Ag Industry News Ontario

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.

Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern Being a farmer isn’t the cleanest job in the world because working in agriculture means working with grease and dirt. And it is not just grease, farmers are consistently working in messing conditions daily on the farm. Dirt and grease get on your clothes, hands, and even in your house. That is where the Heavy-Duty Cleaning Wipes from Tub O’ Towels will help you clean up almost any surface. Tub O’ Towels have developed cleaning wipes that are designed for tough grease and dirt, but at the same time are safe for your hands and skin. The Tub O’ Towels wipes can be used in interiors & exteriors, leather, tools, lawn/garden equipment, etc. Tough on dirt, gentle on hands. The 10”x12” wipes are oversized and soaked in a special solution. But the solution also contains aloe, vitamin E and lanolin, resulting in safe use for your hands. The Tub O’ Towels vapor lock canister minimizes solution evaporation features a heavy gauge plastic with locking lid. The Tub O’ Towels are great for scrubbing and absorbing dirt, and they are made with a durable fiber weave which wicks up moisture. For more information, watch this Tub O’ Towels video.

Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern What farmer doesn’t need a utility knife? It is an essential tool that sits in a farmer’s pocket until needed. The complaint about many utility knives is that after a while the blade of the utility knife becomes dull. Before a farmer knows it, the blade can no longer make a good, quick cut. Tough Built had the innovative idea to create a quick-reloading blade mechanism, that easily reloads a mag of blades in the flick of a switch. The Reload Utility Knife + 2 Blade Mags is a robust, non-slip grip utility knife that includes the knife, 2 blades magazines, one full of straight blades, and the other full of hook nose blades. This quick-reloading mechanism is operated by the safe release button, allowing blades to be removed with a pinch and pull of the farmers hand, where then the farmer can take the fresh mag and drive it up the knife retracting the safety button back into place. Looking towards the magazine and blades itself, the utility knife comes with 2 fully loaded individual magazines. Each magazine is equipped with 5 action-ready blades in the upper chamber of the mag, where additionally in the lower storage reservoir with a snapshot door, there are 10 extra blades in each magazine. The convenience of this utility knife is a step up from its competitors, and is compatible to operate with hawkbill, German curve, serrated blades as well. For more information, watch this video about this handy utility knife.

Corteva AgriScience has launched a new line of Pioneer soybeans in time for the 2024 growing season. Canadian farmers now have limited access to Z-Series Enlist E3 soybeans and the 20 varieties that are part of the lineup for this season, with full commercial availability planned for 2025. “This is a new class of soybean genetics and is in a class all of its own, delivering more yield than our previous A-Series,” Chad Garrod, eastern seeds portfolio manager with Corteva AgriScience, told Farms.com. The varieties range in maturity from 00 to 3.2. Farmers in northern Ontario may choose to grow a 00.5, whereas producers in southern Ontario might choose a 3.2 variety, Garrod said, adding that with 20 varieties available, farmers will be able to find the right variety for their individual operations. Trials show the Z-Series outperforms Pioneer’s A-Series. IMPACT trials from across North America determined the Z-Series soybeans yielded 2.7 bushels per acre higher than the A-Series, and a provided a $35 per acre return on investment. The varieties also have score improvements of 0.5 for SDS and 0.6 for white mould, as well as an increased lodging resistance and more tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis.

Charlotte Huitema only needs to look across the dinner table to see someone she considers a hero in ag. The egg farmer from Haldimand County considers her mom, Cindy, to be an inspiration for the way she advocates for the industry. “When we built our new barn in 2018, she did a blog for Canadian Poultry Magazine called Egg Farmerette, talking about how to go from a conventional layer housing farm to an enriched housing colony farm. She was telling our story and I thought that was really cool,” Huitema said. “And every year we volunteer at local events in our community, and she’s always answering questions and telling our farm’s story. She leads by example for all of us.” Charlotte also has two sisters and a brother. Though she grew up on her family’s farm, Huitema didn’t know if she’d follow in the family business. Mohawk College recruited her to play on the women’s varsity volleyball team.

