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4 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | October 2024 INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE INSIGHT FROM THE INSIDE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR PROUD OF OUR PAUL; SPRAYING CEREAL RYE Better Farming writer Paul Hermans has been recognized as the 2024 International Certified Crop Advisor of the Year by the American Society of Agronomy. Paul, who’s a Corteva Agriscience agronomist based in Eastern Ontario (representing Pioneer Seeds), is being honoured for his innovation and mentorship in the agronomy field. A University of Guelph alumnus with a very busy schedule, Paul recently explained to me why he continues to educate the farmers of Ontario through this magazine. “Part of my job as an agronomist is to share views on agronomy,” said Paul. “Growers get their agronomy information through different media in today’s world; some being through social media, others at in-person meetings. In agriculture, a lot of growers still like reading print. “Writing for Better Farming allows me to share current agronomy ideas along with the research work I do locally with a superb bunch of growers in Eastern Ontario. “I appreciate the feedback from customers who have reached out to me commenting on past articles. “It is an honour to be a writer here, alongside two other keynote CCA members, Patrick Lynch, and Dale Cowan.” It’s a good time for good word on cereal rye, a versatile cover crop that can be seeded late into the fall. This winter cereal overwinters reliably and grows rapidly in the spring. You’ll find more insight on fieldcropnews.com on how “delayed termination of rye by herbicide prior to soybean planting can enhance weed suppression and soil benefits.” So when to spray your cereal rye before soybeans? Again, more insight on the OMAFA site, but the simple answer is to “spray the cereal rye cover crop just prior to planting soybeans ‘green’ into it. Delaying termination until planting maximizes cover crop benefits and poses minimal risk to the soybean crop.” “New planting equipment, so we could improve seed placement and have variable rate technology with individual row shut-offs to minimize overlap.” - Bruce County farmer on his off-season shopping list, Page 10 “When a physician is looking for a job, the financial incentives and overall salary of rural positions must be high enough so that there is a draw of workers from urban to rural.” - Dr. Rithesh Ram, Page 21 “The first two generations paid for the farm with potatoes as the farm grew. It was 200 acres at the turn of the century. Our livestock have carried the farm over the last 50 years with the milk production starting in the ’60s, coming out of a mixed farm in the ’50s.” - Scott Wilson, Page 26 “I’ve noticed that farmers have so many questions. They want to know everything, and they’ll get down into the nitty-gritty of what you’re doing: Profit margins, how to make something work …” - Eleanor Renaud, Page 33 1-888-248-4893 90 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PAUL NOLAN ext 202 Paul.Nolan@Farms.com ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LESLIE STEWART ext 265 Leslie.Stewart@Farms.com AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISTS MARY LOGGAN EMILY MCKINLAY CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION MOE AGOSTINO CAMPBELL CORK DALE COWAN ABHINESH GOPAL PAUL HERMANS PATRICK LYNCH RALPH WINFIELD ADVERTISING TEAM GLENN RUEGG JEFF McKEE JENNY LONGSTREET SCOTT FARHOOD SAMANTHA RENAUD JOAN SPIEGELBERG DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM TANYA MYERS GREG MARLOW SHAUN CLARK ANDREA WILLIAMS www.BetterFarming.com Better Farming magazine is mailed as a member-benefit to all farmer members of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. If you are not an OFA member, subscribe at: 1-888-248-4893 ext 281 Subscriptions@BetterFarming.com ISSN 1498-9344 (Printed) Canadian one-year subscriptions: $41 (11 issues; includes $4.72 HST). Two-year: $74 ($8.51 HST). U.S. subscriptions: $72 annually. International: $121. Single-copy back issues are $12. GST Registration #868959347RT0001 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AgMedia Inc., 90 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2. Publications Mail Registration #1156. Publications Mail Agreement #40037298. Copyright ©2024 by AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the publisher is forbidden. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Better Farming, AgMedia or Farms.com endorse any advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the omission of any scheduled advertising. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Follow us on @BetterFarmingON Cover: chaofann/iStock/Getty Images Plus; West Port Holsteins photo
