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4 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | September 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 FARMLAND FEARS; A PERFECT HARVEST However it ends, the ongoing assembly of farmland in Wilmot Township will leave many farmers asking “could this happen to my farm and family?” As one reader wrote to us about the “farmland theft” before press time, “the entire province needs to be made aware of what could be done to them.” Waterloo Region, which aims to acquire 770 acres of rural land for future development, recently upset many by destroying crops before harvest. “Literally hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of corn completely shredded and chopped up and then they tried to hide the evidence by plowing it under the ground,” said Kevin Thomason, vice-chair of the Grand River Environmental Network. Inside this edition, you’ll find a wealth of insight for harvest time. As winter wheat harvest has wrapped up, it’s a good time to reflect on what strategies worked and where improvements are needed – to ensure that next year’s crop is even more successful. Post-harvest is also a prime opportunity to introduce a cover crop into your rotation and tackle those challenging weeds. The OMAFA Field Crop Team: “Reflecting on how varieties performed can be a helpful tool for improving future success as it enables you to select the most suitable varieties for the upcoming fall planting season.” The OMAFA folks at FieldCropNews.com reminds us that information on how varieties performed in 2024 will be available at GoCrops.ca. We got some great responses from our farming readers when we asked some of them to describe an excellent harvest, and they really had us reflecting on what a vital and prosperous season this can be for everyone. As Jon from Niagara wrote, the perfect harvests looks something like “dry ground conditions, light rain on Saturday evening to let everyone go to church on Sunday. And no breakdowns, of course!” 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 SHARON SALM 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: Photography Beitz photo, Ontario Forage Council photo “After perfect rain and warmth to grow the perfect hay crop, seven days of sunshine, 25 C, and 50 per cent humidity so we can bale our 70 acres of hay into small squares. All equipment runs great. We have lots of twine on hand, purchased at a reasonable price. Two skilled drivers and six people to load and unload wagons. The good weather holds long enough to have a grand celebration outside after all hay is in. A jump in the pool and a bonfire.” - Wellington County producer Katie, on the ideal harvest, Page 10 “The best way I can serve OMAFA stakeholders is to travel across our province to listen and learn about the concerns, issues, and opportunities facing agri-food in Ontario. And that is exactly what I plan to do.” - Rob Flack, new minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Page 19 “You had to have the stature and leverage to control the plow behind the team of horses. If you didn’t and the plow hit a large rock or even hard ground, it would flip up or flip over and could take you over with it.” - Ralph Winfield, Page 57
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6 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | September 2024 Beyond the Barn BEEF PRODUCERS URGED TO USE FLOW STATEMENTS Ontario beef farmers know the importance of financial structure when managing their operations. Cash flow statements are a way to help producers focus and improve performance. Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) Aaron Backman, a senior loans analyst, and Nathan Janzen, a senior relationship manager, provide reasons beef farmers should use cash flow statements. Often beef farmers receive one payment a year, and have to stretch out cash flow over the next 12 months. Having a clear cash flow statement helps manage money most effectively. FCC says farmers should use statements to “understand if purchases and expenses make sense, reviewing your annual financial plan every three to six months to ensure you are still on track and able to make all your purchases and pay your bills.” Cash flow statements also help with capital investment evaluations for expansion, maintenance, and equipment replacement. “Consider whether the purchase would make sense if cattle prices dropped,” explains Janzen. “This helps focus on understanding the risks you’re taking and the possible shortfalls.” The statements also help in making risk-management decisions. “A tractor at an auction may be a great deal, but how many calves do you have to sell out of your bottom line to rationalize that purchase?” Checking cash flow is a way to ensure safer and balanced decision-making. “All decisions you make ultimately have an impact on cash flow. Can you absorb those impacts? Only a cash flow statement can tell you that,” Backman says. They can also help farmers find growth potential. Janzen explains that “statements identify opportunities, noting how it’s important to balance revenue and expense impacts when looking at them.” BF With an overload of work and responsibility during harvest, many Ontario farmers may find themselves struggling with symptoms of burnout. So how can producers avoid burnout? According to Lesley Kelly of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, becoming self-aware, reducing your