Ag Industry News Ontario

By Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern Transferring fuels or lubricants is a routine necessity on any farming operation, but physically transferring these liquids is not always simple. For example, you have liquids in a jerry can or drum, but you need to get them to their end-use destination. Using spouts can sometimes be challenging when the spout does not cooperate, resulting in spillage. The Quick Flow Drill Pump Kit from SP Tools allows you to pump 3 liters of liquid per minute, at 1,200 RPMS with just a push of a button. Leaving your second hand free to manage suction and/or discharge hoses. The drills universal adapter allows any drill of any size to be used with the help of the rubber mounting strap which sets the drill firmly in place. The Drill Pump is ideal for transferring: Automotive Engine oil Automatic transmission Gear oil Brake fluid Power steering fluid Coolant Industrial Hydraulic oils Machining coolants Whether it is transferring fuel for a machine or truck, diesel for a generator, lubrication for an engine, SP tools Quick Flow Drill Pump Kit will do the trick in transferring fluids on the farm. Watch this video to learn more about this cool tool.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay It’s over. Two of France’s main farmers’ unions asked their members to end the protest that was blocking access in and out of the capital city of Paris after the government agreed to their demands. The French farmers took no pleasure in harassing their fellow countrymen. But it appears as though their hold on the arteries going in and out of the capital worked, as the French government agreed to many of their demands. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, just three weeks into the job, had failed with his initial attempt to quell the blockade that was starving Parisians of access to fresh fruits and vegetables. His second attempt went much better. The French protest was initiated after farmers said their concerns were being ignored by the government. French farmers were angry over rising input costs, increased taxes, falling income, and European agriculture policies. With regards to its European neighbours, French farmers were upset about its government purchasing too much agricultural product from Ukraine. Understanding that Ukraine is at war with Russia and can use financial aid, French farmers railed against its government for being too generous in flooding the market with Ukrainian goods, not to mention that they believe much of the Ukrainian products to be substandard to expected French food quality. Worse still, for the French farmers, the Ukrainian products were being sold at a cheaper price than their own. For French farmers, purchasing too many substandard and inexpensive Ukrainian agricultural products had affected their livelihood while lowering the accepted food standards for consumers. The French farmers said they had been raising their concerns to the government for years, but to finally get their point across, a tractor blockade at every roadway leading in and out of Paris caught not only the government’s attention but the attention of other European countries facing similar shortcomings. By way of apology and righting the situation, Attal said the government wants French ag to come first—French food products, produced in France, by its farmers. As well, the French government said it would create a $162 million financial aid package for its farmers. A financial aid package worth over CDN $215 million was promised for French livestock farmers. As well, the Prime Minister said there would be a ban on the import of fruit and vegetables treated with , an insecticide that may be harmful to honeybees. has been banned in the EU since 2019, but both Canada and the US allow its use, though only for limited purposes in Canada. Most importantly, the France plan—which follows the UK and EU’s plans—to reduce pesticide usage has been put on hold. While pesticide reduction is still being considered, the French government said it wants to implement an easier way for farmers to reduce pesticide usage while maintaining its yield quantity and quality. It just doesn’t know how to do that yet. The farmers’ action wasn’t a complete blockage. Aft

Image via Grigorenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Moo-ve over gassy feed, there’s a new additive in town. Just approved for use in Canada, , , is a livestock ingredient that will reduce cattle methane emissions via burps and… you know. With approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Bovaer product is said to neutralize methane in the rumen. When microbes in the rumen break down the feed, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases are released, which combine when there’s an enzyme present. But Bovaer suppresses the enzyme, thereby reducing the amount of methane created. With less methane created, it also means fewer possible methane gases released by the cattle. Dsm-Firmenich said that the product (produced by the same-named Bovaer) could be available for sale in Canada in a few weeks. Dsm-Firmenich has the right to sell the product in Canada. Additional Canadian research into ingredient usage shows that cattle achieve a small increase in feed efficiency without any change in their growth rate. Mark van Nieuwland, the Vice-President of Bovaer, stated: “This will benefit Canadian farmers, the efforts of the sector, and support Canada in delivering on its international emissions reduction commitments, such as the Global Methane Pledge.” According to van Nieuwland, Canadian cattle feeders can reduce cow methane emissions by an average of 45 percent by using the ingredient. For dairy cows, the company said that the product additive can “reduce methane emissions by 30 percent on average, potentially lowering the overall greenhouse gas footprint per litre of milk by 10 to 15 percent.”

