Ag Industry News Ontario

Water and nitrogen are the primary limiting factors for corn crops. Nitrogen, in particular, is both the largest volume nutrient supplied and the most expensive. However, its application can be unpredictable due to its mobility in the soil, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Around 75% of the nitrogen uptake by the plant occurs after the V10 growth stage, with the remainder used later in the season. Thus, early signs of nitrogen deficiency, such as kernel abortion and stalk cannibalization, indicate that the plant has already responded to shortages. To improve nitrogen efficiency, it's crucial to adopt a "spoon-feeding" approach, providing just enough nitrogen at the right time. This requires understanding how much nitrogen the corn plant needs at various growth stages and how to measure and apply it accurately. Ron Lloyd, an agronomist, and the 360 Yield Center have been studying nitrogen usage in corn plants to develop better application strategies. Modern hybrids utilize nitrogen later in their growth cycles, meaning that a V10 corn plant requires about three-quarters of its total nitrogen requirement by mid-season. To ensure this, it's essential to monitor nitrate levels in the soil throughout the growing season. Traditionally, this process has been slow and expensive. However, the 360 Soil Scan from 360 Yield Centre offers a solution by providing nitrate readings and nitrogen forecasts within minutes, allowing farmers to make timely and informed decisions. The 360 Soil Scan machine connects wirelessly to an iPad and comes with a user-friendly app that guides farmers through the testing process and helps interpret the results. Additionally, the app includes a nitrogen needs calculator that estimates the amount of nitrogen required to reach a specified yield goal based on factors such as crop stage and soil organic matter. Sampling soil from representative locations within the field is crucial for accurate nitrate level assessment. The Yield Patrol app assists in tracking sample locations and ensures consistency in sampling methods. Proper sample collection, including depth and location considerations, is essential for obtaining reliable data. For banded nitrogen applications, care must be taken to avoid sampling from the concentrated zone. The 360 Soil Scan tool offers farmers a comprehensive solution for nitrogen management, helping them optimize nitrogen application practices, reduce input costs, and increase crop yields. With its user-friendly interface and real-time data insights, the tool empowers farmers to make informed decisions that maximize the potential of their corn crops.

https://ofa.on.ca/newsroom/ontario-farm-leaders-meet-with-provincial-politicians/">Ethan Wallace, Executive Member, Ontario Federation of Agriculture; Photo by Akshayan on Unsplash Taxation, support for local food, and rural infrastructure needs will be on the agenda this week as Ontario farmers head to Toronto to meet with provincial politicians as part of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s (OFA) government outreach efforts at Queen’s Park. As an advocacy organization, OFA has ongoing meetings and communications with provincial ministers, political staff, and bureaucrats on issues that are important to the agriculture sector and rural communities. At the local level, many OFA members also regularly meet with the MPP from their ridings. It’s not as often, however, that we have the chance to sit down face-to-face with a broader spectrum of provincial politicians from all major political parties, including those who represent urban ridings without any rural constituents or connections. An in-person meeting, for example, with an MPP from a downtown Toronto riding is a unique opportunity for both sides to learn about what matters to the other, and we often discover that we have more in common than we think. Housing, homelessness, and food insecurity aren’t just urban issues; by comparison, roads, bridges, and social infrastructure don’t just need attention in rural Ontario. I’m a dairy farmer near Lake Huron, and as someone very passionate about our industry, I look forward every year to this opportunity to share that passion, make connections, and show how the OFA can be an important ally on issues like housing, healthcare, jobs, food security, and climate change. This will be my third time participating in OFA’s advocacy day at Queen’s Park, and while I always enjoy the official meetings with MPPs, the end-of-day reception also offers the opportunity for more informal conversations. It was at that reception last year that I got talking with an urban MPP who had met with some of my OFA colleagues earlier in the day, and he had a newfound understanding of agriculture and why our sector matters to Ontario. For me, that’s the reason why we do this—to build that awareness and make those connections with people we wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to meet. As in previous years, the OFA team will be joined at Queen’s Park this year by younger farmers who are also emerging leaders in our industry. It’s an opportunity for elected officials to also hear from younger, grassroots voices and for the next generation of leaders to experience advocacy and outreach firsthand. In fact, my own first participation in this event was as a young leader in 2021, and it’s that experience that helped convince me to let my name stand for a provincial director position later that year. So what are the burning issues on the minds of farmers this spring that we’ll be taking to Queen’s Park? Taxation: the burden of the federal carbon tax and the added costs it places on farm businesses and food production are significant. Provincially, we also struggle with d