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6 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | October 2024 Beyond the Barn HERMANS CHOSEN AS INTERNATIONAL CCA OF THE YEAR Ontario’s Paul Hermans has been chosen as the 2024 International Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) of the Year. Hermans is an area agronomist with Corteva Agriscience representing the Pioneer Seed brand in Eastern Ontario. He also is a regular contributor to Better Farming magazine. “Paul Hermans’ innovative spirit and dedication to mentoring have left an indelible mark on the agricultural community,” said Sandy Endicott, chair of the International Certified Crop Adviser Board (ICCA). The International Certified Crop Advisor of the Year is awarded by the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), which represents thousands of crop advisors across North America. “Hermans’s journey began on his family’s rented farm, where he worked alongside local dairy farmers,” according to a recent Corteva release. “This early exposure to agriculture ignited his passion for the field, leading him to pursue a degree in agricultural science from the University of Guelph.” According to the release, Hermans has played an active role in promoting the CCA program in Ontario, serving on committees and taking many opportunities to speak and educate farmers. “Paul is an extremely valuable source of information for me as a fellow CCA,” says Paul Sullivan of P.T. Sullivan Agro. “He is known for his enthusiasm and engagement and is approachable and always willing to search out answers.” Hermans focuses his research on ways to help improve the success of growers and identify current issues. He believes that “helping farmers succeed is the goal, and the way to do that is by finding solutions to their problems and concerns.” Hermans receives his award at the ICCA’s board meeting at the ASA’s annual meeting in Texas in November. BF Partners Matt Bergman and D.J. Wassenaar of Haybury Farms in Jarvis were recently named Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2024. Bergman grew up on a dairy farm and started farming for himself at 23, working an off-farm job and using his farmland to pay the farm mortgage. Agriculture was also a focus from a young age for Wassenaar, who was raised on a beef farm and developed an interest in growing crops. According to a recent release from Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers, “in 2018, with 500 acres of rental ground to their name, they needed to maximize every acre, so they looked at field management and row crop farming a little differently than traditional farming. Their focus was towards profit per acre. They decided the best way to maximize hay acres was rotation with organics. “They decided to do 25 acres of organic corn as a trial to see if it worked on their ground type and if they could manage and handle the extra workload that went with it. Maximizing the premium on IP beans and acre contracts for organics allowed them to become profitable in row crop farming. “Increasing to 400 acres of organic corn and soybean rotation in 2019 led to the creation of Claybank Organics. In 2021 they expanded into northern Ontario/Algoma District, purchasing a farm to grow straight timothy hay for overseas customers.” Claybank Organics now farms 1,000 acres a year of organic corn, soybeans and hay, and Haybury farms 3,200 acres. “They have gone from farming with borrowed, leased, and rented equipment, to having and maintaining their own fleet both in Jarvis and the Algoma area. “They each use their strengths to run and manage the farm business. “Matt manages and makes most of the crop input decisions. D.J. is the face of the farm and handles sales and customer relations while constantly chasing new opportunities.” Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2024 will be announced at the organization’s “national event” in Lethbridge, Alta. in November. BF ONT. YOUNG FARMERS RECOGNIZED Ontario Young Farmers photo Matt Bergman and D.J. Wassenaar of Jarvis.
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8 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | October 2024 Beyond the Barn For years, Eastern Ontario has struggled with limited grain-drying and storage capacity, forcing local growers to ship their crops to elevators immediately after harvest. This has restricted their market opportunities and ability to secure premium prices. Labour and trucking shortages have further complicated the situation, driving up costs and limiting transport availability. Recognizing the need for control over their operations, Michael and Jennifer Doelman of Bonnechere Haven Farms in Renfrew County invested in their own on-farm receiving, drying, and storage system. This 1,100-acre grain and oilseed farm sought to minimize risk and expand market opportunities. The project became feasible with cost-share funding from the Supply Chain Stability and Adaptability Program. “We chose a Neco mixed flow dryer because it’s more efficient and versatile,” says Mike Doelman. “Previously, we had to ship our canola to Quebec for drying, which was costly and limited our options.” The new system has already proven its worth. Last fall, the Doelmans harvested and dried their corn immediately. Without the dryer, they would have faced delays until spring, along with potential crop damage from wildlife over the winter. The on-farm system also offers environmental and logistical benefits, reducing fuel costs, emissions, and demand on local trucking. Soil health has also improved. Previously, the farm had to harvest when trucks were available, leading to soil compaction. Now, they can time their harvests better, protecting the soil. The project’s success has inspired plans for further storage expansion in 2024, and the dryer’s versatility will support a broader crop rotation. The added capacity also benefits other farmers in the region. “This project was a pipe dream until we accessed the funding,” says Jennifer Doelman. “It’s about reducing