Glacier FarmMedia – Four leaders of major companies that sell farm equipment in North America came together for a panel discussion on what agriculture will look like in 20 years, during a virtual version of the Commodity Classic. Their predictions are nothing new but the scale of change they predict might be eyebrow-raising. Why it […] Read more
Debating the future of farm equipment
Some will be large, but there’s also a trend to smaller machines powered by renewable energy
Award-winner values relationships in land preservation
La Ferme Agribec recognized by ALUS Canada for work creating natural areas on farms
Improving the environment or building farming’s reputation among consumers might be possible incentives for getting involved with farmland conservation efforts, but for St-Isidore’s Marc Bercier it’s relationships. Bercier was the winner of this year’s $10,000 Dave Reid Award from Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Canada. He’s been involved in ALUS projects for eight years. Why […] Read more
Input costs escalate
Pandemic-driven demand for materials make farm projects expensive
From fertilizer to steel, agricultural input costs are rising. The only certainty, say some analysts, is the great number of factors in play make forecasting prices a challenge. Why it matters: Farmers need to play far ahead in purchasing inputs and planning purchases and expansion, and volatile, rapidly rising prices can make for more expensive […] Read more
Brock and Nairn named 2021 Food and Farming Champions
Farmer and OFA rep lauded for their communication about agriculture with the public
Updated Farm and Food Care Ontario (FFCO) recognized Sandi Brock and Paul Nairn as its 2021 Food and Farming Champions. “This is truly an honour. To be nominated by peers is truly amazing and I, for once in my life, I’m a bit speechless,” said Brock. Why it matters: Farm and Food Care’s annual award […] Read more
Why profitable farms can produce less carbon
Livestock efficiency gains result in more production from fewer animals, which produce less carbon along the way
Increasing production efficiency and profitability are two of many ways the livestock industry can help mitigate climate change, according to a University of Guelph expert on the topic. Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle of the School of Environmental Science was the presenter at the latest webinar in the Horizon series developed by the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation […] Read more
COVID outbreak closes Cargill chicken processing plant
Eighty-two workers test positive, all employees encouraged to get tested
The Cargill chicken processing facility in London abruptly ceased production on April 13 after 82 workers tested positive for COVID-19. The number of COVID-19 positives at the Cuddy Boulevard facility marks a steep increase from the nine reported by the Middlesex-London Health Unit the week before. “Our focus is on continuing to keep our employees […] Read more
Data needed to cash in on carbon credits
An Australian company wants to digitize soil test results for farmer use and monitoring
Glacier FarmMedia – To monetize carbon sequestration, farmers must prove they are doing it. That means data, tracked over time. From a soil science perspective, the benefits of carbon in terms of fertility and microbiology are well known, said Sam Duncan, chief executive officer of FarmLab in Armidale, Australia. It’s the reason soil carbon levels […] Read more
Preventing human failings in COVID and African swine fever
Viruses have different superpowers they use to spread among animals and people
With the spread of both COVID-19 and African swine fever (ASF), humans can be their own worst enemies. That message was delivered by South West Ontario Veterinary Services practitioner Dr. George Charbonneau during the recent virtual edition of the 2021 London Farm Show. Why it matters: The North American swine sector is on high alert […] Read more
Scientists look to get more mileage out of plant enzymes
Science Notes: A way has been found to evaluate how long a given enzyme lasts
Enzymes play essential roles in the cells of every living thing, from bacteria to plants to people. Some do their jobs a few times and fizzle out. Others can repeat a task hundreds of thousands of times before they quit. Organisms put a lot of energy into replacing worn out enzymes, energy they could put […] Read more
See and Spray springs from river of technical invention
New release tied to investment in Blue River application-technology company four years ago
Glacier FarmMedia – Find a weed and kill it. Ignore the crop and don’t waste any resources on non-pests. It’s easy to do strolling through a field with a hoe or spray nozzle in hand. Doing it over five- or 10-thousand acres in a tight time window is a bigger job. Blue River Technology sprang […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