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay Are you looking for a new ag challenge that will change your life? Then maybe a is for you! Nuffield Canada is offering four to six $20,000 scholarships annually for mid-career individuals who are Canadian citizens between the ages of 25 and 50, with a passion for agriculture, and who are ready to challenge themselves in a self-directed program of international travel and study. Unlike academic scholarships, are for the personal and professional benefit of those already established in the industry. While adding value to Canadian agriculture, the scholars assume positions of greater influence in their fields. Scholars are required to do a minimum of 10 weeks of travel study within 24 months to examine and research a topic or issue of their choosing that is relevant to modern production. Each scholar then prepares a written report (approximately 10,000 words) of their research findings, conclusions, and recommendations and presents a summary to the Nuffield Board, with peers, sponsors, and industry leaders in attendance. “The greatest gift that Nuffield gave me was the opportunity to step outside my business and connect with some of the world’s most intelligent and passionate people in agriculture,” said Steve Larocque, Nuffield Canada Chair and a 2008 Scholar. “The Nuffield experience taught me to think differently and lift the ceiling on what I thought could be achieved. It changed the trajectory of my family and my business and made a positive impact on the way we treat our soils in Canada. I’m forever grateful for the experience and the lifelong community of incredible people I have the privilege of calling friends. The journey never ends in Nuffield,” he continued. Nuffield Canada is now accepting scholar applications, selected through a written and one-way video application process, from April 1 through June 30, 2024, for the 2025 scholar cohort. Scholarship recipients can come from all areas of primary production, including food, fibre, health care, biofuels, forestry, aquaculture, and fisheries. Successful candidates can represent any aspect of the value chain, such as primary production, processing, governance, communications, safety, and others. Nuffield Canada values diversity and encourages applicants from all production philosophies, such as commercial, organic, cottage, medicinal, Indigenous, Kosher, Halal, and others. For scholar sponsors, Nuffield offers exposure to new products, services, technologies, and marketing approaches through knowledge brought home by scholars. They also gain relationships with the very best young farmers and entrepreneurs in Canada and throughout the world through the Nuffield International network. Sponsors become part of a pathway for leadership development within organizations, industry, and rural Canada as scholars go on to become highly sought-after as speakers, advisors, board members, and influencers. Sponsors are further embraced as part of the Nuffield network through communication sharing, hosting tours and speakers, helping to recognize leadership potential, and encour

Byline- Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern No need to purchase multiple pieces of hand-held lawn care equipment anymore, quickly disconnect and reconnect attachments with Makita’s split shaft multi-tool system. With the 40V MAX XGT Split Shaft Power Unit, farmers will be able to use up to 13 different attachments, ranging from line trimmers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, blowers, and much more. The split shaft features 3-speed options for active power management giving the farm versatility for the variety of tasks being tackled on the farm. Farmers can easily adjust the speed level with the 3-speed push button control. Speed Options: Low – 5,700 RPM’s Medium – 8,200 RPM’s High – 9,700 RPM’s Makita equipped this Split Shaft with a soft start feature, meaning once the machine has started the speed will gradually increase to eliminate start up shock. Along with reverse mode, it allows unwanted debris to be entangled and cleared from the cutting head. Safety features on the Split Shaft consist of Star Protection with 3 active controls for current, voltage, and temperature, just in case of an overload, also to increase the farmer’s safety an electric brake has been added as well. The Split Shaft from Makita can attach 13 different lawn care attachments for tasks on the farm.

In an urgent appeal, Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner, Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy, local farmers, and Wilmot Township community members have come together to challenge a rezoning plan that threatens 770 acres of valuable farmland. This collective effort aims to protect the land located between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road, and Wilmot Centre Road from being repurposed for an undisclosed project. Aislinn Clancy highlighted the significance of safeguarding farmland, stating, “A threat to farmland anywhere is a threat to farmland everywhere.” She further emphasized the importance of preserving the region's prime agricultural land to prevent irreversible loss. The group has voiced concerns over the diminishing farmland in Ontario, with Mike Schreiner pointing out that the province is losing 319 acres of farmland daily. This loss is alarming, considering only five percent of Ontario’s land is arable and vital for sustaining the province's $50 billion food and farming industry. The leaders argue for reconsideration of the project location to avoid compromising Ontario's food security. Clancy also criticized the recent trend of urban boundary expansions under the Ford government, labeling it as a direct assault on traditional land planning and zoning practices. She accused the current administration of facilitating these expansions at the cost of agricultural land. The Ontario Greens pledge to work collaboratively across party lines to counteract forced boundary expansions and to secure the preservation of prime farmland for future generations. Their campaign underscores the critical need for sustainable land management practices that prioritize agricultural preservation over urban development, ensuring the long-term viability of Ontario's food production capabilities and economic prosperity in the agricultural sector.

