A University of Guelph study shows that split nitrogen applications in corn bring an economic and environmental benefit to producers. It can increase farm profits by 15 to 20 per cent in dry seasons compared to pre-plant broadcast. It also showed a small profit increase by making the second application of N during V13 rather […] Read more
Split N applications offer economic benefit for producers
Reducing nitrogen rates in dry years results in higher margins without affecting yield
International campaign calls for end to food animal use
Plant Based Treaty initiative asks national governments to transition away from food animal production
Glacier FarmMedia – Environmental and animal rights activists have launched an international campaign to halt what they see as the harmful impact of meat, dairy and egg farming on the world’s climate due to methane emissions. They urge world leaders to negotiate a proposed Plant Based Treaty to begin the transition to food systems that […] Read more
Consider spreader efficiency when hiring custom operator
Timeliness of cropping activities is also important
When it’s time for an upgrade in manure application, efficiency per spreader is a key consideration for a livestock operation. This is shown by data from a variety of southern Ontario livestock operations serviced by Adrian Guntensperger, who runs a Seaforth-area solid manure handling company. He reviewed the numbers in preparation for a panel discussion […] Read more
Concerns, opportunities measured in grain drying
Researchers map province’s grain drying landscape to address cost and efficiency challenges
A 2021 University of Guelph study showed that fuel costs are a top concern of those using grain dryers in the province. Why it matters: Drying accounts for 17 per cent of the cost of production in grains. More efficient and new strategies are required to keep such costs from climbing. Project researchers William Lubitz […] Read more
CropTracker aims to improve pre-harvest fruit production
Ontario apple and tender fruit growers are part of two-year beta testing for technology
A picture is worth a thousand words but each image taken in a Crop Load Vision beta test could be worth $1,000. CropTracker Inc., a Kingston agriculture technology company, is developing a new artificial intelligence enhancement for Harvest Quality Vision by bringing its scanning ability into the orchard. The technology allows growers to scan unharvested […] Read more
Extra care required to ensure high quality food-grade soybeans
Clean, intact seeds critical for soybean processors
Processors want clean, intact soybeans for their food products. That’s why farmers delivering lower quality crops can be hit with significant per bushel price deductions. A few best management practices at harvest can help avoid those discounts. Why it matters: Stained or damaged food-grade soybean seeds can have a significant negative impact on farm gate […] Read more
Diversified dairy producers named Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers
Direct marketing and processing continue to grow Little Brown Cow farm
Jenny Butcher and Wes Kuntz of Little Brown Cow farm are the winners of this year’s Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers award. They run a dairy farm near Brantford, but they also produce beef, process their milk into cheese and fluid milk, and operate a food outlet nearby. The Outstanding Young Farmers competition was held recently […] Read more
Opinion: New Parliament can achieve big things by thinking small
Many issues can be addressed if they are prioritized
Glacier FarmMedia – As soon-to-be vodka bubbled and steamed and dripped in front of me, I thought: “This is a problem that can be solved.” Regardless of the nature of the federal government that was recently elected, there are piles of farm, agriculture and food issues that it can deal with if it cares enough […] Read more
Tracking environmental gains on farms
Ecological Outcome Verification aims to take the marketing out of farm environmental assessment
Years of researching how to get the most out of the pastures on his Cayuga-area beef farm eventually left Cory Van Groningen frustrated. “One book says only take the top sward and leave the rest to regrow; another book says use high-intensity grazing and trample it down; another book says take a third of the […] Read more
Editorial: Lessons from Clarkson’s Farm
There are lessons to be learned for the agriculture sector from the popularity of the British reality show Clarkson’s Farm. I was late to viewing the show on Amazon Prime, mostly because the history of mainstream media depiction of farming on television is suspect. It ranges from overly fawning, idealized, moralizing or unrealistic. The depiction […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