stimulation level, drawing lines of self-respect and prioritizing activities you love are simple ways to combat exhaustion. Becoming self-aware and recognizing the symptoms is the first step. Kelly points out that “basic activities like going to the grocery store or moving a piece of equipment feel overstimulating. We’re quick to ignore these signs, but they’re important alarm bells.” Sara Wood, OFA vice-president, also points out, “it’s important to identify triggers and symptoms so that they can seek help if needed or take a break before the symptoms get worse.” According to Kelly, reducing your stimulation level is essential to avoiding burnout, as high stress levels can cause problems with decision-making and the inability to relax or sleep: “To prevent being overstimulated, do some exercise or try deep breathing and other relaxation techniques.” Kelly stresses the importance of maintaining personal boundaries. “It takes courage to say no and stick to it without feeling guilty. Your capacity is also going to be different from everyone else’s. Remember that behind every no is a deeper yes, even if that yes is just to yourself.” Burnout can significantly impact both your physical and mental health. Seeking help is the best option to help avoid burnout. Wood says, “you are your business’s No. 1 asset, so it’s important to take care of yourself so you can look after others.” Although harvest can be stressful it is still necessary to prioritize activities you enjoy. “This strategy can help you remind yourself that there’s life outside of your job and the farm. “Take a break, grab coffee with family or friends, go for a walk or a workout, talk to a friend or family, laugh, drink lots of water and pack all the snacks!” BF - Mary Loggan AVOID HARVEST-SEASON BURNOUT Leslie Stewart photo CASH
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8 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | September 2024 Beyond the Barn The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is giving Canadians – including farmers – the opportunity to weigh in on labels for plantbased alternatives to egg products. “The guidance clarifies how to distinguish plant-based alternatives from egg products and explains how the different components on labels (such as words, images and packaging) should be used to create an overall impression of the product that is not misleading,” the CFIA said in a recent release. In Canada, under the Food and Drugs Act and the Safe Food for Canadians Act, food packaging must be accurate. Plant-based beverages, for example, cannot include the word “milk” on the packaging. And plant-based proteins can’t be labelled with words or images to imply they are comparable to meat or poultry products. Just Egg, a company that makes egg alternatives from plant-based ingredients, indicates on its packaging that the product is “made from plants (not chickens).” Canadians have until Oct. 28 to submit comments for the egg product labels. Ontario’s farm community are encouraged to take the online survey. The anonymous questionnaire asks participants to identify themselves as a farmer, retailer or another option. It also asks the person’s home province or territory, and if the respondent plans to make food in the future. As the CFIA explains online, “as consumer preferences and habits evolve and inspire industry innovation, product labelling and representation must also evolve so consumers can make informed food choices. “The purpose of this guidance is to: Help industry comply with the relevant legislation when labelling and representing plant-based alternatives to egg products, (and) help the CFIA assess compliance with this legislation.” A spokesperson told Better Farming that Egg Farmers of Canada would have a comment once the assessment is further along. BF - Diego Flammini Tada Images - stock.adobe.com CFIA SEEKING INPUT ON LABELS A FARMING LIFE: MICHAEL SNOBELEN Husband, father, grandfather, business owner, agriculture innovator. Born Oct. 18, 1947; died June 1, 2024. Michael Snobelen of Goderich was a farmer and entrepreneur who had a lifetime commitment to agriculture. Sam Snobelen, Michael’s son and current president of Snobelen Farms, fondly recalls his father’s persistence and drive. “Our dad was a hard-working individual who led by example. A visionary businessman who spent a lifetime making opportunities out of obstacles,” he tells Better Farming. With the nearest grain elevator an hour away, Michael decided to build a grain elevator and two concrete silos on his home farm in Ripley in 1971. Through Michael’s leadership, he and his family nurtured Snobelen Farms into the thriving business it is today. Snobelen Farms is known as one of the largest family-owned grain businesses in Ontario, with eight elevators across the province. In 1997, Snobelen farms began shipping food-grade soybeans to satisfy consumer demand from Europe. This was a first for Ontario farmers, and those first customers from Belgium and England are still buying from the business today. He was an active member of his community and local politics. He was elected as reeve of Huron Township in 1976, served terms as the school board trustee for Huron Township and Ripley in 1980, and served as the chair of the Bruce County Board of Education. After Michael retired in 2009, he spent his recent years farming in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh. He enjoyed spending time with family and rooting for the Toronto Blue Jays. BF - Leslie Stewart Michael Snobelen