Ignore the haters. That’s part of the message Jessica Pfisterer, a hay, cash crop and beef producer from Arthur, Ont., would tell her 12-year-old self. “I’d tell her not to worry about what others say and focus on doing your own thing,” she told Farms.com. “If you just worry about paving your own way then you can find a place in this industry and a seat at the table.” When she was that age and thought about what to do when she grew up, farming wasn’t on Pfisterer’s radar. She grew up in Guelph and figured she’d be doing something in the city. “I didn’t own a pair of rubber boots until I was in my 20s,” she said. “I was very urban focused and that’s where I thought my life would take me. At my wedding my dad said he couldn’t believe all the things I’ve done since meeting my husband. And my uncle said of all his nieces and nephews he’d never thought it would be me to help hook up a trailer hitch.” Together with her husband Ryan, she has two boys, Boone, and Rip. The Pfisterer family (Jessica, Ryan, Boone a

By: Farms.com At the recent 2023-2024 Sollio Next Generation Award Gala, three Ontario farming entities were spotlighted for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector. This prestigious event, known for recognizing the innovative spirit within Canadian agriculture, highlighted the McRae brothers, Luymes Farms, and the MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company for their outstanding achievements. Matt & John McRae of Alvinston, and Luymes Farms & Custom Farming of Moorefield, were among the celebrated winners, demonstrating excellence in modern farming practices and community engagement. These farmers exemplify the progressive mindset that drives the agricultural industry forward, combining traditional values with innovative approaches to farming. Matt and John McRae run an 870-acre grain farm while working day jobs outside of the industry. They grow wheat, soybeans, and corn, as well as producing high quality seed for both their customers and their local Agromart retailer. They also manage a maple grove. Luymes Farms & Custom Farming specializes in grain production and contract farming, which has its own 2,000 acres, and services 8,000 acres in 500 fields for neighbouring farms. They are adept at managing their machinery fleet and have extensive knowledge of the specific growing needs in their area. In addition to these remarkable farmers, the MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company from Bath, Ontario, was also honored, showcasing the diversity and breadth of agricultural entrepreneurship within the province. Their unique blend of farming and brewing highlights the innovative potential of combining agriculture with other sectors to create unique, marketable products that resonate with consumers. The gala brought together members of the judging panel, including Marilyn Côté, Jean-Philippe Côté, and Normand Lapointe, alongside distinguished guests such as Richard Ferland, President of Sollio Cooperative Group, and Casper Kaastra, CEO of Sollio Agriculture. Their presence underscored the importance of the Sollio Next Generation Award as a cornerstone for recognizing agricultural excellence in Canada. The award, exclusive to Canadian agricultural businesses, included a category for clients of The Agromart Group for the second consecutive year, highlighting Sollio Agriculture's commitment to fostering growth and inno

Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern Pulling heavy loads on the farm is part of everyday life on the farm. Whether it’s loading stock, moving or hauling fallen trees and tree branches, or taking on a variety of farm tasks, it can drain a lot of energy, unless you use your tools to help you out. The Wyeth-Scott Company has produced a durable, yet safest cable puller that can pull a lot of weight. The More Power Puller is 26lb. (11 kilogram) solid ductile iron and steel industrial grade portable hand winch that is proven to perform in demanding environments. The More Power Puller features excellent durability, and won’t bend, break, or collapsing, thereby creating a safe, reliable, heavy-duty tool for the farm. Options for the cable puller include: A 2-ton (4,000 lbs.) capacity OR a 3-ton (6,000 lbs.) capacity Cable rope OR synthetic rope in 20’ or 35’ in length Steel cable rope color OR AmSteel blue rope color For more information about the More Power Puller, watch this video.

