Bill C-234, a private member’s bill that would exempt more farm fuels from the carbon tax, promises to meet some of the federal government commitments made when the price on carbon was originally planned. It is superior to a government-initiated bill, C-8, now being considered in Parliament. In the initial plans to put a price […] Read more
Opinion: Carbon tax exemptions needed
Global organic sector seeks synergies with regenerative movement
Canadian research centre director helping craft ‘Organic 3.0’
The global organic movement is stalled at what Andy Hammermeister refers to as ‘Organic 2.0’ – where aspiring organic producers must make changes to achieve a list of requirements in the standard, and once they do there’s no need for further improvement as long as they stay within the rules. Hammermeister, director of the Organic […] Read more
Soybean markets poised to respond based on war footing
Corn and soy supplies expect to hit historical lows at end of crop year
Editor’s note: This market analysis was mostly-prepared before the impact of the Russian invasion into Ukraine. As a result, many global commodities are in sway due to a multitude of unforeseen circumstances now in play. Statistics Canada released its Dec. 31 Stocks Report last month. This report is important because it confirms the production estimate […] Read more
Biomass grain dryer heating up interest in on-farm alternative fuels
The cost of natural gas, propane and carbon taxes continue to climb pinching farm returns
Increasing propane costs and the carbon tax lit a fire under Matt Kittell to invest in a biomass grain dryer. Kittell said three factors spurred him and his father-in-law John Henderson, to research a different way to dry grain on their Mount Brydges farm by replacing their four-year-old propane dryer. Why it matters: The rising […] Read more
AGCO debuts 5S and 8S Massey Ferguson tractors
Utility and high-horsepower models based on new designs
Glacier FarmMedia – Producers in the market for a new tractor now have additional models to consider. AGCO’s Massey Ferguson brand is introducing the 5S and larger 8S series, with all-new designs that incorporate a range of new features. The 5S series will offer three models from 115 to 145 horsepower. The line made its […] Read more
Automated milk production can be optimized with tech and management
Research shows sand bedding and increased space lower lameness rates
Research into robotic dairy barns shows that improvements in nutrition, management, housing, and herd demographics benefit both cows and producers. Robert Matson, a Wallenstein Feed and Supply Ltd. ruminant nutritionist, shared findings from a 2018 study involving 197 automated milking systems (AMS), including 75 in Ontario, during Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week Dairy Day last month. […] Read more
QR code enlisted to promote beef
Code is part of the Information Gateway initiative by Canada Beef that is designed to boost sales
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada Beef is seeking better ways to get domestic product into the fridges of more people by giving them an easy way to access nutritional information along with cooking tips for dozens of cuts of meat. The first phase of the Information Gateway initiative will give consumers access to a digital profile […] Read more
Root symbiosis regulated through plant nutrient status
Science Notes: Discovery offers potential to help achieve sustainable agriculture goals
Plants absorb phosphate better when they collaborate with certain soil fungi, research has found. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), a symbiosis with such fungi, is used by more than 80 per cent of plants. The fungi penetrate the root cortex cells and form hyphal networks in the soil. These take up phosphate and transport it into the […] Read more
Green-on-green spray technology puts weed control on near horizon
In-crop selective spraying technology is showing promise
Glacier FarmMedia – In 2021, both John Deere and AGCO announced they were developing selective spraying technologies. Deere introduced its See and Spray Select as an option on model year 2022 400 and 600 series sprayers. That system is capable of identifying weeds in fallow fields and selectively spraying them. It’s what the industry now […] Read more
New accelerator helps agri-food start-ups THRIVE
Silicon Valley-based investor platform announces its first cohort in Canada
The new THRIVE Canada Accelerator has unveiled the participants in its first cohort for Canadian agri-food innovation start-ups. It’s led by SVG Ventures | THRIVE, a leading global investment platform headquartered in California’s Silicon Valley that has been helping start-up founders and entrepreneurs around the world since 2010. Why it matters: Producing more with less […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