For more resources, visit: ofa.on.ca/making-wellness-matter If you or someone you know is struggling, the Farmer Wellness Initiative can help. Call 1-866-267-6255, available 24/7, 365 days a year. OFA hopes for a safe and bountiful harvest season for all Ontario farmers. The demands of harvest are high, but it’s important to continue to prioritize your wellness. Investing in self-care ensures you show up as the best version of yourself for your loved ones, your farm and the task at hand. Prioritizing wellness during the harvest season Below are tips to help you operate at your best. Wellness Tips: 3 Put yourself on the priority list 3 Establish a daily routine 3 Invest in self-care 3 Think positively 3 Stay connected 3 Talk about your challenges 3 Outsource overwhelming tasks 3 Recharge your batteries 3 Try something new off the farm “You are the farm’s most valuable resource”
10 Better Farming | September 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON This year, many farmers in Ontario have faced significant challenges due to uncooperative weather conditions. With heavy rains and unpredictable weather forecasting, planting season did not go as planned for everyone. As harvest season approaches, Better Farming asked producers to think about the perfect harvest if everything goes according to plan. Some 98 per cent of farmers agreed that weather conditions played the most significant role in the ideal harvest. Lloyd, Bruce County: “Dry, warm weather with a slight breeze and machines all working perfectly – no weeds and price and yield are very good. Perfect never happens, but we try to get as close as possible.” Jon, Niagara Region: “Dry ground conditions, light rain on Saturday evening to let everyone go to church on Sunday. And no breakdowns, of course!” Bill, Elgin County: “Sunny with a slight breeze. This spring was the worst I have ever seen in over 60 years of farming.” Michel, Russell County: “Nice weather and minimum breakdowns.” Geoff, Bruce County: “Finish harvesting with good yields, on time, machinery working well and everyone is safe.” Jessica, Elgin County: “Good crop; no breakdowns.” Katie, Wellington County: “After perfect rain and warmth to grow the perfect hay crop, seven days of sunshine, 25 C, and 50 per cent humidity so we can bale our 70 acres of hay into small squares. All equipment runs great. We have lots of twine on hand, purchased at a reasonable price. Two skilled drivers and six people to load and unload wagons. The good weather holds long enough to have a grand celebration outside after all hay is in. A jump in the pool and a bonfire.” Ron, Essex County: “Enjoying my job with no stress and just pleasant.” Anthony, Grey County: “Nice weather; no breakdowns.” Doug, Middlesex County: “Harvest starts with a good growing season and the right mix of sun and rain making bountiful crops. My ideal harvest would be dry fields and dry crops. Everything goes much better, and it is very rewarding.” Jody, Brant County: “No breakdowns; good weather.” Maurice, Essex County: “Good, fairly dry conditions for the most part, with small weekly showers.” Tim, Oxford County: “Little bug damage, large, sweet berries, large quantity weekly, dry weather.” Larry, Brant County: “The Weather Network indicates no rain and lots of heat and a breeze for the foreseeable future. So, you cut your alfalfa – which is just starting to bloom on Monday – you fluff it up with a tedder the next day, and plan on raking it on Wednesday. High heat and a 10-kilometre wind dry the hay, so you can rake and bale it Wednesday afternoon. The wagons follow the baler, and by 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, the hay is in the barn. Because of the hot weather, it rains on Thursday, and the alfalfa field will produce another crop in just four weeks.” Derek, Niagara Region: “All the crop is delivered on time. No crop is left on the vines or put on the ground. No equipment breakdowns. No injuries. We can sit down for a glass of VQA wine to celebrate when the paycheque arrives!” Brian, Waterloo Region: “Harvest is greatly dependent on weather, so not too much rain during that timeframe is ideal. But it’s also out of our control – so take it as it comes.” John, Prince Edward County: “Harvest every day – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – no rain delays and no breakdowns! In 45 years, harvest has yet to follow that plan! Good luck, fellow farmers, on a safe and plentiful harvest!” Peter, Niagara Region: “Everything cooperates – as in no bad weather, no machine or equipment breakdowns and a good yield.” BF Digging Deeper WHEN HARVEST GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN What’s your ideal harvest look like? By Mary Loggan Leslie Stewart photo
BRING IT ON. Every season brings a new set of challenges, but I’m not worried. Because my hybrids have proven themselves through the toughest trials before they ever got to my field. Backed by a team that puts me first, no matter what the season brings. To speak with someone, contact your retailer, your NK Territory Sales Representative, or call our Customer Interaction Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682). syngenta.ca/nk All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. Always read and follow label directions. NK®, NK® and Design, and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2024 Syngenta.