By Farms.com Calling all farmers interested in maximizing winter wheat crop returns! The 2024 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is now open for registration, offering a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into crop performance. Established in 2021, the Great Lakes YEN is dedicated to helping farmers elevate their winter wheat yields by providing in-depth knowledge about crop performance. Registration for this insightful program closes on February 2nd, 2024, or when maximum capacity is reached – so act fast! Participants in the Great Lakes YEN can look forward to: Collecting soil and plant samples, meticulously analyzed at an accredited laboratory. Engaging in multiple in-person networking events, fostering connections with farmers and researchers. Receiving a comprehensive, personalized report summarizing data specific to their individual fields. Agronomists and crop consultants are integral to the success of the Great Lakes

https://www.farms.com/author-bio/andrew-joseph.aspx">Andrew Joseph; Image from Harry Hoffman and Sons Funeral Home Jack Riddell, a former Ontario Minister of Agriculture, passed away on January 23, 2024, at the age of 92. He served in that role from 1985 to 1989. Riddell had also been an MPP for Huron and Huron-Middlesex from 1971 to 1990, winning six consecutive elections for the Ontario Liberal Party. For the Ontario Liberals, he was elected and became the Agriculture Critic in 1973. He was born in London, Ontario, but grew up in Huron County, earning a B.Sc. In Agriculture from the OAC in 1957. He was the Assistant Agricultural Representative in Hastings and Essex Counties, then the Assistant Manager of the Ontario Stockyards. At home, he raised cattle and sheep on a farm near Dashwood, Ontario, even while working as a teacher at the South Huron District High School. He owned and operated the Hensall Livestock Sales Barn and worked as an auctioneer jointly with his brother Doug. After becoming the Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food in 1985, he introduced the program and formed an of rural MPPs. For his efforts to sustain and advance agriculture, Riddell was elected to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame in June 2017. A service for Riddell took place on January 27, 2024.

Image via Getty Images, MicroStockHub Everybody step back and take a deep breath. After both sides groused about the lack of access to agricultural markets, the UK suspended discussion with Canada about comporting a free trade deal between the countries. Despite the pause, the talks are admittedly still a work in progress, having first begun in March 2022. The UK had initiated the talks—one of many economic deals it is working on around the globe—after announcing it was leaving the European Union (EU). While having many benefits for the UK, leaving the EU also caused it to miss out on existing EU free trade deals. According to a statement from Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng, Canada was not happy with the pause in negotiations. “Their [UK] decision to continue to maintain market access barriers for our agriculture industry and unwillingness to reach a mutual agreement hasonly stalled negotiations,' noted the statement. For Canadian farmers, there’s the complaint that they have been shut out of the UK beef market because of regulations banning the use of hormones. For Canada (and the US), there are complaints that the UK remains under the thumb of the EU and its push for greater progress towards turning its agriculture into a more organic farming industry—and that its trade partners should follow suit. In the face of Canada’s disappointment in the trade talks stalling, a UK government spokesperson wrote on X that 'we reserve the right to pause negotiations with any country if progress is not being made.' Before Britain left the EU trading sphere at the end of 2020, Canada rolled over existing trade arrangements to ensure free trade could continue. However, as of 20243, some of those agreement dates have come and gone. Cheese access is one contentious issue, as Canada has complained that the UK wasn’t interested in working quickly to renegotiate the continuance of the deal. As the late great comedic actor Terry-Thomas said, “Hard cheese, old boy.”

Image by Michelle from Pixabay. The governments of Canada and Ontario have announced they will contribute up to $8-million in funding through the () to create or increase processing efficiencies and enhance food safety in the province's dairy processing sector. Eligible dairy businesses are invited to apply for funding through the to acquire modern technologies that increase production efficiency and ensure food safety in their facilities. Cost-share support through this initiative can be used to help cover the purchase and installation of new or refurbished equipment and its associated costs, such as training. 'Ontario's dairy processors work tirelessly to ensure their products meet the highest standards for quality and safety,” stated the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “Through this $8-million shared investment under Sustainable CAP, processors will be able to access the technology they need to continue to grow and improve their efficiency.' This investment supports the objectives of the government's to strengthen the agriculture and food supply chains and build resilience in the face of any future disruption. The is open to cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo milk processors. There are 171 licensed cow and goat dairy processors, plus additional sheep and buffalo dairy processors, in the province. Each eligible applicant can receive up to $200,000 in cost-share support. Applications open on April 2, 2024, and will remain open until the initiative is fully subscribed. Eligible project costs can be incurred as of April 2, 2024. The is a five-year (2023-2028) $3.5 billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency in the agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sectors. This includes $1-billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 percent federally and 40 percent provincially and territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by the provinces and territories. “Our government is committed to working with Ontario's dairy processors, so they will be able to continue to supply the array of delicious, nutritious, and safe products that consumers enjoy and trust. Efficiencies realized through new technologies will play a key role in helping the sector continue to thrive,' stated the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It is expected that the will help enable the goals outlined in Ontario's , which include increasing the production of food by 30 percent by 2032 and growing agri-food exports by eight percent annually.

