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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