Byline: Braxten Breen, Farms.com Intern As anyone with trees on their property knows, pruning trees can be a difficult task. Pruning is about the removal of diseased or damaged branches, encourages airflow and healthy growth of the trees. It also shapes unruly trees to help improve their overall health. If you have a few fruit trees located around your farm, pruning those trees can affect the overall size and shape, quality and quantity, health, and safety of those trees. Experts advise that you should prune edibles in early summer for larger, healthier fruit. Keep in mind that dormant pruning invigorates a fruit tree, while summer upkeep allows for better airflow and light penetration. Pruning is both a science and an art, but it is important to ensure you have the right pruning tools. Loppers are ideal for trees, climbing vines and large shrubs. Better Garden Tools has your farm covered with the Heavy-Duty Ratchet looper and Sharpener. Ideally there is no need to use a chainsaw for a limb under a 3-inch (7.5 cm) diameter. The Better Garden Heavy-Duty Ratchet is perfect for this type of task as it can cut a limb up to a 2-inch (5 cm) diameter. All cuts should be made on the branch side of the stem collar, which grows out from the stem at the base of the branch. This protects the stem and other branches that might be growing and allows the tree to heal more effectively. The Heavy-Duty Ratchet looper has a 30-inch (75 cm) handle of tubular steel that requires yet to no strength to make a proper cut. High carbon steel blade that can be resharpened or even replaced. To help resharpen your looper, Better Garden Tools also offers a Sharpener for Ratchet Pruners and Loopers. It is lightweight, small, and above all easy to use; no angles are skill needed, just run the blade of your pruner/looper through the carbide “V” 5-10 times and your set! If you are a farmer with orchard trees around the farm or like to prune your farm sometimes, this is a great duo of tools for the job by Better Garden Tools.

The Keep it Clean Product Advisory Webinar will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The webinar will provide an overview of why crop protection products registered in Canada may cause marketing concerns for export markets, and how the Canadian grain industry is working together to mitigate these risks. The webinar will also provide an overview of the 2024 Keep it Clean Product Advisory, covering the product and crop combinations that may cause market risks for cereals and pulses. The presentation will wrap up with a discussion covering the importance of best practices for pesticide application throughout the growing season. The following experts will be on hand to share more about the 2024 Product Advisory: Krista Zuzak, Director of Crop Protection and Production, Cereals Canada; Greg Bartley, Director of Crop Protection & Crop Quality, Pulse Canada;  Ian Epp, Agronomy Specialist, Canola Council of Canada.  Keep it Cleanrecommends to growers that you alwaysconsult with your grain buyers before applying any products on the Product Advisory to keep yourcrops market-ready and export-friendly throughout the growing season. Click here to learn more or to register for the event.

As spring arrives, Ontario's farmers are encouraged to adopt new stewardship practices to protect their crops and the environment. The Be Drift Aware campaign provides essential resources aimed at combating the issue of spray drift - the unwanted aerial movement of plant protection products. The Be Drift Aware campaign is a collaborative effort by the following leading farm organizations: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and CropLife Canada. Spray drift is a significant concern for farmers, affecting crop yield, quality, and increasing input costs. It also poses a risk to neighboring fields, residences, livestock, and sensitive natural areas, potentially leading to disputes with neighbors. Recognizing the importance of addressing this issue, organizations like the Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and CropLife Canada have come together to create a central hub for information and best practices. The campaign's website serves as a one-stop resource for growers and spray operators. It features an online quiz and materials focused on three critical areas: understanding the importance of droplet size, spray height, and wind conditions. By adhering to these best practices, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of drifting and its associated problems. Marty Vermey, a Senior Agronomist, highlights the collective effort to pool information into a single, easily accessible location. This initiative represents a crucial step towards educating growers on everything from the basics of spray drift to advanced techniques in sprayer settings and nozzle selection. The Be Drift Aware campaign aims to reduce spray drift across Ontario by making information readily available to those who need it, when and where they need it. Visit the Be Drift Aware website for more information.