Farms.com Photo Credit: As previously reported on Farms.com, new data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has found that by 2030 there will be more than 100,000 vacant jobs to fill in the agriculture industry. In 2023, CAHRC found a 15 per cent increase in the number of job vacancies compared to 2022. “This is your chance to help the agriculture industry ensure top talent for the future,” says Kathryn Doan, CVO, Director, Talent Solutions Team at AgCareers.com (a Farms.com company). Aimed to provide valuable data to the agricultural industry for attracting and retaining employees, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is performing an Agricultural Producers Compensation Survey. AgCareers.com is conducting the survey on behalf of CAHRC. CAHRC invites grain, oilseed, dairy, swine, fish, and apiculture producers to participate in this crucial survey. Topics covered will include: Monetary Benefits: Wages for Farm Managers, Farm Supervisors, Farm Workers, Farm Labourers, and Specialized staff. Non-Monetary Benefits: health, dental, vision, relocation, housing, and more! Hiring and retention tactics of flexible scheduling, bonuses, and vacation and sick time The deadline for participation is March 15, 2024. Producers can find out more and take the survey at this link, or contact compensation@agcareers.com for additional information. Participants will receive a copy of the full results to aid in compensation, recruiting, and retention practices, plus they will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a $250 gift card for Mudeas or Durnin Workwear. About AgCareers.com The AgCareers.com mission is to provide global talent solutions in agriculture and food. They strive to “Feed the World with Talent” in the industries they serve. AgCareers.com’s passion is agriculture, demonstrated through their investment in time and resources that engage candidates and employers in the industry. They work to build the pipeline of talent to the industry by expanding knowledge about the breadth of career opportunities in agriculture. For more information, visit www.AgCareers.com. About CAHRC The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada. CAHRC works with industry leaders, governments, and educational stakeholders, to research, develop and communicate solutions to the challenges in employment and skills development in primary agriculture. For more information visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The Migrant Community Worker Program will be holding its annual this Sunday, February 25, 2024, in Leamington, Ontario. The primary goal is to bring together diverse organizations and companies in Windsor-Essex County to collectively share vital information and resources that meet the needs of local migrant workers, and conversely, to bring together migrant workers to the services and support available to them and ensure they have barrier-free access to any other resources they would need. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the migrant population, the mission of the Migrant Community Worker Program is to create a collaborative platform that promotes a supportive and informed environment. The one-day event will provide free services, such as general information, legal assistance, and much more. Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024; Time: 3–6 PM; Location: Portuguese Club, 217 Talbot Street West, Leamington, Ontario. The Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) seeks to build a stronger community support system for the approximately 20,000 migrant workers who come each year to live and work on Windsor-Essex County farms. The MWCP mission provides information and support to migrant workers by helping them gain educational, social, cultural, and recreational opportunities, while also helping them navigate available support services such as health and wellness, legal aid, and travel and immigration support in Spanish, English, and Tagalog. Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada, is a project under the Migrant Worker Support Program (MWSP), providing migrant workers with accurate information and access to available services and support, and assisting them in learning about and exercising their rights while in Canada. To learn about the MWCP, visit www.migrantworkercommunityprogram.com. To learn more about the TeaMWork Project, visit www.TeaMWorkProject.ca.

Chart via BonusFinder Canada Would you believe us if we said that the ag industry has the fifth highest incidence of liars, according to an industry survey? It’s no lie, although we should state that the numbers involving the ag industry are also lumped in with forestry, fishing, and hunting. We’re not talking about the camper who claimed to have seen Bigfoot rummaging through the garbage cans behind the local A&W Restaurant in Nelson, BC. Neither are we talking about regular folk talking about how they hunted and shot a 24-point buck when it was their pick-up truck that did the killing. And neither are we talking about the fisherman who claimed to have caught a fish “this big.” No, this one is about industry personnel who sometimes offer up a little white lie to the whopper, to the full-on baldfaced lie with regards to their salary. According to BonusFinder Canada—a Canadian online gambling business that has no affiliation with Farms.com—the average person lies four times a day. Sure, it could be to promote oneself, perhaps to protect someone’s feelings, or maybe to just not have to answer a telephone spammer’s questions. The gambling site asked some 3,000 Canadians for their take on lying. By the way, for all sectors, Canadians were more likely to lie or avoid discussing salary. Here are some of the highlights: According to the survey, the hospitality industry lies the most about their salary, at 66.3 percent. 6.0 percent of Canadians have lied about their salary. 37.7 percent have said their salary is lower than it is, and only 28.0 percent have inflated their salary. Folks from Ottawa lie the most about their salary, at 63.4 percent - more on that below, because it's not necessarily all a bad thing. People said that negotiating leverage is the most common reason for inflating salaries, according to 37.8 percent of the respondents. 28.4 percent said that they deflated their salary to others to avoid jealousy or resentment in the workplace. Interesting. The best way to avoid lying about salary is to not have such discussions. If a person chooses to reveal their salary, that’s one thing, but asking others seems... wrong. Unless that’s something Gen Z and the Millennials seem more comfortable with. Other reasons why people said they inflated their salary included: social status and image; family and social expectations; business or networking reasons; comparisons with peers (and the need to fit in); fear of judgement or discrimination; and insecurities (feelings of inadequacy). Yes, Ottawa had the most people lie about their salary (63.4 percent), but to be fair, of the Top 10 cities, Ottawa’s population was more likely to state that their salary was lower than it was (40.6 percent), but the second-most likely to inflate their salary (33 percent). The next biggest liar about salary—again, based on a total of 3,000 people surveyed—was Saskatoon (60.4 percent), with 37.6 percent lying low

