The online form for owners and operators to report existing agricultural boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) is now available online. Owners and operators of agricultural operations should report their BPV equipment by completing the online form on TSSA’s website when agricultural BPV equipment must comply with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000’s Ontario Regulation […] Read more
Online reporting now live for agricultural pressure equipment
Covering up weed seeds
Input savings, soil health are among the benefits of cover crops
Cover crops are not free, but they don’t have to be a cost. In fact, they can save farmers money. Researchers and farmers talked about the benefits during a recent session hosted by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. While there is always variability, weed suppression and population reduction are the chief – though […] Read more
Provincial rule changes could boost biodigesters
Ontario regulations will allow for more off-farm materials to be used in digesters
It may become easier to install and use on-farm biodigesters due to recent regulatory changes implemented by the Ontario government. The annual volume allowance has quadrupled and limitations on types of materials from off-farm sources have been eased. Limits are also being eased for on-farm source materials. Why it matters: The changes are expected to […] Read more
Mentorship program helps new livestock faculty
LRIC initiative helps new Guelph researchers deepen their understanding of livestock agriculture
Agricultural research is increasingly tackling topics that are multi-faceted and complex – think regenerative agriculture, greenhouse gas emissions or One Health – and more often that not, finding solutions requires a broad spectrum of expertise. That means faculty from disciplines outside of animal or plant science can be working on agricultural research, but even within […] Read more
Huron County plastics recycling loop ends up in drainage tile
Blue-box collected bottles from rural homes are processed locally and used in tile
If a farm from Huron, Perth or Middlesex planned a drainage project this year, some of the plastic used in the tile likely had a former life as shampoo bottles and laundry detergent jugs on those same farms. For about 14 months now, an agreement has been in place between Bluewater Pipe and Listowel-based EFS […] Read more
Drainage changes to streamline process for minor improvements
New regulations aimed at saving money and time for farmers
Changes to Ontario’s Drainage Act could lead to a more streamlined process for farmers to make minor improvements to their systems. “We’ve created a new process for what we’re calling minor improvement projects,” said Tim Brook, drainage program coordinator with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “These are projects that involve […] Read more
New app helps farmers weigh options for cropping decisions
Resilient Fields is a free web-based tool that simplifies decision-making
There is no shortage of information available to farmers to help them make management decisions on-farm, but often this information results in mixed messages, and can even be conflicting. The information is often broad in scope, while many challenges farmers face can be field-specific. That’s why Al Mussel, research lead with Agri-food Economic Systems and […] Read more
Mobile trailers bring soil knowledge, research right to the farm
Units have soil research and audio visual technology to help with research plots and events
A new initiative is expected to showcase field demonstrations and applied soil research for the benefit of Ontario farmers. The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has assembled a Mobile Soil Technology Suite for all those interested in soil health. It consists of two trailers, specialized scientific tools, audio-visual gear and field-ready tools. The […] Read more
Weed of the week: Lamb’s quarters
It’s important to get ahead of this prolific, early-growing species
Lamb’s quarters can be a real contender in the field despite susceptibility to a variety of active ingredients. A species of the goosefoot family, lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album L) require early and active management. Why it matters: Lamb’s quarters are extremely common, emerge early and can significantly reduce yields. Lamb’s quarters are a summer annual […] Read more
Policy proposals released ahead of Food Systems Summit
International and Canadian groups have identified food system and agriculture goals
Ahead of the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit, a lengthy list of “game changing” action items have been released by organizers, including proposals for integrating climate plans across nations and developing a “responsible meat” initiative. Taking place in September, many expect the Summit to launch new strategies for achieving the international communities’ 17 development goals. […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