By Farms.com Ontario Farmers within the path of totality are gearing up for the forthcoming solar eclipse event, which is anticipated to bring a notable influx of visitors to rural areas. To aid farmers in protecting their property and addressing potential risks associated with increased visitor activity, here are key steps farm owners can take: Secure Your Property: Give top priority to farm security by identifying and addressing potential hazards that might attract unwanted guests. Secure equipment, hazardous materials, and prominently display "No Trespassing" signs. Keep records of security measures implemented for future reference. Understand Trespass Laws: Get acquainted with trespass laws in your area to ensure compliance and mitigate liability risks. Take reasonable steps to warn trespassers about potential dangers. Manage Guest Responsibilities: For farmers considering hosting eclipse-related activities or inviting guests onto their property, understand liability issues, insurance coverage, and permit requirements. Take necessary precautions to ensure guest safety and compliance with legal regulations.

Ontario farmers intend to plant 3.137 million soybean acres -- a new record high, according to the 2024 Farms.com Risk Management Ontario farmer survey, conducted January 6th - March 16th, 2024, with a total of 412 respondents. The survey is projecting that Ontario farmers intend to plant 6.380 million acres of corn, soybeans and all wheat combined this year, slightly lower than last year. This is in line with the average at 6.3 million acres but slightly lower than 2019 at 6.415 million acres. Intended Ontario corn acres in 2024 are expected to fall 2.26% to 2.210 million acres slightly below the 5-year average vs. 2024 but soybean acres are up 7.7% at 3.137 million acres to a new record high! Lower inputs in soybeans with an IP premium of $5 - $6/bu is attracting more acres in 2024. Wheat acres are down 13.53%. Wheat acres are down due to a challenging 2023 soybean harvest, lower economics and it was a wet fall. The Farms.com Risk Management survey is projecting more corn, soybean and less wheat acres than Statistics Canada. “Corn acres in Ontario are holding despite being forecasted lower following a record yield in 2023, the second in three years with above average yields," says Moe Agostino, Chief Commodity Strategist with Farms.com Risk Management. The highlights in the survey show HRS wheat up 30%, oat acres +33.95% and SRW wheat down 13.30%. “Farmers in most areas had a good corn crop last year and that is holding corn acres on many farms where soybeans tend to be more variable on sand to variable soils,” explains Stephen Denys, Director of Business Management, Maizex Seeds. “In more clay soil-based counties like Essex, Lambton, Haldimand we have heard about more acres to soybeans versus corn given yield potential. This also applies to farmers who do not own a corn dryer and where drying costs were high last fall and not likely to change this year with the carbon tax. That said, corn will still pay the bills on many farms given the yield potential in a normal year. “ Lower inputs and higher premiums are attracting more soybean acres. Many smaller farmers are looking at switching to soybeans due to lower input costs and higher IP soybean premiums at $5-6/bu. “2024 Ontario wheat acres are down because of economics with a -$40+/acre loss without straw does not pay the bills,” explains Henry Prinzen, Chief Agronomist for Maizex Seeds. “Any borderline corn acres will go to soybeans, and to a large degree most farmers are sticking to a rotation but the $5-$6/premium to grow IP soybeans remains a sweet deal. If you do not own a planter or combine acres will switch to soybeans.” According to Agronomist Peter Johnson (aka Wheat Pete), “many of the farms with heavy soils are swi

As many farmers would agree, soil sampling is an important aspect of modern-day farming. AMS, Inc., a family-owned company since 1942, now in its 4th generation, introduces the Auto-Field Sampler (AFS), a cutting-edge solution designed to modernize the agricultural industry's soil sampling process. The AFS, a hydraulic-driven soil core sampling machine, retrieves a 7/8-inch diameter soil core from depths of 0 to 12 inches within a mere 5.5 seconds. This performance may vary depending on the current soil conditions. The development of the AFS focused on simplicity and user-friendliness, requiring minimal operational knowledge to get started. This is a significant step forward compared to traditional manual soil sampling techniques. The AFS not only covers more acreage in less time but also drastically reduces the physical strain on the user, a common complaint with manual sampling. Operating the AFS is simple. From the comfort of your carrier vehicle's seat, using a simple control switch, you can drive the soil probe into the ground and retrieve it, all with the push of a button. Upon retrieval, the soil core is automatically deposited into a collection container designed for a composite sample. This container can hold between six to ten samples before reaching capacity. When full, the contents can be easily emptied into boxes or bags for further analysis. The container can then be reinserted into the AFS, ready for continued sampling.The AFS allows for the adjustment of sampling depths as required. The Auto-Field Sampler (AFS) from AMS, Inc. is a cool tool because it represents a significant advancement in agricultural soil sampling technology. By making soil sample collection faster, easier, and more efficient, the AFS is set to become an indispensable tool for modern agriculture.

