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Keeping rural volunteerism alive

The IPM has depended on contributions from Ontario’s ag community for over 100 years

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter

Since the first International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in 1913, the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) has relied on volunteers.

Mapping your way through precision ag

Sask. farmer finds profitability mapping allows him to maximize production and efficiency

By Kate Ayers

Profitability mapping has changed Saskatchewan farmer Terry Aberhart’s approach to crop production and how he manages the land. Together with his ag consultants, Aberhart analyzes his field data and gross revenue from across his fields.

Livestock producers face predator pressure

Farmers requesting financial support for reasonable care plans

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter

Wildlife predation is such a pressing issue for the province’s producers that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) may ask the government for more assistance.

Cultivating a level playing field

Ontario could take notes from lessons learned through other provinces’ organic regulations

by Kate Ayers

Take control of charging water

Producers may be eligible for funding for erosion control structures

By Kate Ayers

Runoff and soil erosion are major issues in some areas of Ontario, and best management practices (BMPs) cannot always solely solve these problems, says Brad Glasman, manager of conservation services in the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

Accessing end-of-life care in rural Ontario

How legislation about medical assistance in death affects palliative care

by Jim Algie

Forecasting tools boost farm efficiency

Precision ag may be less daunting with multiple means of product assistance

By Kaitlynn Anderson

Many precision ag companies offer more than just an online resource.

Supporting rural Ontario’s health care

Poultry farmers raise funds for rural health research

by Jim Algie

A group of Huron and Perth County poultry farmers has gathered in the month of September for a few years now at the Seaforth Golf Club for what they call “The Chicken Classic.”

Less waste, more resources

Biofertilizers offer range of nutrients for land application

By Kaitlynn Anderson

With the Waste-Free Ontario Act underway, farmers could see more biofertilizers, such as LysteGro, being used across the province.

A shock to agriculture’s bottom line

Lessons to learn from California: Minimum wage increase should be gradual

By Kaitlynn Anderson

In California, the minimum wage is scheduled to increase to $15 per hour, similar to Ontario. However, there is one major difference: the time frame for the implementation of this increase.

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OMAFRA presents first Excellence in Ag Award

June 17, 2019

An Ontario ag organization received an inaugural award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Today, Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s ag minister, presented the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) with the first Excellence in Agriculture Award during a visit to the Ignatius Jesuit Centre and Farm in Guelph, Ont. EFAO is one of three winners out of 108 applications. OMAFRA will announce the other two winners and some honourable mentions soon. The award recognizes farmers and industry organizations “that have raised the bar for excellence, demonstrated... read more

Celebrating farm dads for Father’s Day

June 14, 2019

As Father’s Day is on Sunday (don’t forget!) Farms.com reached out to members of Ontario’s ag community to find out the best part about either being a farm dad or growing up with one. For Bill Lammers, a grain farmer from Lambton County, Father’s Day provides a chance to reflect on and appreciate how hard his dad worked to provide for his family. “My dad immigrated here from Holland to farm and raise a family. He ended up with five boys who all ended up farming in some capacity,” he told Farms.com. “He did everything around the farm from driving... read more

A year in review with Ernie Hardeman

June 14, 2019

. In February, OMAFRA made further updates, including allowance of “more ways to provide sufficient evidence” of wildlife predation and the creation of “a more independent and transparent appeal process,” a ministry release said. The program “is working much better now,” Hardeman added. A more recent example of how the government has helped the industry overcome challenges is through its response to the high vomitoxin levels in the 2018 corn crop, he said. “We started off by calling everybody (processors, growers, consumers, etc.) together in a... read more

Ontario changing Canadian Ag Partnership

June 13, 2019

Ontario’s government is adding a new initiative under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). The program, titled Place to Grow: Agri-food Innovation Initiative, will provide cost-share funding to members of the agricultural and food value-chain industries. Administration of the cost-share funding to sector-level organizations will transition from the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). AAC is “shocked” by OMAFRA’s decision to take over administrative duties, Kelly Duffy, AAC chair, said... read more

Purchasing new equipment

June 11, 2019

Several farms in northern Ontario will soon be investing in new equipment. On June 5, the Ontario government announced it is investing more than $3.1 million into 13 ag projects through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. The investments show the government’s support for the ag industry and invite other business investments, said Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford. "By investing in agricultural projects that stimulate growth and innovation, we are reinforcing the north's competitive advantage and sending a signal to the world that... read more