risk, improving our quality of life, and investing in our community.” The program, funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council, has been instrumental in addressing these challenges in the agri-food sector. BF - Based on a recent release from the Agricultural Adaptation Council Doelman Family photo DRYER UPGRADE FUELS GROWTH JOINT INVESTMENT BOOSTS AGRI-TECH FOR BUSINESSES The provincial and federal governments recently invested up to $22.6 million to help businesses adopt innovative technologies, aiming to enhance the efficiency of Ontario’s agriculture and food sector. This investment, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), is expected to drive improvements across the industry, marking a step forward in modernizing farming practices. Through the Agri-Tech Innovation Initiative, funds have been allocated to 319 farming and agri-food enterprises. These businesses are using the support to invest in advanced equipment, processes, and technologies that enhance production efficiency or reduce energy consumption. The total combined investment from the governments and the private sector is projected to generate up to $61 million in industry advancements. Several funded projects illustrate the initiative’s broad impact. Roelofsen Nursery in Norwich received $49,000 to purchase an electric sprayer for its field nursery crops, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Byler Enterprises in Algoma District was awarded $45,000 to install reverse osmosis equipment, concentrating maple syrup sap and thereby reducing boiling time and energy use. Solmaz Foods in Etobicoke invested $100,000 in refrigeration and freezer equipment to improve both energy efficiency and storage capacity. Peggy Brekveld, board chair of the Agricultural Adaptation Council, said that “this strategic, timely investment in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and energy efficiency for Ontario agri-food businesses will boost growth and productivity, allowing our sector to meet the growing demand for Ontario food products.” BF - Based on an article from Farms.com The Neco mixed flow dryer on Bonnechere Haven Farms.
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10 Better Farming | October 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON As the colder months approach, many Ontario producers begin to think about new farm equipment. And of course, acquisitions always depend on what the budget allows. But this month, Better Farming asked producers to dream a bit. What equipment would you buy if your budget was unlimited – and how that would benefit your farming operation? Some 83 per cent of farmers told us they would purchase new planting and harvesting machinery, while 16.6 per cent would buy storage and drying equipment. Jessica, Elgin County: “Equipment to diversify our crops and additional storage bins. Being limited to traditional conventional crops is not sustainable. However, the cost of specialty equipment is not attainable.” Michel, Russell County: “Corn dryer and storage space for my crop.” Brianna, Lanark County: “New hay and crop planting and harvesting equipment. We are just finishing the farm succession transfer and need to update.” Nellie, Oxford County: “A new combine, so we can get our crops off in a timely manner.” Geoff, Bruce County: “New planting equipment, so we could improve seed placement and have variable rate technology with individual row shutoffs to minimize overlap.” Jon, Niagara Region: “John Deere 8RX 410 on 120” wheel spacing, for controlled traffic, low ground PSI, and for fun.” Lloyd, Bruce County: “New truck and loader tractor; mine are getting a bit older.” Bill, Elgin County: “Planter, ground- working equipment.” Ken, Niagara Region: “A new combine.” Daniel, Simcoe County: “A forestry mulcher, to make more acres productive.” Doug, Middlesex County: “I would choose to modernize and upsize our tractors and tillage equipment.” Larry, Brant County: “A 120 hp tractor.” Jon, Dufferin County: “Larger grain dryer, elevators and overhead bins. They save time and increase efficiency.” Allan, Oxford County: “A Kinze split row planter.” Barclay, Wellington County: “A potato harvester. As my business grows, doing things by hand gets harder.” BF Digging Deeper SO LET’S SAY YOU WON THE LOTTERY … With an unlimited budget, what’s on your farm-machinery shopping list? By Mary Loggan Many farmers would modernize their farm equipment given the opportunity. New Holland photo
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12 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | October 2024 The future of farming is near, as robots work alongside tractors in a University of Guelph study underway. On the rich soils of the Holland Marsh north of Toronto, two robots drive down a local grower’s field to seed, weed and cultivate. Using precise geolocating, they know when they’ve reached the end of the field and when to turn around and start again. They even remember where they’ve planted their seeds in order to cultivate around them. Are these self-driving robots, named Farm Droid and Orio, the future of Canadian agriculture? U of G researchers will soon find out. New funding from the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph, supports the first study to compare these cutting-edge robots to conventional methods. Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald, professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture within the Ontario Agricultural College, is leading this three-year project, which began in 2023, at the Ontario Crops Research Centre and farms in Bradford, Ont. “The robot addresses real issues that growers are dealing with right now,” says McDonald. “Not only are we providing feedback to the manufacturers, our technicians have been extremely innovative in improving the designs. We’re excited about the potential of these agricultural robots to transform the future of farming practices in Ontario and beyond.” U of G researchers assess strengths, economic benefits of farm robots Developed by robotics companies FarmDroid and Naïo Technologies, the two robots, which cost around $130,000 to $200,000, can be used for a number of crops: Onions, beets, carrots and more. Farm Droid, an autonomous seeder and weeder, has clear advantages for growers, McDonald says. Though it’s slower than a traditional tractor, it can work 24 hours a day. A “solar panel on wheels,” as McDonald describes it, the robot has a better environmental footprint and can be monitored at a distance through an app, freeing up workers for other tasks. Part of McDonald’s project has involved optimizing the Farm Droid’s seeder. Their innovative design has already doubled the robot’s seeding speed from 250 metres an hour to at least 550, and the team has also seen bigger onions as a result, which can be worth a lot more for the grower. The other robot, Orio, is an electric tool carrier for weeding, cultivating, and seeding, producing less greenhouse gases than tractors. Lighter than most equipment, it has a lower risk of damaging the soil. The innovative design of McDonald’s group, with a broadcast and hooded sprayer specific for the Orio, is already in use in South Africa. “People want their robots to multitask,” McDonald says. As such, she is also evaluating a new technology developed by Picketa Solutions for real-time nutrient analysis. The robots might one day be capable of grabbing a leaf with a mechanical hand and identifying its nutrient status in a second – a process that typically takes days. That capability will tell the growers what part of the field is deficient in a nutrient and where they should focus. There are still some challenges. The solar-powered Farm Droid sometimes starts and stops in the rain. Orio, meanwhile, needs to have a charging station nearby, a difficult logistic depending on the farm. But McDonald and her team are sharpening these robots’ reliability. Despite these challenges, she says the grower who has volunteered his field to be part of the study is already interested in purchasing the Farm Droid. He has been an advocate during the recent AgRobotics Demo Day, a proResearch ROBOTS COULD TRANSFORM THE FUTURE Academia, industry collaborate on the cutting edge. From the University of Guelph Orio is an electric tool carrier for weeding, cultivating, and seeding. University of Guelph photo
13 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | October 2024 motional event to showcase this technology to local farmers. “That kind of grower cooperation and community participation is extremely valuable to a project like this,” McDonald says. Tackling ag labour shortages The Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council predicts that onethird of the agricultural workforce will retire by 2030. This means 100,000 jobs will need to be filled. As McDonald notes, the cost of labour and the difficulty in fulfilling roles from temporary workers are large challenges that automation can help address. Weeds are also becoming increasingly herbicide-resistant, McDonald says. Some crops don’t even have approved herbicides. Orio can be equipped with a mechanical weeder that is herbicide-free. McDonald stresses that these robots will not replace human workers. “Having additional technology takes stress from the tractor operators,” she says. “We anticipate that these robots are going to be an integral part of the operation. That allows you to use your human resources in a different way.” McDonald adds her team of students hired to work on the farm and her research technicians have had valuable experiential learning opportunities through this project. “Getting academia and industry to collaborate in innovative ways, right on the cutting edge, has been one of many positive things about this study,” she says. BF Dr. McDonald’s project is funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the University of Guelph. Also contributing to the project are Haggerty AgRobotics, Picketa Systems and the AgRobotics Working Group. The Ontario Crops Research Centre is owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario and managed by U of G through the Alliance. Research 1-866-267-6255 CALL TO ACCESS FREE, UNLIMITED COUNSELLING Stress on the farm Family or relationships Financial pressure Anxiety or depression Managing your workload Substance use Loneliness or isolation Supporting loved ones Processing traumatic events FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR ONTARIO FARMERS, FARM WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES FARMERWELLNESSINITIATIVE.CA SCAN THE BAR CODE TO ADD THE LINE TO YOUR CONTACTS
14 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | October 2024 Look back at spring MOTHER NATURE WILL CONTINUE TO THROW US CURVEBALLS DON’T FORGET OUR SPRING LEARNINGS! BY PAUL HERMANS Paul Hermans photo Hail damage on corn.
