Farmland in Canada continues to get more expensive, but commodity prices and less demand for land from some sectors means land value increases in 2018 have slowed compared to the previous two years. The 2018 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Farmland Values Report shows Canadian farmland values, in price per acre, increased by 6.6 per cent, […] Read more
Tag Archives University of Guelph — page 16
Ontario farmland price increase drops to lowest level since 1999
Across the country, farmland values rose but not as much as in other recent years
Seed switch timing factors in a wet spring
Yield potential still high for late-planted crops, so don’t panic yet
Despite the wet and cool spring, Ontario field crop experts say there is still a lot of potential in late-planted corn and soybeans – that includes both long and short-season varieties. Despite anxious feelings and generally unfavourable planting conditions, that is, things could still work out. Why it matters: Shorter-season corn and soybeans bring tradeoffs […] Read more
Balance needed between crop rotation, profit and productivity
Simple rotations are easier, but long-term profitability may be tied to longer rotations
Decreasing agricultural diversity could affect sustainability. “The trend is toward simplification of our systems with fewer crops dominating the landscape,” said Bill Deen of the University of Guelph. Why it matters: More diverse crop rotations can improve soil health while boosting yields and long-term sustainability. He and other scientists are studying the importance of longer […] Read more
Finding investors for agriculture technology
Agriculture hasn’t attracted the venture capital in Canada to help move local companies to global status, but that could be changing
There’s been a lack of investors willing to be patient with agriculture technology companies. Malcolm Campbell, vice president of research at the University of Guelph says that’s true especially around the early development stage. University of Guelph’s Gryphon’s LAAIR program helps researchers get to the start-up stage, but he says it could use 10 times […] Read more
Online sales of large volume inputs changing
In 2017, Farmers Business Network made its debut in Canada, and offers many programs with aggregated data
Farmers are increasingly looking at how they can price and buy their inputs online, but there are trust and relationship issues to overcome. Farmers already use digital platforms to buy equipment and supplies online. Online ordering for hard-to-find parts isn’t new. But a digital platform to enable farmers to buy large volumes of crop inputs, […] Read more
Hatching new technology
Can organizations, business and universities come together to create a more efficient incubator of ag tech in Ontario?
Like many long-time players in Ontario’s agriculture innovation space, Dave Smardon is well aware that the space is crowded, efforts are fragmented and innovators are starved for funding. The CEO of Bioenterprise, a non-profit organization that since 2003 has helped more than 2,500 companies commercialize agricultural technology, recognizes the value of competition to drive innovation, […] Read more
Building happiness
Simple actions can have exceptional outcomes on one’s outlook on life
Happiness can be built, tied inextricably to gratitude and practice, says a researcher who has made her career around encouraging people to build attitudes and structures that make them happier. “Gratitude is the gateway drug to happiness. It’s an easy habit to form,” Jennifer Moss told attendees at the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s annual March […] Read more
Ontario company makes global pitch at food summit in Germany
North America’s largest quinoa producer is seeking more growers
A southern Ontario start-up was the lone Canadian company selected to participate in an international pitch competition at the 2019 Global Food Summit in Munich, Germany. Quinta Quinoa was one of seven finalists, alongside participants from Germany, Switzerland, Israel and Russia, with Qunita Superfoods founder and chief executive officer Jamie Draves highlighting the potential of […] Read more
Editorial: The gaping difference
We’ve known for years that there’s a gaping chasm between the world view of some urbanites and the people who have made it their vocation to care for animals. Luckily for most, that chasm has not been physical. Animal rights activists and livestock farmers haven’t often met. There are some notable exceptions, including activists gaining […] Read more
Communicating the complexity of livestock farming
Farmers do have consumers’ trust on their side
The dairy industry should find simple ways to convey the complex messages of how it deals with animal welfare, food safety and environmental stewardship. If it doesn’t, it runs the risk that consumers will get their information from other sources, including advocacy organizations, which can sometimes question farmer credibility. Why it matters: With international trade […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
