More growers plan ahead by acquiring backup parts before harvest Growers are opting to acquire backup parts for farm equipment as wheat harvest approaches. They’re doing it because some parts, readily and immediately available under normal circumstances, are no longer so thanks to accrued and ongoing shipping delays It’s not a universal problem, however. Depending […] Read more
Equipment parts see variable availability
Editorial: The thorny issue of people on your land
There are more people roaming around rural Ontario during the pandemic and that’s increased concerns about trespassing and trash that finds its way onto farms. We live on a corner property and one of the side roads that runs along our farm is a no-winter-maintenance road. Early in the pandemic it became a magnet for […] Read more
Genomics can help meet future challenges
It has accelerated genetic progress, and could help livestock industries in future Livestock producers are under increasing pressure to produce more protein with fewer resources, and face scrutiny from consumers over issues such as water and land use, climate change and antimicrobial resistance. To meet these challenges, genetic advancements, particularly the use of genomics, can […] Read more
Average Ontario crops will depend on more timely rain
Winter wheat harvest is expected to be a week or more ahead of normal Over the past 30 days, Ontario has experienced normal temperatures. However, precipitation has been variable. The bulk of the region between Toronto and Ottawa has received less than 60 per cent of normal precipitation. A large pocket around Ottawa has received […] Read more
Experiential learning program plants SEEDS of on-farm knowledge
Organizers hope to launch a science-based program in September Three sets of eyes widen as a brown egg drops from a hen and rolls to a stop next to two others in the laying box. Amid excited squeals, one girl gingerly reaches forward and, after a few false starts, snatches the fresh egg from under […] Read more
Livestock lawn ornaments feature in fun fundraisers
Junior Farmer groups collect fees for nightly round-ups
Updated June 25 Livestock roundups became commonplace in recent months in parts of southwestern Ontario, with awareness about farmer mental health being the unlikely beneficiary. Junior Farmer organizations in Huron-Perth and Middlesex were behind the creative fundraising efforts, with unsuspecting rural businesses and residents joining in the fun by paying to have their front lawns […] Read more
Free COVID-19 course available for foreign workers, employers
Guides available in English, French and Spanish
An online course is being launched to help producers and international farm workers protect themselves from COVID-19. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is offering the free guide in English, French and Spanish. Participants will learn methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19, which has caused deaths and illnesses on Canadian farms […] Read more
Massey’s Protec combo baler brings wrapping on board
Baler allows for less loss of forage quality due to immediate wrapping
Massey Ferguson has added integrated bale wrapping to its new RB 4160P Protec baler, which will allow a single operator to produce “hay in a day.” Combining the features found on Massey’s RB Series silage balers with the bale-wrapping unit, producers can harvest and ensile high-moisture forages in “one simple process.” Assuming six layers of […] Read more
Report calls for industry leadership on plastics
Legislation splits plastics into different categories of toxicity and could affect farm-level plastic use
Proposed amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) are likely to change the national landscape for plastic food packaging. According to Martin Gooch of Value Chain Management (VCM), if significant changes aren’t made before Royal Assent, the bill’s well-intentioned aim to decrease the overall environmental impact of food – from farm to table – […] Read more
Cyber shield your farm: Tightening up the digital safety network
Agribusinesses are becoming a target for cyberattacks, but there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk
The recent cyberattack on the world’s largest meat processing company, JBS S.A., sends a clear message that agriculture is not immune to cybercrime. The JBS attack earlier this month is the largest such crime to date against an agri-food business. It affected company operations in the U.S., Canada and Australia, forcing 13 of its U.S. […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
