The HJV Split Grader prototype, featuring an integrated Tomra 3A optical sorter to detect and remove debris and green potatoes, drew plenty of attention during the Ontario Potato Board's Potato Field Day Aug. 21 at HJV Equipment near Alliston. Photo Diana Martin

HJV unveils split grader with Tomra Optical Sorter at Potato Field Day

New prototype promises faster field-to-storage transfer, reduced debris, and labour savings; commercial release expected in 2026.

At Ontario’s Potato Field Day, farmers got a first look at HJV’s Split Grader prototype. Paired with a Tomra 3A optical sorter, the system removes green potatoes and debris at 100 tons per hour, improving storage quality and reducing labour needs.

Travis Cranmer, a vegetable crop specialist at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, explains the early results of his three-year Ontario trial suggesting that August planting improves garlic survival and increases producer opportunities at the Garlic Growers Association of Ontario annual general meeting and field day, June 7 2025. Photo by Diana Martin

Research challenges traditional garlic planting parameters

A three-year Ontario trial suggests that planting as early as August improves garlic survival, challenges traditional planting timelines, and increases producer opportunities.

A three-year Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness trial suggests that planting as early as August improves garlic survival, challenges traditional planting timelines, and increases Garlic Growers Associaton of Ontario producer’s opportunities.

Land trusts empower landowners while preserving farmland

Land trusts empower landowners while preserving farmland

Ontario Farmland Trust establishes groundwork for a provincial agricultural land reserve

The Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) easements protect agricultural land, creating a reserve that remains impervious to provincial policy changes and development pressures, while bolstering food production and sustainable farming.


AgSights scaling bioLinks platform

AgSights scaling bioLinks platform

Company says software suits producers selling at farmers’ markets as well and small to medium-sized businesses

AgSight’s bioLinks platform is now ready to take on new clients after being successfully trialled by users such as Chatham-area Buis Beef.



Organic matter and acidity play key roles in micronutrient release

Organic matter and acidity play key roles in micronutrient release

Building a proactive micronutrient program helps to manage the complex interactions involved in solving problems

Organic matter and acidity play key roles in how well micronutrients are released in the soil, so building a proactive micronutrient program helps to manage the complex interactions involved in solving problems

Global food yields have grown steadily during last six decades

Global food yields have grown steadily during last six decades

Future food security under population growth will require sustainability and affordability

A comprehensive study of worldwide food production finds yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s, contrary to widespread concerns that global crop yields have stagnated in recent decades.