Farmers in Ontario can now access a website to update their Environmental Farm Plans. The enhanced system will make it easier for many to continue using this tool, which guides Ontario farmers to voluntarily adopt more environmentally sustainable practices. Why it matters: The Environmental Farm Plan is a long-time program that has helped fund and […] Read more
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Environmental Farm Plan can now be renewed online
The change means that farmers won’t always have to travel to attend in-person workshops
Tariffs made for “lean year” for agriculture manufacturers
The lifting of the U.S.-Canada steel tariffs should make trade easier and reduce the cost of farm machinery
Manufacturers of agriculture equipment are expressing relief as steel and aluminum tariffs between Canada and the U.S. were withdrawn. The Canadian, U.S. and Mexican governments came to agreement May 17 to drop the tariffs which had been in place for almost a year, driven by U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to force agreement to a […] Read more
Police have plans for activists, says officer
A liaison team has contacts with activists and organizations involved in challenging activities
An Ontario Provincial Police community relations officer says the force’s officers have the legislative tools to do their job relating to trespassers on farms. Sergeant Laura Brown told a recent meeting of the Eastern Canada Farm Writers Association that “activist activity is hot on everybody’s radar right now for good reason. It’s on ours as […] Read more
Ottawa columnist bids goodbye to full time agriculture reporting
Capital Letters with Kelsey Johnson of iPolitics
They say all good things must come to an end. Sadly, this column is one of them. After more than six years with iPolitics and five years contributing to Glacier FarmMedia publications like Western Producer and now Farmtario, I have moved to a new gig with Thomson Reuters in Ottawa as an economics reporter as […] Read more
Spice maker seeks path to make vanilla milkshakes cheaper
Chicago/Antananarivo, Madagascar | Reuters — A kilo of vanilla beans costs more than a kilo of silver. Cultivated painstakingly over years from an orchid plant, vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, after saffron. In less than five years, the wholesale price has risen nearly 500 per cent, partly because of growing […] Read more
Farmers, insurance providers can work together on fire prevention
Insurers are eager to reduce the risk of fire on farms and have tools to help
Farm businesses often rely on a team of advisers — lawyers, accountants, succession planners and marketers. Insurance providers can play a similar role, helping farmers to manage the fire risks. “Most insurance companies have loss prevention specialists on staff,” says Bruce Kelly, Farm & Food Care Ontario. “Loss prevention specialists will work with farmers and […] Read more
U.S. fund managers adjust investment advice in light of extreme weather events
It’s a tricky business modelling how weather will affect farmers’ spending
New York | Reuters – After historic floods devastated Midwestern U.S. agricultural states this spring, some fund managers are evaluating how changes in weather and climate will affect the long-term value of companies that make or sell products ranging from tractors to fertilizer. The issue is not simply the unpredictability of weather. Instead, fund managers […] Read more
International agricultural scientists affirm commitment to science-based decisions
The G20 scientists are taking a greater look at Canada’s Living Laboratories approach to research
A recent meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) Agricultural Chief Scientists has resulted in greater attention to plant pests that move across borders and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Living Laboratories research approach. The meeting, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), is an opportunity to discuss major challenges to sustainable agricultural production. Ministry spokespeople […] Read more
Third-generation owner restores 4WD Versatile
The Fraynes have used the 835 Versatile in the field and to help clear snowbanks on highways
An 835 Versatile, a fixture for three generations of Fraynes, has been given fresh life. Gene Frayne brought back home the repainted and restored tractor this spring, and it will be going back to work in the field as it has for the Frayne family since it was purchased in 1984. Gene’s grandfather, Eugene, and […] Read more
AgScape increases reach during trying financial year
The agriculture education organization continues to grow its outreach to teachers
AgScape continues to build its connections with urban educators, boosted this year by a formal partnership with the Toronto District School Board. The organization, which aims to educate the public about agriculture and food production, increased the number of teachers it connected with by 10 per cent in 2018 over 2017. Why it matters: Organizations […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
