The Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is working on solutions to a devastating disease in tomatoes, the brown rugose fruit virus. It has undertaken a breeding program in collaboration with the Ontario agriculture department and Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. Why it matters: There are no varieties resistant to tomato brown rugose fruit virus and infection […] Read more
Researchers collaborate to bring rugose resistant tomato varieties to Canada
The disease has been deemed a top priority for industry and government
Market access a priority in Indonesia negotiations
First round of negotiations expected later this year
Canada’s consultations on a potential free trade deal with Indonesia demonstrate a strong appetite for negotiations to continue. The two nations are expected to launch formal talks this year. Why it matters: Canadian agricultural exporters hope a trade pact with Indonesia will stabilize and strengthen their market access to the Asia-Pacific region. Already 78 per […] Read more
What’s driving equipment and land costs?
Low interest rates and good commodity prices, while significant, are not the whole story
Low interest rates and good commodity prices are often tied to increases in land and equipment values. While significant, however, they are not the only factors at play. Systems providing financial securities to different parts of the agriculture sector can have similar impacts on high crop prices. Asset interest from outside the industry, consumer whims, […] Read more
Koeslag to lead Ontario Canola Growers Association
Ryan Koeslag of Koeslag Consulting Inc. has been named the new Executive Director of the Ontario Canola Growers Association (OCGA). He replaces Carrie James, who retired last month after serving as OCGA executive director for more than 17 years. Koeslag Consulting Inc. (KCI) will manage the organization from Harriston, Ont. KCI manages several non-profit farm […] Read more
Junior farmers create Grey County tour
The Grey County Junior Farmers have taken a new approach to agriculture education by hosting a self-guided tour of the county from Jul. 17 to Aug. 28. Those who take the tour will be able to visit fields with different crops and animals on pasture, as well as some retail locations that highlight agriculture industry […] Read more
Are dry cow diets decreasing colostrum quantity?
Specialists ponder trend of low yield from first and second milkings
A dairy nutritionist who reached out to farmers on social media wants to hear from farms not getting enough colostrum on first, second and third milkings. In an interview with Farmtario, Trouw Nutrition Canada’s Keith Schweitzer described it as a trend for fresh cows being “slow out of the gate” to ramp up production. “There […] Read more
Precision feeding has greater potential in hog operations
Researchers say precision livestock nutrition could become part of commercial hog operations
Glacier FarmMedia – Precision livestock nutrition can maximize nutrient use and profitability in hog operations. PLN, as it’s known, is part of the emerging concept of smart farming, or precision livestock farming, that uses information and technology to monitor and control farm processes. Nutrition is a key part of that, said Dr. Candido Pomar, research […] Read more
Ag industry praises Lisa Thompson’s appointment as OMAFRA minister
Industry leaders acknowledge positive contribution made by Hardeman
A provincial cabinet shuffle has planted MPP Lisa Thompson in familiar soil. Premier Doug Ford’s recent eight-person cabinet shuffle saw the Huron-Bruce representative replace Ernie Hardeman as Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “I am humbled to be given this new post and I pledge to Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities […] Read more
Fairs could see increased attendance, participation in 2021
Agricultural societies plan modified, drive-through and virtual events this fair season
The gates of the Ancaster Agricultural Society fairgrounds opened wide in early June, heralding the possibility of an eventful season. “We can’t wait to see (patrons) come in and see what the fairgrounds look like again,” said Tammy Quinn, AAS manager. “We had our gates closed and locked every day for such a long time, […] Read more
Opinion: Focus on social issues slows trade deals
Canadian producers who eagerly await a trade pact with major Asian markets will have to exercise patience and should be prepared for some nauseating moral posturing by politicians. Bilateral talks with Indonesia are expected to formally open this year, setting the stage for broader negotiations involving the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a block […] Read more
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