12 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | September 2024 University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have developed low-cost sensors that allow for real-time, continuous monitoring of nitrate in soil. These printed electrochemical sensors could enable farmers to make better informed nutrient management decisions and reap economic benefits. “Our sensors could give farmers a greater understanding of the nutrient profile of their soil and how much nitrate is available for the plants, helping them to make more precise decisions on how much fertilizer they really need,” says Joseph Andrews, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Madison who led the research. “If they can buy less fertilizer, the cost savings could be quite significant at large-acreage farms.” While nitrate is an essential nutrient for growing crops, excess nitrate can leach out of soil and into groundwater. This type of pollution is dangerous for people who drink contaminated well water and is harmful for the environment. The new sensors could also be used as an agricultural research tool to monitor nitrate leaching and help guide best practices for mitigating its harmful effects. Current methods for monitoring nitrate in the soil are laborious, expensive and don’t provide real-time data. That’s why Andrews, an expert in printed electronics, and his team set out to create a better and less costly solution. For this project, the researchers used an inkjet printing process to fabricate potentiometric sensors, a type of thin-film electrochemical sensor. Potentiometric sensors are commonly used to accurately measure nitrate in liquid solutions. However, these sensors aren’t typically suitable for use in soil, where coarse particles will scratch them and interfere with obtaining accurate measurements. “The main challenge we were trying to solve is figuring out a way to enable these electrochemical sensors to work well in the harsh environment of soil and accurately sense nitrate ions,” Andrews says. The team’s solution was to place a layer over the sensor made from polyvinylidene fluoride. Andrews says this material has two key features. First, it has very tiny pores, about 400 nanometers in size, that allow nitrate ions to pass through while blocking soil particles. Second, it’s hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water and acts like a sponge to absorb it. “So, any nitrate-laden water gets preferentially soaked into our sensor, and this is really important because soil also acts like a sponge, and you’re going to have a losing battle for getting moisture to come to your sensor unless you can match the water absorption potential of soil,” Andrews says. “These features of the polyvinylidene fluoride layer enable us to extract the nitrate-laden water, get it to the surface of our sensor and accurately sense nitrate.” The researchers detailed their advance in a paper published in March 2024 in the journal Advanced Material Technologies. The team has tested its sensors in two different soil types that are relevant for Wisconsin – sandy soil, which is common in the north-central part of the state, and silt loam soil, which is common in southwestern Wisconsin – and found that the sensors produced accurate results. Researchers are now incorporating their nitrate sensors into a multifunctional sensing system they call a “sensing sticker,” in which three different kinds of sensors are mounted on a flexible plastic surface with an adhesive on the back. They also contain moisture and temperature sensors. The researchers will attach several sensing stickers to a rod, positioning them at different heights, and then bury the rod in the soil. This setup allows them to take measurements at multiple depths in the soil. “By measuring the nitrate, moisture and temperature at different depths, we can now quantify the process of nitrate leaching and capture how nitrate is moving through the soil, which hasn’t been possible before,” Andrews says. In summer 2024, the researchers planned to conduct further testing with their sensors by deploying 30 sensing rods in the soil at UW-Madison’s Hancock Agricultural Research Station and Arlington Agricultural Research Station. The researchers are patenting their technology through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. BF UW-Madison co-authors on the paper include Kuan-Yu Chen, Aatresha Biswas, Shuohao Cai, and Jingyi Huang, a professor of soil science. Research SENSORS IN SOIL COULD IMPROVE YIELDS ‘Cost savings could be quite significant at large-acreage farms.’ By Adam Malecek, University of Wisconsin-Madison A sensing rod in soil at UW-Madison’s Hancock Ag Research Station. Kuan-Yu Chen. photo