Someone contact Bonnie Tyler because there’s a total eclipse coming. On April 8, a solar eclipse, when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, will occur in the afternoon. The event is scheduled to happen in Ontario beginning around 2:00pm. Niagara Falls, Ont., is noted as the best place to see the eclipse, with the sun being fully eclipsed for roughly three minutes from 3:20 and 3:23pm. Farmers will be watching with anticipation. “I’m looking forward to this one because it’s going to be a total eclipse,” Stuart McCall, owner of McGrows Farms & Gardens in Garson, Ont., told Farms.com. “I’m expecting some dramatic changes.” When an eclipse last occurred in 2017, McCall noted and graphed the changes on his farm. “We have a 10-kilowatt solar power generation system on the roof of the house,” he said. “Before the eclipse we were operating at around 8,700 kilowatts. When the eclipse hit, that (energy number) dropped to under 3,000 kilowatts. And that wasn’t even a full eclipse, so I’m interested to see what readings we get this time around.” The temperature in his greenhouse dropped about 15 degrees. And the re

Canadians are coming to grips with an increase to the national carbon tax. On April 1, the price on pollution increased by $15 per tonne from $65 to $80 per tonne. By 2030, it’s expected the carbon tax will cost $170 per tonne. Farmers like Ethan Wallace, a dairy and grain farmer from Huron County, are concerned about what the increased costs will mean to their operations. “This tax is a direct draw on producers’ income,” he told Farms.com. “It’s a consumption tax that’s meant to change our behaviour and move us away from fossil fuels. But in agriculture there’s no alternative. I can’t heat my barn or dry my grain or fuel my tractors with anything except fossil fuels.” For clarification, Canadian farmers are already exempt from paying the carbon tax on gasoline and diesel used in farm vehicles. In Ontario, the price of gas and diesel increased by about 3.3 cents and 4 cents per litre, respectively on April 1. And the carbon tax on natural gas went up to 15.25 cents per cubic metre. These increases and their potential impact on Canadian farms is a perfect example of why Bill C-234 needs to pass, Wallace said. The bill, which would remove th

As the growing season takes root across Ontario, fruit and vegetable producers are already laying the groundwork for a successful harvest. A key part of their preparation is addressing the perennial challenge of securing enough labour to manage the intensive demands of planting, tending, and harvesting crops. This challenge is met with a solution that has a rich history and critical impact on Canada's food supply: the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). Established over 50 years ago, SAWP has become an essential component in Ontario agriculture, acting as a bridge between local labour shortages and the need for a reliable workforce. This year, about 18,000 seasonal workers from countries including Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Eastern Caribbean are expected to join Ontario's farms. Their arrival is not just a boon for the approximately 1,100 farms that will benefit from their labour but also for Canadian families who enjoy fresh, local produce as a result. The reliance on SAWP highlights a broader issue within the agricultural sector: a significant shortage of domestic workers. This gap in the workforce is not just a logistical problem for farmers; it represents a substantial economic loss, estimated at around $1.5 billion annually. This shortfall affects not only individual farms but also Canada's competitive standing in the global market. Ken Forth, president of F.A.R.M.S. (not affiliated with this website), is at the forefront of this issue, advocating for the importance of SAWP in ensuring the resilience and success of Ontario's agricultural sector. In a time when food security and sustainable local production are more crucial than ever, the program's role in supporting farmers is invaluable. Through programs like SAWP, Ontario's agricultural community continues to thrive, providing essential resources for both local communities and the broader Canadian population.