15 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | October 2024 Growing crops can be so emotional. Mother Nature throws us curveballs all year long. The 2024 spring Season had its challenges with late planting dates and excess moisture in most locales. Here are some issues that occurred across a wide geography this spring. Planting date does not trump yield data. Even emergence, especially in corn, outweighs mudding crops in. Research data would show we can gain two to five per cent more yield with earlier planting dates. Even emergence can gain us five to nine per cent more yield. This winter, explore equipment sizing and how long it takes you to plant your crops. Upgrading the equipment fleet size or hiring a neighbour may be feasible, especially if these wet spring weather patterns continue. Winter wheat survival in 2024 was almost perfect across much of Ontario. The only time we experienced replant issues was with poor drainage areas and in fields where planting depths were too shallow. Shallow planting depths in wheat means the crown is not firmly anchored in the soil and is more exposed to frost heaving in the spring. Keep an eye on planting depth for high-yielding stands. There is nothing worse than completing planting, having the crop come through evenly, and then having Look back at spring Replanting issues happened where planting depths were too shallow. Paul Hermans photo
16 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | October 2024 Mother Nature throw a slicing hailstorm curve ball at a field. Luckily both corn and soybean plants can take a lot of hail damage early in the vegetative stages. At the seventh leaf stage corn can lose 50 per cent of its leaf matter, only affecting yield by two per cent. Soybeans before flowering can lose most of its leaf matter early on with no effect on yield. As both crops get closer to reproductive stages, this changes dramatically, showing the importance of keeping the plant healthy during reproductive stages. Soybeans just at emergence time can be more challenging with extreme hail. During early emergence and before trifoliates are set, the plant is more vulnerable to being cut off as the growing point is exposed. We witnessed this in a few fields this year where plants at the VC (cotyledon) stage were cut off at the base of the plant at ground level. Other fields that were earlier planted and in the V2-V3 (two to three trifoliate) growth stage did not have this issue. These fields had more protection from above, with the leaves acting like an umbrella protecting the plant. Soybeans are an amazing crop. Tiny little axillary buds are found on the plant. If these buds are alive and actively growing, vegetative growth will continue. Keep this in mind when scouting fields next year. With heavy, pounding, high-intensity rainfalls occurring more frequently, we are seeing more crusting after planting. Will these future patterns exist? It is hard to say, but over the last five years, the frequency and timing in late May/early June has been increasing. Ask yourself, would it be worth having a rotary hoe (or other equipment) available to deal with this? Explore options to find a decent used one that is sized adequately, so you can get over a lot of acres in a brief period. Explore purchasing one with friendly neighbours sharing the equipment costs. Slug damage was on the rise this year. This was a function of the environment. We had more damage on soybeans planted into corn stubble. In 2023 we had our highest yields ever, which was a function of higher plant biomass. In no-till and minimum-till situations, this extra residue, coupled with delayed, wet planting conditions, harboured the right growing environment for slugs. Just like the hail example above, soybeans can endure a lot of leaf mass loss early on from slugs. In some cases, replanting had to occur. If these environments present themselves in the future, utilizing row cleaners or a light tillage pass will reduce the growing environment for the slugs, allowing the crop to grow ahead and outcompete this pest. Weed control was a challenge this year. In 2023 we had a warm open fall in October/November, which led to winter annual weed germination. Coupled with a wet, delayed planting/ herbicide application season, weeds grew extremely fast. The importance of fall and spring burndowns in these scenarios was evident, as it kept weed species at bay. Remember, as weeds get tall – beyond four to six inches – they are tougher to control, require more product to effectively reduce them, and take away yield from your crop by competing for vital water, nutrients, and sunlight. As you are reading this, I am hoping harvest is progressing without delays on your farm. As you watch your yield monitor go up and down in the combine, take some time to reflect on the spring and how the cards were dealt early-on, yield wise. Reflect on what we can learn from this to make ourselves better for the future down the road. Mother Nature will continue to throw us curve balls. Practising and learning from her pitches will allow us to hit a home run. Adapting to change in agriculture is critical for survival. Understanding crop growth, research and agronomy will help us all with this adaptation. All the best with the fall harvest. BF Look back at spring PAUL HERMANS Paul Hermans, CCA-ON is an area agronomist in Eastern Ontario with Corteva Agriscience. Explore purchasing a rotary hoe with neighbours to share in the cost. Paul Hermans photo