; Image courtesy of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) has named Don Brubacher as its deserving winner of the . The retired long-time General Manager of the Ontario Potato Board was presented with the award at the annual OFVGA industry banquet in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on February 20, 2024. “As a potato grower and current chair of the Ontario Potato Board, it is a particular honour for me to see Don receive this year’s Industry Award of Merit,” exalted Shawn Brenn, the Chair of the OFVGA. He continued: “Don devoted his entire working life to the potato industry and was respected by growers for his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to working on their behalf to make things better for the industry. He always enjoyed the people this industry brought together and was passionate about the work being done.” &

Image by Ariel Núñez Guzmán from Pixabay Beans, beans, good for the wallet. Dry beans, such as pinto, navy, and kidney beans, are big business in Canada and around the world. Adzuki beans were Ontario’s top moneymaker per acre in 2023. Last year, Ontario farmers planted a record 23,000 acres of the niche crop, which was up from the 19,000 acres planted in 2022. Even still, those numbers paled in comparison to the almost three million acres of soybeans grown in Ontario last year. Then again, dry beans such as adzuki, pinto, navy, and kidney do cost more to produce. While some dry bean farmers will grow these beans every year, some only grow dry beans when prices are strong and they are likely to fit into their crop rotation. One of the biggest concerns for dry bean farmers, however, is weeds. Because the dry bean is a short-stature crop—and one that does not form a full canopy until mid-July—weeds tend to have free reign, which is one reason farmers must only grow it on fields that are already relatively weed-free. Other issues for dry beans include seedling diseases, where they suffer seed rot, and seedling blight diseases caused by , , and . And then there’s viral diseases such as bean common mosaic virus or yellow mosaic virus. Oh, and we all know that rust never sleeps. And bacterial blight. White mould. . Grasshoppers. Cutworm. It’s a wonder anyone can grow any type of dry bean sometimes. And it’s because there is a real need to grow these dry beans more efficiently and sustainably that money has been donated by Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) and an anonymous donor to the University of Guelph’s (U of G’s) Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). This $2 million donation will also be used to support the OBG Assistant Professorship in Weed Sciences faculty position at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. Additionally, the U of G has announced the renewal of the Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty position at Ridgetown Campus. Collectively, these faculty hires will better ensure that the University of Guelph will continue to be among the world’s best in dry bean agronomy and weed management research. The new OBG Professorship in Weed Management and the Professorship in Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management fill the vacancies left by Dr. Peter Sikkema, who recently retired, and OAC’s Chris Gillard, who will retire later in 2024. “Peter and Chris have had an immense impact on the Ontario bean industry for years,” stated Dr. Rene Van Acker, the interim Vice President (Research) at U of G. “This renewal of these professorships will ensure their legacy continues and

By Farms.com The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) made its presence felt in Ottawa this week, with President Drew Spoelstra leading the charge to bring the voice of Ontario's farms to the forefront of national discussions. The visit was marked by significant interactions with political leaders and participation in pivotal events that underscored the importance of agriculture in Canada. The highlight of the trip was attending the swearing-in ceremony of Senator Mary Robinson, a notable advocate for agriculture, reflecting the sector's growing representation at the highest levels of government. Robinson's experience across various agricultural roles positions her as a key ally for farming interests in Canada. Spoelstra's agenda in Ottawa was packed with strategic meetings aimed at addressing pressing concerns for the agricultural community. Conversations with MP Dave Epp focused on the grocery code of conduct, Bill C-234, and invasive species, highlighting the unique challenges facing Southern Ontario's vibrant agricultural landscape. Further discussions with influential figures, including MP Kody Blois, Minister Lawrence MacAulay, and MP James Maloney, delved into legislative matters such as Bill C-234 and the Advance Payments Program. These dialogues emphasized the critical need for supportive policies, like maintaining the interest-free limit for farm loans and recognizing the vital role of the Ontario Food Terminal in the nation's food supply chain. An overlap with the Dairy Farmers of Canada reception allowed for meaningful exchanges on dairy sector priorities, including leadership development and the urgent need for expanded processing capacity. These interactions underscore the OFA's commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in Canadian agriculture. Before concluding the visit, Spoelstra engaged with Senator Rob Black regarding the Senate's Soil Health study, anticipating its implications for future agricultural practices. This visit to Ottawa by the OFA leadership was a strategic effort to ensure that the voices of Ontario's farmers are heard and considered in national agricultural policy decisions, reinforcing the sector's significance to Canada's economy and food security.

