The bobolink and other declining avian grassland species have received assistance from farmers and conservation researchers in Grey County. Through a $62,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario (BECO) – a non-profit conservation organization – has been working with landowners to identify nest locations and bird population numbers in the […] Read more

Can small pasture management changes help grassland birds?
Researchers try several strategies this summer with mixed success

PHOTOS: Rodeo barrels back in use
With his trademark smile, showman Ross Millar engaged the capacity crowd at the Orangeville Rodeo grounds on Aug 29. “Welcome back, Orangeville. We missed you!” The response was deafening with hands clapping, feet stomping and piercing whistles competing against hollers and ‘yee haws.’ “It really didn’t feel like we missed a day,” said Millar. Rodeos […] Read more

Van Acker reappointed Dean of Ontario Agricultural College
Dr. Rene Van Acker has been reappointed dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) for a five-year term, effective Sept. 1, 2021. “Under Dr. Van Acker’s leadership and guidance, OAC has experienced incredible growth and attained new levels of excellence, allowing us to remain at the forefront of agriculture and food, nationally and globally,” Dr. Gwen Chapman, […] Read more
Crop plots showcase latest in technology at Crop Stop
Outdoor event allows demonstrations and growing crop plots
Farmers will come together in-person for a unique small-scale agronomy experience Sept. 23 and 24 at Discovery Farm Woodstock. Crop Stop, presented by Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) in partnership with Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), will bring farmers, agriculture businesses and industry partners together to network, share information and tour crop plots […] Read more

Complex labels decrease dairy product label trust
Consumers may have less trust in food processes that they don’t understand, and animal-based foods may be subject to more uninformed scrutiny than other foods due to consumers’ perception of higher risk. Dairy producers can benefit from understanding how consumers interpret unfamiliar terms and claims on dairy product labels. In a new study appearing in […] Read more

Haulers face challenges from inattentive, aggressive drivers
Manure Expo session tackles safety on roadways
The 2021 planting and harvest seasons saw a return to normal, when compared to the unexpected calm of 2020. But when it comes to traffic on rural roadways, it might be worse than normal. That’s the observation of Pumped Environmental Services owner Larry Bearinger, whose Tavistock-based business pumps, transports and custom-applies liquid manure on farms […] Read more

Crop Stop to showcase new production technology
Check out new tractors, apps and drone demonstrations
Crop Stop will feature the latest in technology, with special programming featuring equipment, software and research. Presented by Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) in partnership with Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), Crop Stop promises a high-value experience through interaction between farmers and industry partners. The event will include crop plot tours, equipment demos […] Read more

Case IH tractor provides premium comfort at lower horsepower
New Vestrum tractor can be seen at Crop Stop and Outdoor Dairy Days
Case IH recently added a premium tractor in a compact design to its livestock portfolio with the new Vestrum series tractor. The tractor will deliver the comfort and power of a high-horsepower Case IH tractor, with the maneuverability that comes with a compact design. It will have a premium cab, which is new for tractors […] Read more

Comment: Road safety starts with lighting, signage
Local federation initiatives focus on increasing farm equipment road safety
As the fall season approaches and some normalcy returns to our daily lives, the pace of traffic has picked up. School buses are back on their routes, commuters are home from summer vacation and back to work, and as farmers, some of us are already back on the road with harvest equipment. The Ontario Federation […] Read more

What’s in the COFS plots?
Crop Stop features the latest technology from 11 crop companies
The Crop Stop event presented by Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS), in partnership with Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) held Sept. 23 and 24 will showcase crop input company plots. Nowhere else can a grower see so many different company plots in one place. Below is an overview of what to expect at […] Read more