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18 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | October 2024 RURAL HEALTHCARE “Rural healthcare continues to be ignored, under-resourced, and is a very different healthcare than is delivered in urban areas. Rural medicine and urban medicine are very different, and present different challenges.” That statement comes from Dr. Rithesh Ram, Rural Generalist Medicine specialist and president and founder of Riverside Medical in Drumheller, Alta. Indeed, some farm families continue to grapple with limited healthcare options across rural communities here in Ontario. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), rural and remote areas continue to have fewer physicians per capita compared to urban centres. In 2022, some 27 per cent of rural Canadians reported difficulty accessing a family doctor, compared to 13 per cent in urban areas. The shortage of physicians in these regions often results in longer wait times and reduced access to necessary services. Ram sees the shortage of medical professionals as related to “the false notion that urban experience is more valuable than rural experience, and that physicians only practice in rural areas because they are unable to ‘make it’ in the city.” Ram also takes issue with any assumption that “in rural areas we have the exact same resources and availability of services that they do in urban areas.” The CIHI points out that geographic isolation poses one of the most significant issues for rural Canadians. Many farmers must travel long distances to access healthcare services, which can be particularly burdensome for those with chronic conditions or mobility issues. Emergency healthcare services in rural areas are frequently under strain as well. Many rural communities have fewer emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals equipped to handle complex cases. “The current system funnels investigations funding to the urban centres, where you have 200 hundred times the number of specialists roaming the hallways who have been trained to diagnose problems without specialized tests,” Ram explains. “Rural and remote areas should be provided the ability to perform tests and get answers that would either prevent patients from being transferred to the city needlessly or identify patients that must be sent to the city immediately to prevent morbidity and mortality. “For example, in our town, it makes no sense why our CT scan is available only Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Which means every patient who comes at 4:30 on a weekday, or any patient who comes on the weekend, must be transported to the city for a scan. “The majority of those scans result in non-urgent results, which means the patient and ambulance were inconvenienced for many hours when they could have – within minutes – received the scan in our centre. “Not to mention the significantly higher cost of continuing with the status quo.” The CIHI points out that rural hospitals are more likely to face closures or service reductions compared to urban hospitals. This can lead to delays in emergency care and increased risk for patients in critical situations. Mental health services in rural areas are often limited due to a shortage of professionals and the stigma associated with mental health issues. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, rural communities face challenges such as fewer psychiaSTEPS STILL NEED TO BE TAKEN, SAYS RURAL PHYSICIAN RURAL HEALTHCARE: STILL UNDER-RESOURCED BY MARY LOGGAN Leslie Stewart photo
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20 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | October 2024 trists, psychologists, and counsellors, resulting in longer wait times and reduced access to care. The lack of local resources can contribute to increased rates of untreated conditions. So are there any solutions? Telehealth – the use of digital information and communication technologies to access healthcare services – has emerged as a potential solution to some rural healthcare challenges in recent years. It allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for lengthy travel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of telehealth in Canada expanded rapidly. According to the Canadian Medical Association, telehealth consultations increased significantly during the pandemic and helped reach underserved populations. They point out that continued investment in digital infrastructure and internet connectivity is necessary to maximize the benefits of telehealth. But Ram warns of limitations. Rural medicine presents different challenges, says Dr. Rithesh Ram. Rithesh Ram photo RURAL HEALTHCARE What’s next happens here... At Pioneer® brand seeds, innovation drives everything we do. From the scientists in the lab to your local teams with boots on the ground, we collaborate tirelessly, gathering and analyzing billions of data points annually. All to ensure we’re delivering industry-leading solutions to the farmers and families who count on us every day. Visit Pioneer.com/Canada to see how we’re innovating the future of farming. ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2024 Corteva.