Canadian agriculture has received a significant boost from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with the recent announcement to increase the interest-free portion of the Advanced Payments Program (APP) to $250,000 says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). The initiative is designed to support farmers by providing loans that help manage cash-flow challenges and cover increased production costs effectively. Historically, in response to the pandemic's economic impact, the government had elevated the interest-free loan amount to $250,000 in 2022, and then to $350,000 in 2023, aiming to assist farmers with the soaring expenses for essential inputs like fertilizer and fuel. There were plans to revert the interest-free portion back to $100,000 in 2024, which had raised concerns among the farming community. The CFA has been at the forefront, vocally advocating for the retention of the increased interest-free portion, citing the severe inflationary pressures that have burdened producers since the original $100,000 cap was instituted. CFA President, Keith Currie, expressed relief and approval of the announcement, highlighting the crucial timing and financial relief it provides to farmers, who must often invest in the next season's production without having received payment for the previous season. This move has been seen as a direct response to the advocacy and needs of the farming community, reflecting an understanding of the financial pressures faced in modern agriculture. The decision to maintain the interest-free loan amount at $250,000 is viewed as a step towards establishing a new baseline for future interest-free advances, with hopes that the program will continue to adapt to the evolving economic landscape faced by Canadian farmers. The enhancement of the APP reflects a commitment by the Canadian government to support the agriculture sector's sustainability and profitability. It acknowledges the essential role farmers play in the economy and the unique financial challenges they face, especially in an era of increasing costs and economic uncertainty. The farming community has welcomed this development, viewing it as a vital support mechanism for ensuring the continuity and success of Canadian agriculture. See related story: Grain Farmers of Ontario acknowledge the federal increase to the Advance Payments Program

Image by krystianwin from Pixabay The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) have thanked Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Lawrence MacAulay for increasing the interest-free limit of the for this year. The gives producers access to cash advances of up to $1 million based on the expected value of their crop or other agricultural product. Farmers receive the first $100,000 interest-free, and the AAFC can raise that limit if the season warrants it. This year, the limit of the interest-free portion has been raised to $250,000. Under the , cash advances are calculated based on up to 50 percent of the anticipated market value of eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage. Advances are available on over 500 crop and livestock products across Canada. “Farmers face a lot of uncertainties and unpredictability. When the weather is bad or prices are low, Ontario’s family farms can be quickly impacted. We appreciate the government’s decision to increase this limit and the access to interest-free loans this will provide farmers,” said Jeff Harrison, Chair of the GFO. He continued: “Grain Farmers of Ontario has been advocating to increase the limit for some time, and it is good to see that hard work pay off. We look forward to working with the government on continued improvements to this and other risk programs and to any adjustments that might need to be made in the future.” In 2022, due to exceptional circumstances, the Government of Canada increased the interest-free portion of the from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years. As pressures compounded in 2023, the limit was further increased from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year. The GFO is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. For more information on the GFO, visit www.gfo.ca.

By Farms.com World Dairy Expo proudly reveals the distinguished recipients of the 2024 Expo Recognition Awards. These remarkable individuals, chosen by their peers for their outstanding contributions to both the dairy industry and their communities, will be formally acknowledged during the Recognition Awards Banquet at the World Dairy Expo on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Banquet tickets will be available at www.worlddairyexpo.com beginning on July 1. Acknowledged as the International Person of the Year is Paul Larmer, hailing from Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and affiliated with Semex. With a career spanning four decades, Larmer has been a driving force in dairy cattle genetics, leaving a significant mark on a global scale. Beginning his journey in the genetics industry in 1984, Larmer held pivotal roles at United Breeders Inc., Semex Alliance, and Alta Genetics Inc. before assuming the position of Chief Executive Officer at Semex in 2007. During his tenure, Larmer steered Semex to unparalleled success, achieving a remarkable 17 consecutive years of record-breaking sales and revenues. Under his leadership, Semex introduced six Millionaire Sires to the industry and spearheaded groundbreaking research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing dairy technology and genetics worldwide. Noteworthy projects included advancements in China's dairy technology and genetics, the establishment of production centers in Hungary and Brazil, and the pioneering introduction of a Methane Efficiency Index to promote industry sustainability globally. Though Larmer retired from his role as CEO in December 2023, he continues to serve as an Executive Advisor, bringing invaluable expertise to Semex. World Dairy Expo, renowned as the premier gathering of the global dairy community, provides an unparalleled platform for learning, networking, commerce, and competition. Scheduled to take place in Madison, Wis. from October 1-4, 2024, the event promises dairy producers an immersive experience featuring the world's largest dairy-focused trade show, top-tier dairy cattle showcase, informative seminars, and opportunities for industry networking and collaboration.

