Plastics have taken the world by storm over the last century, finding applications in virtually every aspect of our lives. However, the rise of these synthetic polymers, which form the basis of plastics, has contributed to many serious environmental issues. The worst of these is the excessive use of petrochemical compounds and the disposal of […] Read more
Plant from plastics: bio-based polymers transformed into fertilizer
Science Notes: The new system can help fight pollution and resource depletion
Cover crop adoption decisions are complex
Knowledge transfer and local expertise key to farmer trust in practices
Crops cover more than 11 per cent of the earth’s land surface, a figure that is growing every year as grasslands are tilled and forests razed. That’s one reason for greater interest in keeping that land covered throughout the year but increasing the volume of cover crops also means addressing the economics and sociological factors […] Read more
Massey adds the RB 4160P Protec to its RB baler series
One-pass baling and wrapping improves feed quality: AGCO
Glacier FarmMedia – AGCO has added the RB 4160P Protec combination baler and wrapper to its Massey Ferguson line of equipment. The unit combines all the features found on the Massey RB series silage balers, which debuted in 2018, with an integrated bale-wrapping unit that allows producers to harvest and ensile high-moisture forages in one […] Read more
Labour challenges impact machinery and parts supply
John Deere strike could add further delays to already backlogged equipment sector
The first half of 2021 saw varied availability of equipment parts. While the supply of blades and bolts has improved since, a labour strike at John Deere threatens to exacerbate other lingering supply chain problems. Entering its fifth week at the time of publication, and with the union rejecting a recent agreement, the strike at […] Read more
Indigenous chef seeks cultural authenticity
Rich Francis is changing the paradigm of what indigenous food looks like
Rich Francis is on a journey to reinvent how people think about and interpret indigenous cuisine as it’s known today. The indigenous chef and food activist discussed the ways he is reviving authentic aboriginal cuisine and removing colonialism from the menu, when speaking at an Oct. 28 Arrell Food Summit event. “What I specialize in […] Read more
Province sees average year for corn ear moulds, mycotoxins
Annual survey shows 89 per cent OK to feed livestock
Mycotoxin and ear mould levels in this year’s Ontario corn crop are in line with long-term averages, says the annual survey of corn in the province. The survey is conducted by OMAFRA field crop specialists with help from Grain Farmers of Ontario and members of the Ontario Agri-Business Association. Mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON) are especially […] Read more
Ontario Sheep Farmers launch new strategic plan
Group says plan positions it for future growth, challenges
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) unveiled a five-year strategic plan Oct. 28 entitled Building Strength for a Better Future. “Our new plan sets an ambitious and engaging path forward for the organization,” said John Hemsted, newly elected OSF chair and District 6 director. “We are well-positioned to seize the opportunities and address the challenges we heard […] Read more
Province to include border shutdowns among animal health ‘hazards’
Proposed amendments would allow Chief Veterinarian to act
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is proposing a new regulation in the province’s Animal Health Act (AHA) that will add to the definition of “hazards” to better prepare the province should an animal health emergency occur, and better support animal health. The new regulation will prescribe that a provincial surplus […] Read more
CFFO welcomes new general manager
Tom Tavani has been named the new general manager of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO). The CFFO Board of Directors said Tavani brings experience in Christian media marketing, agribusiness and operated his own real estate marketing company. “Tom stood out as a candidate for this position,” Ed Scharringa, CFFO president said in a […] Read more
Wet fall created tough conditions for winter wheat planting
Crop advisors say there is still opportunity for growers to plant a successful crop
Wet weather from mid-September into October made it difficult for growers to plant winter wheat this fall. The 2021 soybean harvest started well, with signs of an early harvest, but rain started in mid-September and continued to limit progress. “A lot of (growers) got into the field around the traditional farm show time, and then […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
