By Emily Croft
In a career of more than 40 years and counting, Dale Cowan has cultivated a reputation for his mentorship skills, an affinity for the newest technologies, and extensive agronomy knowledge. His lifelong contributions to farming will see Dale inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame on June 11.
By Mel Luymes
Considering the costs of the latest farm equipment and technology, more and more producers are opting to hire agri-contractors for one or more field operations.
By Paul Hermans
Back in the good old days I dreaded grade school spring report card time. I was always worried about what my parents would think when they saw my report. In some classes I got B marks – others not so.
As planting continues and wraps up through the countryside, it is now time to explore fields to get a report card on emergence as we start setting yield expectations for the 2023 growing season.
By Colleen Halpenny
In 2022, Ontario producers cropped an impressive 3,080,400 acres of soybeans according to Statistics Canada. This represents 58 per cent of total soybean production acres across Canada, and Ontario soybeans totalled $2.94 billion in farm cash receipts in 2021.
With so many acres invested, and yields on the line, we spoke with some experts to explore how you can bolster your stand’s health in the upcoming season.
By Paul Hermans
We in agriculture are lucky. Every year we can look back at our growing season and learn new management strategies to enhance yields in the upcoming one.
This past winter I attended various agronomy conferences aimed at gleaning “some new tricks.”
Here are some of my favourite learnings that highlight research ideas from key industry, academic and likeminded individuals.
Keep in mind there were many more great topics presented, to which many a reader can attest.
By Emily Croft
Farms and agricultural businesses continue to struggle with labour shortages, and an aging population of farmers means that many are looking toward the next generation to continue their work.
While the industry searches to fill vacancies, high school co-operative education programs, or co-ops, are an opportunity to introduce young people to ag careers, while sharing the passion for farming held by the current generation.
By Colleen Halpenny
Electric versions of compact cars and some small utility vehicles have been on the market, and with increased presence, for a number of years. And as you’ve likely noticed, some manufacturers are beginning to unveil their first electric pickup truck models.
We recently researched how current electric options compare, and we also looked at the likelihood they would become essential machines on the farm and in the lives of Ontario farm families.
By Emily Croft
After a long and warm fall, OMAFRA predicts that there has been a 30 per cent increase in the number of winter wheat acres planted in Ontario in the fall of 2022, compared to the previous fall. With both wheat and input prices high, what can you do this spring to get the most out of your 2023 winter wheat crop at harvest?
By Paul Hermans
Being in the seed industry, probably the most common questions I am asked are: 1) What population should I plant my corn and soybeans at? 2) What is the best seeding depth for corn and soybeans?
Unfortunately, I usually respond with the typical agronomist answer of, “It depends.”
There is not just one answer. It depends on a lot of factors, ranging from yield expectations, soil type, crop type, and rotation, to disease management and more.
By Michael Drescher
Environmental best management practices in the agricultural sector are activities that reduce risk to the environment stemming from agricultural operations. These best practices reduce the risk of damage to many parts of the environment including to soil, air and water, as well as to plants and animals, and to their habitats, on and off the farm.