What do Kleenex, the Winter Olympics, Band-Aids, Caesar salad and College Royal at the University of Guelph all have in common? They all turn 100 in 2024. For those unaware, College Royal is the largest student-run university open house in North America. And it started in 1925. “It was started by a group of people who wanted to show livestock,” Lexi Johnston, a Bachelor of Science in agriculture student and current president of College Royal, told Farms.com. “So, the roots of College Royal really run deep in ag.” Johnston, 10 other officers and about 90 people in total make up the team responsible for organizing the experience. “It’s 12 days of events,” Johnston said. “The first 10 days are dedicated to more student activities like kickoff pub and the University of Guelph Aggies vs. Ridgetown Aggies hockey game. Super Thursday has lots of food and messiness involved. Then you’ve got the College Royal Ball where all five floors of the University Centre have food, drinks, dancing, and live music. And for the 100th year there’s going to be an alumni lounge.” The weekend of March 16 and 17 is the open house weekend.

Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) and its subsidiary, P&H Milling Group, are thrilled to announce a significant expansion at their Hamilton, Ontario facility, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Canadian agriculture and the burgeoning baking industry. This expansion marks a pivotal step forward, introducing two new storage silos designed to handle essential feed ingredients like soymeal and distillers dried grains, as well as wheat to cater to the flour mills. Additionally, construction is set to commence in March 2024 for a third flour mill, underlining P&H's position as a premier flour production hub in Hamilton. The existing P&H Hamilton flour mill, operational since 2017, was a historic milestone as the first new flour mill in Ontario in 75 years. Doubling its capacity in 2020 with a second mill and increased storage, the facility has played a vital role in enhancing the company's wheat processing capabilities. CEO John Heimbecker emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "Our commitment to the Canadian agricultural landscape is evident in this Hamilton expansion. We are not merely expanding infrastructure but investing in the future of Canadian agriculture and the baking industry. This strategic move reaffirms our dedication to meeting the needs of our agricultural and business partners." Aligned with its vision, P&H's expansion in Hamilton reflects its dedication to contributing significantly to the food industry, supporting local farmers, and ensuring a resilient supply chain. The company remains at the forefront of innovation, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices to meet the demands of a growing population. P&H Milling Group, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited, is a leading Canadian agribusiness specializing in flour milling and pea processing. Committed to quality and sustainability, the group plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian agriculture and meeting the demands of the growing food industry. With roots dating back to 1909, Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited is a Canadian, family-owned agri-business. Positioned as a growth-oriented, diversified, and vertically integrated entity, P&H operates in grain merchandising, flour milling, crop inputs, and feed mills across over 70 locations nationwide. Leveraging a well-established network of assets and strong business relationships, P&H remains dedicated to supporting Canadian agricultural producers through ongoing infrastructure development.

; Photo courtesy of 4-H Canada 4-H Canada is proud to announce the recipients of three prestigious national awards: ; (s); and . 4-H provides youth with the guidance, resources, and opportunities to become contributing members of their community, their country, and the world by preparing them for the various paths of life and encouraging them to find their sense of self, purpose, and responsibility. Each year, the recognize the extraordinary contributions of supporters, volunteers, and alumni who embody the mission of 4-H and make an impact on youth and the communities they serve. Distinguished Alumni Award The is presented to honour the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to their communities, country, and world. This year’s winner is Jon Montgomery of Calgary, Alberta. That’s him in the photo above. You probably recognize him from at least one of three Canadian things. He is the TV host of The Amazing Race Canada, and he is an Olympic gold medal winner in the most dangerous winter sport—the skeleton, where you go headfirst down a curving downhill course atop a sled. He is one of this writer’s favourite athletes. He won his gold medal at the held in Vancouver, British Columbia. And if one thinks he can’t top all that, Montgomery is a proud second-generation 4-H’er! His involvement in the 4-H movement began in his hometown of Russell, Manitoba, where he was a youth member of the Russell 4-H Beef Club for four years. A proud alum, Montgomery has continued to live and breathe 4-H values throughout his career as an elite athlete, philanthropist, and national TV host. He embodies leadership skills, pride in his rural roots, drive to achieve world-class goals, and a ‘can-do’ attitude that parallels 4-H Canada’s ‘Learn To Do By Doing’ motto. Along with being an Olympic gold medallist, these 4-H values have taken him far, including taking on the mantle of host of in 2013 and remaining in that position today. A household name in Canada and around the world, Montgomery frequently uses his platforms as a motivational speaker on topics close to his heart, including leadership, teamwork, and healthy living. A strong advocate for agriculture, Jon has been a fixture at important ag-related events around the country, including and the . In 2023, 4-H Canada was proud to have Montgomery host the virtual , where he led the celebration of 4-H youth, leaders, and supporters around the country. In a subsequent interview with The Pledge, 4-H Canada’s a