The days of single-sample field soil analysis are fading. What’s needed, say soil experts, are analysis tools that provide accurate representations of different management zones. Speaking at the recent Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO) conference, Jonathan Zettler, agronomist and founder of Fieldwalker Agronomy Ltd., said soil testing tools should also be all-encompassing – that […] Read more
Tag Archives OMAFRA — page 4
Soil testing complexity increasing
The future of soil testing includes better imaging, health indicators, and cost effectiveness
Loan guarantee program to help ginseng growers weather market storm
Ontario’s ginseng growers are getting support from the province through the creation of an industry-led pilot loan guarantee program that will help with cash flow and storage of ginseng until market conditions improve. The Ginseng Storage Loan Guarantee Pilot Program will enable participating farmers to borrow up to $1 million against the value of their […] Read more
Inaugural Great Lakes YEN pilot project a cross-border success
Highest yielding wheat growers all from Ontario
Data gathered from the inaugural Great Lakes YEN pilot project has provided some key insights into how growers in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the U.S. achieved higher wheat yields. Results show that total biomass, number of heads per square metre, total nitrogen applied and nutrient uptake were associated with higher yields, which […] Read more
New funds to help relieve deadstock backlog
Cost-sharing initiative allows farmers to invest in on-farm solutions in under-serviced areas
Ontario has announced funding to address a deadstock handling backlog across the province. The $700,000 Increasing Deadstock Capacity Initiative is a 50 per cent cost-sharing program where successful applicants can receive up to $25,000 per business to increase capacity. “The overall intent is to have multiple locations with increased deadstock capacity,” said Dan Carlow, Ontario […] Read more
Province to include border shutdowns among animal health ‘hazards’
Proposed amendments would allow Chief Veterinarian to act
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is proposing a new regulation in the province’s Animal Health Act (AHA) that will add to the definition of “hazards” to better prepare the province should an animal health emergency occur, and better support animal health. The new regulation will prescribe that a provincial surplus […] Read more
Update on tar spot in corn
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 18
Tar spot in corn was first identified last year in Ontario on September 21, 2020 and confirmed to overwinter in Ontario on July 2, 2021 in West Elgin. Since then, tar spot has been also detected in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Middlesex and Norfolk counties as of July 18, 2021 (see below). This was anticipated since […] 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
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
Grassy weeds in winter wheat at harvest
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for July 28
Three different types of grassy weeds have been found above the winter wheat canopy at harvest this year. To prevent them from becoming a problem, they need to be identified so that the appropriate management actions can be taken. Here is a breakdown of each grass species and control options. Chess grass (Bromus secalinus) Management: Chess grass […] 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
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