21 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | October 2024 “Virtual and telehealth cannot replace the physical exam. If we wanted to expand the number of tests – labs, investigations, et cetera – then virtual and telehealth would do just that, which of course increases utilization of the ERs and healthcare spending. “Virtual and telehealth are important patient safety tools for very remote areas, but there should be near zero use in cities and towns that should have a sustainable patient medical home.” According to the CIHI, to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas, financial incentives and support are crucial. Programs such as the Rural, Remote, and Northern Recruitment and Retention Strategy offer financial support to healthcare providers who work in underserved regions. Additionally, increasing funding for rural health programs and providing financial support to rural hospitals can help sustain essential services and improve care availability. Ram also explains the importance of “adequately funding equipment and healthcare personnel for the work that they have been doing so that we can retain our healthcare workforce.” He says “there need to be rural modifiers as a start for everything provided. When a physician is looking for a job, the financial incentives and overall salary of rural positions must be high enough so that there is a draw of workers from urban to rural.” Improving rural health requires addressing broader social determinants such as education, transportation, and housing. Investments in community development, transportation infrastructure, and educational opportunities can contribute to better health outcomes. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers are vital in creating a holistic approach to rural health, the CIHI says. Many steps still need to be taken. Enhancing public health education and outreach can empower rural residents to manage their health proactively. Tailored health education programs, preventive screenings, and community health initiatives can improve health literacy and encourage early intervention. Programs such as the Canadian Public Health Agency’s Rural Health Strategy aim to increase awareness and understanding of health issues in rural communities. Ram advises rural Canadians to speak up about healthcare issues. “Be loud and repetitive. Force involvement by your municipal governments and provincial politicians. If they do not hear the message repeatedly, nothing will happen.” BF RURAL HEALTHCARE ...when the best in corn gets even better • Continued improvement in yield potential • Two new corn traits that offer yield, protection and flexibility: PowerCore® Enlist™ and Vorceed™ Enlist™ • A wide offering of hybrids with resistance to tar spot • The most extensive testing for gibberella ear rot in Eastern Canada • Local breeding programs and rigorous on-farm testing Visit Pioneer.com/Canada to see how we’re innovating the future of farming. ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2024 Corteva. MARY LOGGAN Mary is a graduate of the University of Guelph. She was raised on a dairy farm and currently operates an equestrian facility in Oxford County.
22 Better Farming | October 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON WETLAND MAPPING CONCERNS The farming community’s voice on land use and government policy can be strong, as a recent series of events proved. In April, changes to the Ontario government’s Conservation Authorities Act set in motion changes to wetland mapping in Eastern Ontario. This was a cause for concern among local producers, who recognized that farming operations could be impeded by these changes. The regulation updates aimed to streamline the approach to wetland protection across the province. Three conservation authorities – South Nation Conservation (SNC), Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) – were ordered to update their mapping to align with the new regulations. Short timelines and communication gaps increased anxiety from the agricultural communities within these conservation regions. Clint Cameron was settling into his new role as OFA Zone 11 director when these changes began. “There’s a lot of history here with regards to conservation authorities and agriculture, and we aren’t alone with the apprehension and relationship gaps with them,” says Cameron. “Across most of southern Ontario, conservation authorities have played a valuable role in things like flood mitigation and administering stewardship programs. OFA continues to advocate for farmers and property owner’s best interests while understanding the role conservation authorities have and working together to support farm members and enhance environmental conditions on-farm.” The wetland mapping project progressed quickly, with some producers feeling left in the dark. What actually WETLAND MAPPING CONCERNS: A CASE STUDY ‘FARMERS STILL HAVE A PUSH.’ BY EMILY MCKINLAY moneycue_canada_ stock.adobe.com
occurred, and where does this project sit now? The process The changes to the Conservation Authorities Act began in 2022. When first proposed on the provincial level, a comment period was open for 66 days between Oct. 25 and Dec. 30. “It’s not a new area of focus for OFA, with balancing the needs of wetlands and agriculture in Ontario,” says Cameron. “We have been working with the Ministry of Natural Resources since 2022. There was an awareness that there would be changes coming, and in that year, OFA submitted comments to two MNR proposals, and our position was and remains that we are categorically opposed to any non-agricultural use of prime farmland.” OFA also reinforced that fully functional wetlands cannot be created or restored to replace wetlands lost to other land uses. “Creating new wetlands and woodlands through offsets can lead to difficulty for farmers. “We aren’t looking to support creating new wetlands just because they lost some. And the cost of lost wetland restoration and compensation can’t come at the cost of agricultural land.” These comments were considered in the 2022 comment period, and no further was heard about the changes throughout 2023. In February 2024, the ministry made their decision on the regulations, and they were shared publicly on April 1. This change was made to Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, with Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits. The three Eastern Ontario conservation authorities were then mandated to update their identification of locally significant wetlands in addition to the previously allocated provincially significant wetlands. “It forced consistency across the