By Farms.com Calling all farmers interested in maximizing winter wheat crop returns! The 2024 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is now open for registration, offering a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into crop performance. Established in 2021, the Great Lakes YEN is dedicated to helping farmers elevate their winter wheat yields by providing in-depth knowledge about crop performance. Registration for this insightful program closes on February 2nd, 2024, or when maximum capacity is reached – so act fast! Participants in the Great Lakes YEN can look forward to: Collecting soil and plant samples, meticulously analyzed at an accredited laboratory. Engaging in multiple in-person networking events, fostering connections with farmers and researchers. Receiving a comprehensive, personalized report summarizing data specific to their individual fields. Agronomists and crop consultants are integral to the success of the Gr

Ontario's dairy processors, are receiving a much-needed boost thanks to a $8 million investment from the Canadian and Ontario governments. This funding, delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to enhance processing efficiency and food safety in the province's dairy sector. Eligible dairy businesses, including cow, goat, sheep, and even water buffalo milk processors, can now apply for the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative. This initiative provides cost-share support, up to $200,000 per applicant, to acquire modern technologies that streamline operations and bolster food safety measures. This includes funding for purchasing and installing new or refurbished equipment, as well as associated costs like training. “Our government is committed to working with Ontario’s dairy processors, so they will be able to continue to supply the array of delicious, nutritious and safe products that consumers enjoy and trust,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Efficiencies realized through new technologies will play a key role in helping the sector continue to thrive.” The Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, echoed this sentiment, praising Ontario dairy processors for their commitment to quality and safety. He further emphasized the initiative's role in supporting the industry's growth and continued success. The Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative is part of a larger, $3.5 billion commitment through the Sustainable CAP. This five-year investment, spanning from 2023 to 2028, aims to strengthen the entire agriculture and agri-food sector across Canada. By fostering competitiveness, innovation, and resilience, the program seeks to secure the future of this vital industry. Applications for the Dairy Processing Modernization Initiative open on April 2, 2024, and will continue until the program reaches its capacity. Eligible project costs incurred on or after April 2, 2024, are also covered.

The City of Hamilton is signing onto an initiative designed to help first responders locate farm and rural properties without municipal addresses. On Jan. 8, Hamilton announced its involvement in Farm 911, also known as The Emily Project. The initiative, which launched in 2017, is named after Emily Trudeau, a seven-year-old girl who passed away in 2014 after an accident on her family’s farm in Tweed. Emily’s mother had to flag down the first responders because they couldn’t find the entrance to the farm. The program provides civic addresses to rural properties. These addresses include a civic number, a full street name and the municipality, multiple municipal websites say. Work on bringing this project to Hamilton has been years in the making. “The local federation of agriculture has been advocating for this for a few years,” Drew Spoelstra, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and farmer from Binbrook, Ont., told Farms.com. “We’re glad the City has brought this on board and trying to address the concerns about access to emergency services.” Local

ino and Abhinesh Gopal; Photo by: Jodie Aldred North American hog producers live and die by the gyrations in hog futures. The year 2023 was not the kindest to hog futures and to hog producer margins. Futures reacted sharply to the developments in the US hog/pork sector. The trend in 2023 had been that of a shrinking breeding herd. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been reporting on a shrinking US hog breeding herd that could break below the industry’s comfort level of six million head for the first time in a long time. Canada’s hog herd as a whole is expected to shrink in 2024 on account of reduced Canadian packing capacity that shrank in 2023 due to plant closures and continued labour availability issues. Their issues are likely to continue in 2024. US domestic hog and pork demand was a sore spot in 2023, and that too is contributing to the Canadian and US hog herd shrinkage. Domestic demand continued to be the missing link in 2023 when exports did a lot of the heavy lifting, especially with Mexico buying record amounts, as domestic consumers preferred spending more on beef despite record-high prices. We spoke previously about the surprise in the September USDA ‘Hogs & Pigs’ report update in terms of higher-than-expected US hog inventory. This was on account of increased productivity, especially due to better mitigation of diseases from the hog herd. With a much healthier herd, as the big integrators reduce old sows from production, you have a recipe for more supplies at lower prices that result in losses for hog producers despite lower feed prices. The very big hog integrators control two-thirds of the total sows in the US. So, when they lose on the hog production side, they make it up on the packer side. That is causing losses to continue as they are reducing less productive sows and replacing them with more productive ones. Better health has surely been a key driver. The increase in productivity gains (pigs saved per litter), feed efficiencies, and less disease offset the continuous labour challenges of 2021 and 2022. This put US producers back on their long-term growth trend for litter size, and that trend should continue in 2024. The average US pig litter size from September 2007 to September 2023 grew at an annual growth rate of over 1.5 percent. Also, the continuous increase of the US pig crop despite farrowing remaining stable over the last 28 years reflects the productivity increases in the industry. The quarterly USDA ‘Hogs and Pigs’ reports always garner keen market attention, but since the latter half of 2023, it has been watched more closely for more surprises. Given the losses producers faced over the last two years and are likely to face in 2024, resurgent producers are likely to be forced to trim the breeding herd again in 2024. According to estimates by the Iowa State University economics department, a normal farrow-to-finish US hog producer would have faced losses in 10 months during the 12 months from November 2022 to October 2023, with the hefty losses averaging US$21 per hog per month. Hog farmers are likely to have been forced to liquidate sows in the winter, which is expected to cause lower hog and pork supplies in 2024. But this has been talked about repeatedly, and it’ll need to be monitored closely to see how it impacts the m