Just as only you know when you're thirsty, so too are plants the only ones that know when they require water. If only there was a way to communicate with a plant to find out when exactly that is. But wait! Say hello to , a precision agriculture technology—an easy-to-install water sensor—that provides accurate, real-time feedback on plant thirst, allowing farmers to make fast decisions to better benefit their crops. Developing a way to acquire data directly from plants, FloraPulse is now able to provide ag professionals such as woody crop owners and managers, nut and dry fruit growers, fresh fruit growers, commercial orchard/vineyard operators, government and university researchers, certified crop consultants, scientists, and more with accurate, automated measurements on plant water status. It said its technology works best—right now—for orchards and vineyards, with the company saying it is ideal for such crops as almonds, hazelnuts, wine grapes, apples, peaches, and berries. The system is comprised of patented hardware, software, and technical support for each user to directly manage water stress, reducing water and labor costs and risks while increasing yields, crop quality, and environmental health. FloraPulse provides growers and researchers with accurate and trusted automated measurements of water stress directly from trees and vines. The patented technology—used worldwide—provides science-based advice to optimize irrigation, increase profits, and valuable research data. The was developed via the research and collaboration of Cornell University’s emeritus professor of horticulture, Alan Lakso, Director of the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Abraham Strook, and mechanical engineering Ph.D. and technology developer, Michael Santiago. “FloraPulse is a game-changer for the entire agricultural industry,” said Lakso. “After years of research and development, our team created the first simple-to-use device that provides farmers and researchers with real-time data that helps growers and researchers achieve efficient water use in the face of variable climate conditions.” The company’s revolutionary real-time water sensing technology allows for more resilient plant health systems that enhance our agricultural system and farmers’ bottom lines. The team offers premium technical support and assistance. For more information, visit www.florapulse.com.

By Ryan Ridley Managing Editor, Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest The first issue of 2024 is upon us for the Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest. The Spring 2024 issue will be released within a couple of weeks, and it is packed with new innovations from some of the biggest names in the industry. This year has not disappointed so far, and after speaking with dozens of companies at the 2024 National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS), I am convinced the best is yet to come. As previously reported by our very own Diego Flammini, Farms.com yielded more than 70 videos from the NFMS and will be releasing special edition Machinery Newsletters in the coming weeks—stay tuned for that. Precision agriculture and ag technology ran wild at the NFMS this year, so much so that the 2024 Spring Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest will have a special PAG Tech Clips section featuring our top 10 tech videos from the event. Our main articles will cover a few newly released products, including Case IH’s new AF11 combine and Precision Planting’s new CornerStone planting system. Cannot forget about Kinze’s brand-new 5670 pivot fold planter as well as real-time spot spraying tech from Trimble-owned Bilberry. Oh, and Massey Ferguson has retrofit baler tech, SimplEbale, that brings large-square bale technology to small-square balers. We are sure you have heard of John Deere partnering with SpaceX, but we provide a unique angle on that as well. Our team cannot wait for you to get your hands on...get your keyboards/mouses on…the Spring 2024 Precision Ag Digital Digest. Refer to this link in a week or so and the new issue will be there! In the meantime, flip through our Winter 2023/2024 issue, it has lots of good stuff.

Braxten Breed Farms.com Intern Whether it’s storing fertilizer, seed, or whatever it may be, farmers may often accumulate pallets that are no longer required – taking up valuable space inside the barn or workshop. So instead of improperly breaking them down or maybe even giving them away, have you ever thought about recycling the pallets and using the materials for future projects on the farm? The pallet buster can help farmers tackle these ugly, space-consuming, and unsafe pallets. Global Industrial Deluxe Pallet Buster and Skid Breaker is a lightweight tool that can help farmers break down pallets quickly, safely, and easily. The unique steel constructed dual pronged forks gives a farmer the ability to pull out nails with ease, while keeping the boards of the pallet undamaged. Creating materials for a farmer that can be incorporated in future projects on farm. It can also be used when salvaging old barns, with one satisfied farmer saying, “Took an entire side off a medium sized barn in about an hour without destroying the tongue and groove. Started at the bottom and worked my way up.” The Pallet Buster weighs less than 15lbs (7 kilos) and is made of durable construction steel with a 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) handle, measuring 45 inches (1.15 metres) in length. It also comes with a one-year warranty. For more information, watch this Pallet Buster and Skid Breaker video.