Ukraine is the breadbasket of Europe in times of peace. Now that war has initiated the most significant global food security crises in generations, other breadbasket nations face opportunities and barriers in filling the void. But what could Canada’s role be? According to the latest report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), this country […] Read more
Can Canada make up for a shortfall of grain from Ukraine?
Opportunities, limitations, and long-term considerations
Editorial: Prevention is better than the cure
Late last month, while taking my dog for a walk I heard the familiar, distinct sound of Tundra swans overhead. They are beautiful to watch, but a reminder that with their return comes the threat of disease to the poultry industry. Many areas of the province offer the perfect ‘stop-over’ or spring habitat for migratory […] Read more
USDA crop reports surprise analysts
Despite export ban from Ukraine, there hasn’t been an increase in export demand for U.S. corn and wheat
The markets are in a transition stage. Earlier in March, the focus was on nearby tight fundamentals due to the limited export potential from Russia and Ukraine. The “war premium” in the grain and oilseed markets appears to be eroding. Higher prices caused acute demand rationing. Quick lookSoybeans: Ontario soybean stocks will reach historical lows […] Read more
Farmland at risk with new housing initiative
Accelerated approval for housing developments concerns agriculture and environmental groups
The scene is the same in many towns and villages in Ontario, with signs growing on farmland at the edge of town signalling imminent development and loss of more farmland. Farm groups are concerned that the Ontario government has announced plans to accelerate the approval process for new housing developments. Steve Clark, Minister for Municipal […] Read more
Kinze planter bumps speed limit to 12 m.p.h.
The unit’s seed singulation ability ‘sounds like a machine gun,’ says Kinze representative
Glacier FarmMedia – Kinze’s 3505 True Speed high-speed planter is designed to provide accurate seed depth and singulation at speeds up to 12 m.p.h., which is about two m.p.h. faster than most other planters. But should anyone have confidence in a planter at that speed? The key to success is a combination of factors including […] Read more
Funding announced to revive wool market
The Canadian Wool Council hopes to set a new direction for the natural fibre
Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian Wool Council is seeking more visibility for its wares and recently received almost $150,000 to make that happen. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) announced the funding in late February, linking the money to development of environmentally sustainable textiles. Why it matters: Meat rather than wool is the main focus of […] Read more
Will war open Europe to biotechnology?
Severe supply disruptions have prompted some member states to consider wider acceptance of GM crops
Last month, 1400 tonnes of grain was dumped from a freight train onto the trackside in Brittany, France. Forcing the train to stop before an improvised cinderblock barrier, activists from the umbrella group Brittany Collective Against Factory Farms, supported by Extinction Rebellion protesters, intended to hijack and destroy its cargo of GMO-soybeans. But the train […] Read more
Food waste put to use in formula to boost root growth, sugar content
Nurture Growth uses microbes from waste to let plants fix their own nitrogen
The power of rescued food waste is being harnessed to lessen farmers’ dependence on synthetic fertilizers. A bio-organic formula using food waste developed by Mississauga-based Nurture Growth that contains more than 20 microbes lets plants fix their own nitrogen and has been shown to boost yield and make plants more resilient. Why it matters: Under […] Read more
Motivating and managing employees for farm markets
Pandemic pressures taught farm market businesses lessons on employee engagement and retention
Labour attraction and retention are challenging in agriculture, especially for seasonal vegetable and fruit operations. Whether front-line or field workers, maintaining and managing seasonal employees through pandemic burnout, consumer aggression and high expectations led growers to try new tactics to keep staff. Why it matters: Effective orientation of new employees and fostering emotional investment in […] Read more
Comment: Better approach needed for soil health
Farmers need support from those who ask them to do more
Soil might seem like simple dirt to many people, but it is anything but simple for Canada’s food producers. It is foundational to putting food on tables in Canada and worldwide. Healthy soil can also boost production, fight climate change and promote biodiversity. However, for soil to deliver on its full potential, farmers must adopt […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