province,” explains Cameron, who notes that this became the “point of grief” in the situation. “The conservation authorities went back to do their due diligence. On May 23, there was a meeting hosted by South Nation Conservation Authority. The purpose was to roll out the plan to some organizations and that there would be consultations for public input and comment in future.” In the days following this, Cameron was told that three of the four counties in his zone would be affected by the changes and that meetings would be held by local federations to discuss what was coming. Ryan Devries, president of the Dundas Federation of Agriculture, said that the timing of the announcements and meetings added to the apprehension of local farmers. “South Nation Conservation Authority had reached out to us in the middle of the busy cropping season,” says Ryan. 22_0470_Gloves_Grip_HalfHoriz_US_MXsp Mod: October 23, 2023 3:30 PM Print: 08/01/24 page 1 v2.5 πSHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 GET A GRIP! ALL STYLES ALWAYS IN STOCK ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING WETLAND MAPPING CONCERNS 23 Better Farming | October 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON
24 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | October 2024 “On April 1 the government placed the new regulation, and that’s around when things began ramping up.” The community meetings began in June. The initial meeting on June 5 was cancelled to continue to work out messaging and mapping and prepare more imagery. Cameron attended a June 13 presentation held by South Nation and Rideau Conservation Authorities for the local agriculture federations. “At the time it looked pretty tame. They were modest, and they came with their hat in hand. They said they had a mandate and don’t have all the answers, but they have to be compliant with provincial regulations and are willing to work with farmers,” explains Cameron. Cameron thought that the meeting went over reasonably well, but not everyone could access the mapping site. “They said, ‘We’ll get back to you in July, but take a look at the map when you get a chance,’” says Cameron. When the maps became accessible, dark green areas represented the previously determined provincially significant wetlands, while light green areas marked new locally significant wetlands which were mapped with four- to six-year-old maps and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology. Cameron believes the use of older maps and LIDAR created some of the largest gaps in the conflict. Many of the areas identified as locally significant wetlands in these maps were swaths of cleared land, high lands, and bush. Accusations of bad intentions and hidden agendas became rampant. “I pulled up the map and looked at the wetlands and went, ‘They’ve designated stuff that’s already cleared and stuff that’s clearly not wetlands.’ I was devastated, as most people would be,” says Cameron. He proceeded to reach out the South Nation Conservation Authority and his local MPP for clarification on June 24. He later received confirmation from his MPP that the process was paused and that the conservation authorities were disappointed with the reception. That same day, Cameron attended a local council meeting where local developers and farmers spoke about concerns. “That night it became apparent that they didn’t have a clear understanding of what was going on. It speaks to me that there was bigger gap if even the township doesn’t know what was going on,” says Cameron. Further public consultations were planned for June 25, 26 and 28. Those meetings were cancelled as the project was paused. The concerns Loss of farmland is a constant concern for Ontario farmers. The timing and rollout of the wetland mapping project left producers feeling confused, concerned, and suspicious of the intent. “In Dundas County, there’s some wetland, but nothing compared to the proposed update wetland mapping,” says Devries. “In the updated mapping, we would’ve had a significant amount of land considered locally significant wetland. It wasn’t all farmland but would be considered bush, and it was put in as wetland. It was more high ground. Some areas made sense, but in other areas we were unsure how it was classified as wetland. It was not low ground.” Some local farmers were concerned about what these designations meant for land use and future farm improvements. If land is designated as locally significant wetland, even if it doesn’t appear to be, would that limit future barn building, land clearing, or cropping? “That was where there were a lot of issues,” says Devries. “From my impression, once land is designated wetland, you can’t clear it and it handcuffs you in what you can do. People were upset with it and a lot of people were planning to show up to the public consultation.” Devries says he doesn’t believe the map was set in stone, but suggests there also wasn’t enough communication for farmers to feel comfortable with it. “I believe there was still an ability to change it,” he explains. “The challenge was that communication was not great, and it comes across badly when the change shows up during cropping time, when farmers are busiest. There were a lot of reasons for farmers to be concerned about it.” The outcome The wetland mapping project, as a part of the streamlining of wetland designation across the province, was paused at the end of June and is currently suspended. “As it sits right now, it’s on halt for those three conservation authorities,” says Cameron. “I believe it will be revisited in the future, and hopefully they will be more current with mapping and more comprehensive with information rollout. They were put in a position of a tight timeline and given a mandate that they may have been overwhelmed with, was my perception of the meeting.” The pace of the program rollout created challenges with map quality and communication, which confused some producers. Conservation authorities have an essential role to play in maintaining Ontario’s environment, but the agriculture community values clear communication. Devries points out that the suspension of this project does demonstrate that farmers still have a voice when it comes to policy and regulations. “As much as it scared a lot of people, farmers still have a push,” says Devries. “We made our point, and the government cancelled it.” BF WETLAND MAPPING CONCERNS EMILY MCKINLAY Emily lives on a beef farm, raising Red Angus and Simmental cattle. She holds a Master of Science in Animal Biosciences from University of Guelph, with a focus on ruminant nutrition.
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