Court denies stay of Ontario's neonicotinoid law Saturday, October 24, 2015 by BETTER FARMING STAFFThe Ontario Superior Court has denied Grain Farmers of Ontario’s request for a stay of a law that requires farmers to greatly restrict the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments next spring.In a written statement released late afternoon Friday, Mark Brock, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s chairman, expressed disappointment at the judge’s ruling which had been reserved following a hearing on an application made in court on Sept. 28. Brock, who farms near Staffa in Perth County, says the 28,000 member organization “has not conceded on this matter,” and is considering further legal options. Farmers are in a difficult situation as they order seed this fall for planting in the spring, Brock says. Arrangements must be made now with seed dealers to either treat or not treat the ordered seed which is delivered shortly before planting in the spring.The widespread use of neonicotinoid seed treatments in recent years has been blamed for high losses in hives in overwintering bees. Beekeepers have called for a ban on use of the seed treatments. The regulations that Grain Farmers is fighting came into effect on July 1. Better Farming was unable to reach the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change was not able to respond Friday.UPDATE: Oct. 24, 2015"We are pleased the court has ruled in favour of the government's actions to improve pollinator health," writes Kate Jordan, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in an email. "The new requirements support the government of Ontario’s target to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed by 80 per cent by 2017."These rules will be phased in to give farmers and seed vendors time to adapt. Government funded training is also available to farmers through to September 2016." BF World Health Organization slams meat consumption Maple leaf promoting U.S. canned corn sold in Ontario stores riles growers
Designed by Farmers, For Famers: The Better Way to Fence Friday, March 28, 2025 BY: Zahra Sadiq Tired of expensive traditional fence posts that fail to secure your property? Electrical fence posts offer a cost-effective, reliable solution for farmers looking to boost security without breaking the bank. PlusPost offers electric fence posts made from 99% recycled... Read this article online
Lynmark Farms named Master Breeder for 2025 Wednesday, March 26, 2025 The Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society has announced that Lynmark Farms has been named as a herd for 2025. Lynmark Farms is owned and operated by Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Norwood, Ontario. They are the third Milking Shorthorn herd to be recognized as a since this... Read this article online
Ontario Mega Farm Faces Market Chill Wednesday, March 26, 2025 A large working farm in Ontario, one of the province’s biggest on the market, is facing difficulties finding a buyer. Listed at $72.1 million, the 2,300-acre property is located near Lake Erie in Elgin County, spanning both Malahide Township and Central Elgin. Despite its prime agricultural... Read this article online
It’s been a while… Tuesday, March 25, 2025 The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) is coming to the Niagara Region this fall, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the community’s agricultural diversity and natural beauty. The annual event is hosted in a different community each year, with this year’s... Read this article online
Nutrien Ag Solutions launches its 2025 Hometown Yield Challenge Monday, March 24, 2025 Nutrien Ag Solutions has launched its second year of the , and is again available to growers in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Nutrien Ag Solutions is the retail division of Nutrien Ltd., a leading global provider of crop inputs and services. Enrollment is open until April 11,... Read this article online