New research from the University of Illinois indicates crops that experience and survive drought conditions or extreme temperatures in early stages of growth are better able to deal with those same conditions later in their growth cycle. This ‘memory,’ or adaptation by the plant, could help reduce yield loss that year and help researchers prevent future […] Read more
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Science Notes: New study is engineering crops to be more productive by improving photosynthesis
Resource-rich Canada grapples with key labour issues
From agriculture to the oilpatch, lack of labour is driving up wages
Canada’s economic recovery from the pandemic is being hampered by labour shortages across industries ranging from energy to aviation to agriculture, forcing companies to consider multiple salary hikes and offer other perks. Statistics Canada data Nov. 5 showed the national unemployment rate hit a 20-month low in October. The shortage of skilled and unskilled workers […] Read more
Can drones replace self-propelled spraying equipment?
Drones can help improve product application and provide better results
Drones are quickly becoming a preferred tool for growers across the globe. Some drones offer high-concentration, small-volume spraying technology with the same efficacy of coverage as typical agricultural equipment, allowing producers to use less product. As well, the flight ability and down-facing fan action allow growers to ensure timely applications independent of soil conditions, with […] Read more
Record yields for Ontario row crops
Soybean and corn yields surpass pre-harvest StatsCan estimates
Ontario corn and soybean harvests are in the final stages. Harvest reports confirm record yields for row crops. Weather was more co-operative in early November, resulting in significant harvest progress. Basis levels are under pressure as the commercial pipeline is considered full. Exports for corn and soybeans have improved in recent weeks. Farmers have been […] Read more
Reduced fertilizer emissions possible through incentives
Better application technology, more widespread 4R management and better understanding of nutrient availability are vital
Major reductions in fertilizer-based greenhouse gas emissions are possible through 4R nutrient management, according to research from the University of Guelph. However, such reductions require growers to understand what nutrients are already present in soil, what portion is likely to be available for crops in the growing season and the significance of overapplication. Support for […] Read more
Lamb sees increased global market demand
Strong sales sparked by supply chain disruption, pandemic-related shortages of other animal proteins
Global meat protein supply gaps sparked by African swine fever (ASF) and the pandemic have created expansion potential for the sheep sector. Melissa Clark-Reynolds, a New Zealand entrepreneur, strategist and foresight practitioner, told those at the recent Ontario Sheep Farmers annual general meeting that the sheep sector has a bright future given current premium prices. […] Read more
Rain helps alleviate grain storage space crunch
Perceived storage crisis less severe than initially expected
Elevators and grain buyers have wet weather to thank for some relief when it comes to grain storage availability. Despite a variety of storage and transportation challenges, elevator operators say they have not had to turn farmers away as wasfeared in late summer. Why it matters: Though space is still tight, elevator operators say the […] Read more
Farmers eye potential impacts from minimum wage hike
Despite agricultural exemptions, pay rates are typically affected
The significant increase to minimum wage recently announced by the provincial government garnered a muted, and in some cases, positive response from Ontario’s agricultural sector. This is a contrast to reaction from the sector in 2018, when the last major increase occurred. According to one of the loudest voices of dissent from 2018, Hamilton-area broccoli […] Read more
Saving the mid-sized farm
Policy paper suggests altering institutions to offset cost burdens could support smaller farms without harming larger ones
Statistics Canada data indicates the number of mid-sized farms continues to decrease while comparatively large and very large farms gain in size and number. According to analysts at the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, a Guelph-based agricultural economics think-tank, the trend poses risks for the sector as a whole. The question is: what could stop the […] Read more
Editorial: Bee open-minded about pollinator assumptions
Sometimes it’s good to check your assumptions at the door, but that seems to be a tougher action for people, especially with access to so much information that can reinforce your thoughts. Journalists are trained to do this early in their career and you get far more interesting and better stories when you arrive with […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