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14 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | September 2024 managing corn Silage Imagine waking up and making one meal that you would eat for the next 365 days! You would want to make sure you get it right from the start. As dairy producers, growing corn silage and harvesting it properly is one of the most important priorities on the farm. In this article, I will explore tips from seed to feed to help maximize corn silage tonnage and nutritional value. Hybrid selection One of the most critical choices dairy producers will make is hybrid selection. A lot of factors need to be considered, not only from an agronomic standpoint but also from a nutrition standpoint. There are lots of thoughts surrounding hybrid selection. Producers ask me: Do I pick one of the many distinct types of silage specific to brown mid-rid (BMR), or do I select a dual-purpose grain corn? Using the University of Wisconsin suggestions on hybrid selection, the first place we would start is with our agronomic and technology traits. We want to make sure the corn has all the tools it needs to stay healthy through the year. Grain yield and whole plant dry matter yield work in tandem – traits that are highly correlated because of the importance of grain yield in overall final silage yield. Yield is highly influenced by genetics, so where possiDiane Kuhl/iStock/Getty Images Plus MANAGING YOUR CORN SILAGE FROM SEED TO FEED BY PAUL HERMANS
15 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | September 2024 managing corn Silage ble, use local data to assess the performance of the various hybrid genetics. Other considerations include standability, especially if there is the potential for taking some of the acreage for high moisture or grain corn. Relative maturity is vital to ensure the crop has a chance to succeed, and finally, fibre digestibility is a quality component. On that extensive list of selection criteria, you will notice that fibre digestibility is last. This is a component of silage that is controlled by growing environment and is not something that should be used as a differentiator between non-BMR hybrids. In 2024 so far, we have had ample rain and growth. If this weather trend continues through tassel time, expect lower than average digestible corn. If fibre digestibility is top of mind, BMR is the way to go. “Today’s brown mid-rib corn hybrids are very different than what most folks are used to,” says Bill Mahanna, global nutritional sciences manager with Corteva Agriscience. “We have seen huge gains in the yield of these hybrids, bringing them almost on par with their non-BMR counterparts.” Today’s BMR corn hybrids also have made advancements in plant health and starch yield, while maintaining the fibre digestibility advantage they have become known for. The other important hybrid selection criteria to consider is relative maturity. Think of the end in mind when it comes to picking maturities ranges. Ask yourself, “On average, how many days does it take to put up corn silage?” If you harvest corn silage in two to four days, keeping to one maturity range of corn silage is recommended. If harvest takes a week or more and the harvest is all stored in one structure (bunker/upright silo, etc.), then spreading harvest maturities may be advisable to avoid rapid dry down in the field and avoiding dry silage at peak harvest times. The rule of thumb is selecting a hybrid that is five to 10 days longer than what is adapted for grain corn, or about 250 CHUs longer. Whether it is five days or 10 days depends on your risk tolerance for frost and what other activities you have planned in the fall. If you have manure to get out or a cover crop to plant, plan to use a shorter hybrid. Crop management Overall production tips that are common for grain corn production are the same for silage production. I always tell silage producers I work with, “Plant your silage corn first and plant it on the best land you have available.” Making top-notch silage is key, as your cows need consistent high-quality corn silage with nutritional qualities that help achieve high milk production. Tonnage comes into play from a return-on-investment standpoint as well. Like grain corn, corn silage population strategies should be based on yield environments and water holding capacity at a field and sub-field level. For dual purpose or specific silage (non-BMR), plant 2,000 to 4,000 more plants per acre than grain corn. Working with your agronomy team, determine the hybrid’s response to different populations, and your yield environment to find the sweet spot for population. On the other side, BMR hybrids are not pushed to the same extent for population. “BMR is water-sensitive, so we don’t want to inadvertently put the crop in a stress situation by increasing our population,” notes Mahanna. Now that the crop is up and going, what do we look for next? Fungicides in corn silage are becoming more normal across livestock- producing areas for their benefit to both silage yield and quality, as well as their importance in protecting the plant against disease that could produce toxins. Data from Ohio State University has demonstrated that proper fungicide application has reMaximizing nutritional value leads to healthier, more productive dairy herds. Paul Hermans photo
