The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is advising poultry producers in the province to be vigilant with biosecurity after the discovery of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial turkey farm and a backyard flock in Nova Scotia. Spring migration of wild birds will begin early next month and biosecurity […] Read more
Poultry producers advised to enhance biosecurity measures
Detection of HPAI in Atlantic Canada puts industry on high alert
Ontario could be hardest hit by carbon tax
Parliamentary Budget Officer looked at extending exemption to propane and natural gas
Glacier FarmMedia – An updated report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) shows that Canadian farmers on the Prairies and in Ontario could pay $184 million annually in carbon tax by 2030. The report released Jan. 20 outlines the cost of extending the exemption on qualifying farm fuel to natural gas and propane, as the […] Read more
China expected to remain major grain buyer
It’s thought 20 to 25 million tonnes of imported corn are used annually to replace table scraps previously fed to hogs
Glacier FarmMedia – China doubled its grain purchases in 2021, helping spur the bull run in grain markets, but what’s in store for this year? Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company, thinks more of the same. Why it matters: Grain purchases by China are expected to remain high for the coming year, which will help […] Read more
Resilience in variable conditions critical for Ontario corn hybrids
Claims suggesting better management and climate change are the main drivers of higher corn yields are, if true, likely only relevant in ideal conditions
A recent study published by University of Lincoln Nebraska (ULN) researchers suggests today’s high corn yields are a direct result of better management and changes in, rather than improved genetics. Not everyone is convinced. According to Liz Lee, professor of plant breeding and genetics at the University of Guelph, the lack of stresses considered, time […] Read more
Precision technology wins and losses
Farmers discuss if, and what, precision agriculture tools are worth the investment
Chuck Baresich has been utilizing precision agriculture tools on his family’s Bothwell area no-till cash crop operation since 1998. “We have been at the forefront of lots of technology whether it’s an auto-steer system, fleet management tools, precision application on the sprayers,” he said. “We’ve tried to be one of the first in trying new […] Read more
Holstein Ontario hires new general manager
Pam Charlton is the new Holstein Ontario General Manager. She assumed the role on Feb. 16, and will work from head office in Brantford. Charlton has been part of the dairy industry for the past 22 years, operating Elm Bend Farms as a family operation in Brant County involving her mother-in-law, husband and four daughters. […] Read more
Winter canola yields top 2021 Canola Challenge
Dry spring and hot summer helped some counties gain big yields last year
Winter canola was the top yielder in the 2021 Canola Challenge, with the highest-yielding field producing just over 5,100 pounds per acre. The Canola Challenge is an annual competition held by the Ontario Canola Growers Association (OCGA). New to the challenge this year was the separation of spring and winter canola into their own categories, […] Read more
Workplaces urged to set clear COVID-19 vaccination policies
Lawyer says there’s onus under health and safety act to protect workers
Legal experts are urging employers to implement COVID-19 vaccination policies, whether mandatory or voluntary, to protect employees and customers and prevent the spread in workplaces and the community. Farms and other agri-businesses are included in the recommendation. “If you are operating a workplace during a global pandemic and you haven’t turned your mind to a […] Read more
Land spends half-century under expropriation shadow
Proposed Pickering airport lands have sat in limbo for 50 years
New generations of activists continue their vigil over farmland known as the Pickering airport lands, 50 years into the dispute, with decades more likely before a permanent decision is made. The original activists, a mix of environmentalists, farmland preservationists, free-love hippies and others that included then Toronto Mayor David Crombie, first took up their protest […] Read more
Soybeans have a role in climate smart agriculture
Research priorities will focus on increasing yields and reducing climate impact
Soybean production could play a significant role in meeting not only economic, but also environmental sustainability goals. Soybean researchers are already pivoting to try to meet the language set out by federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture last November, including greater focus on carbon impacts. Why it matters: Industry stakeholders are looking to […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
