leaders whose companies have for several years done considerable business in Ukraine. […] Read more
Opinion: Tiny tech now dominant in agriculture
A giant hole was punched through the berm around the dam on the Maitland River in Gorrie during a flood a few years ago. I grew up on my family’s farm near Gorrie and it’s strange to see the whole dam now gone as the decision was made to remove it instead of rebuild it. […] Read more
Why life insurance matters in succession
Farm transition specialist Ray Riel discusses what different types of insurance can and can’t do for a family and business
In a previous edition of Farmtario, we spoke with farm transition professional Ray Riel about why young farmers should have a last Will and Testament. In this instalment, Riel expands on estate planning by delving into life insurance. We asked Riel to explain how and why farmers of all ages should ensure they have the […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
