6 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | February 2024 Beyond the Barn ONT. CORN & SOY PRODUCTION INCREASED IN ’23 Statistics Canada recently reported that production of grain corn and soybeans were increased in 2023. Production of wheat, canola, barley, and oats decreased compared to 2022. StatCan detailed crop production from January to November of 2023 in a December release. The abundance of moisture in Ontario and the remainder of Eastern Canada during the 2023 growing season led to improved yields and received some credit for the increased production of corn and soybeans. National grain corn production was greater by 3.7 per cent in 2023, for a record-high total yield of 15.1 million tonnes. This is partially attributed to a 5.2 per cent increase in harvested area, totalling 3.8 million acres. The average yields for corn were decreased by 1.4 per cent to 158.1 bushels per acre. Ontario farms grew 0.9 per cent fewer acres of corn in 2023, for a total of 2.2 million acres harvested across the province. This was offset by a yield increase of three per cent, averaging 170.9 bushels per acre. National soybean yields stayed consistent at an average 45.9 bushels per acre. Total harvested area increased 6.7 per cent to seven million acres. Ontario soybean acres decreased by 5.7 per cent to 2.9 million acres, but yields increased by 7.1 per cent to an average 51.4 bushels per acre. Canadian wheat production decreased by 6.9 per cent, partially due to a 12.1 per cent reduction in national average yields to 44.5 bushels per acre. In the report, it was proposed that the national reduction in crop production for wheat, canola, barley, and oats could be attributed to the drier growing conditions observed in the Prairies during 2023. This resulted in lower yields. BF The OFA recently spoke with young farmers about encouraging youth involvement in agriculture. At the OFA AGM in November, recently elected vice-president Sara Wood hosted a fireside chat with young farm leaders from across Ontario. The young leaders who spoke about their involvement were Mike Johnson, Ashley Knapton, Erica Murray, Derek Van De Walle, and Carson Wagner. The young farmers shared some common concerns and recommendations for organizations looking to gain feedback and involvement from the industry’s youth. The first suggestion was to be more open to new ideas. “It quickly becomes discouraging for new volunteers when they hear ‘no’ every time they offer up a new idea, and their interest in being involved will diminish rapidly,” wrote Wood in an article distributed by the OFA. “Not every new idea will be a success, but you won’t know unless you give it a try. And even if something didn’t work well the last time it was tried – 10 or 15 years ago – it could be worth trying again. As we all know only all too well, our world has changed in the last few years.” Another suggestion was for organizations to be more specific in their expectations. “Most people have busy lives and those who would make great volunteers are probably already involved in various activities,” wrote Wood. “That’s why it’s important to be specific and realistic in how much time you are asking them to commit to your organization. And when they do join, ease them into the group gradually and don’t overwhelm them with a flood of tasks or activities.” The remaining recommendations for encouraging involvement from young industry members are flexible meeting and communication options and making new people feel welcome through encouragement and coaching. One message repeated at the AGM was that supporting young people taking on leadership roles sets the groundwork for a strong industry in years to come. BF - Emily Croft OFA ENCOURAGES YOUNG LEADERS James McVicar photo
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