16 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | September 2024 duced the deoxynivalenol (DON) toxin load in a plant by 50 per cent. This aids in nutritional value as well as overall tonnage. Harvest tips After putting in all the work to grow the crop, it will not mean anything if we do not take the time to get harvest right. Harvest timing is the first crucial step. In years past, we focused on whole plant moisture to determine the right time for our storage structures. More recently, improved genetics has helped maintain late-season plant health, making the plant’s dry-down more predictable. With this shift, we can start to consider milk line progress in conjunction with overall plant moisture. In Ontario, we can expect to see a moisture decrease of about 0.5% per day, as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness states. On hot days or in dry years, this nummanaging corn Silage Optimal harvest timing can enhance yield and nutritional value. Paul Hermans photo 22_0470_MH_RackingStocked_HalfHoriz_US_MXsp Mod: October 25, 2023 10:54 AM Print: 06/24/24 page 1 v2.5 WAREHOUSE STORAGE HUGE SELECTION OF PALLET RACKING AND ACCESSORIES IN STOCK πSHIPPING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 uline.ca WIRE DECKING ADDITIONAL BEAMS PALLET RACKING ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING
17 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | September 2024 ber is much more likely to be closer to one per cent. Since the conversion of kernel milk to starch is the largest driver of the drop in plant moisture, we can safely assume that we are gaining about 0.5% to one per cent of starch. If we know the weather, the harvester’s schedule, and have confidence in our ability to store our corn silage crop, we can wait two to three days to harvest our silage and capture 1.5% to three per cent more starch. This good energy source for our herd will have a direct impact on our feed costs by reducing our need to bring in energy from elsewhere, whether that is buying some in or allowing us to sell more of our onfarm corn. An important thing to watch when we harvest our silage is our kernel processing success. Our increased starch content will not matter if we do not “unlock it” for the rumen to access. Previous standards would have said that “knicking” the kernel was sufficient to allow the cow to capture that starch, but more modern research from institutions like the University of Wisconsin would state that we need to be much more aggressive. When viewing a feed test, a score of 70 per cent on our Corn Silage Processing Score (CSPS) metric is the new target. A quick in-field test to gauge our work on kernel processing is to take a one-litre harvested silage sample and examine the number of whole or half kernels present. If the number is greater than four, we have room for improvement. Ensuring we have a sufficient roller differential, sharp knives and an acceptable product intake rate through the processor are all things we can quickly check and tweak to improve our kernel processing. Finally, adding a silage inoculant helps reduce fermentation losses while improving nutritional qualities. Make sure you do your homework on silage inoculants. Not all inoculants are created equal, and specific inoculants will assist with unique needs in your farm operation (for example, reducing bunk heating at feed out while minimizing losses at the bunker face). In summary, silage hybrid selection and management are key to producing top-notch feed for your dairy operation. By focusing on hybrid selection tailored to local conditions, precise crop management strategies, optimal harvest timing, and quality preservation techniques, producers can enhance both yield and nutritional value, supporting healthier and more productive dairy herds. Here is hoping you have a safe and productive silage harvest season. BF managing corn Silage PAUL HERMANS Paul Hermans, CCA-ON is an area agronomist in Eastern Ontario with Corteva Agriscience.
18 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | September 2024 FLACK’S FARMING BACKGROUND Rob Flack was recently appointed Ontario’s new minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. With much discussion concerning Flack’s future plans, Better Farming explores the minister’s farming background to foretell how he will relate to Ontario producers. Tell us about your background in agriculture. “My earliest memories of farm life are being with my grandfather on his farms in the Ottawa Valley. While I didn’t grow up on a farm, I spent my summers working on dairy farms, which led to my deep desire to be part of all things agriculture. “After graduating from the University of Guelph, and not having a family farm to go home to, I did the next best thing: I got a job in agribusiness as a sales trainee with a feed company. “This led to a wonderful career in the animal nutrition industry as I learned the business from the ground up. I worked my way up the ranks and ultimately became the CEO of Masterfeeds Inc. and enjoyed growing the company with a great team throughout Canada.” What first inspired you to pursue a leadership role in the industry? “I believe in the saying, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ Throughout my career I always encouraged our management team to have leadership roles in our numerous NEW MINISTER HAS UNIQUE FARMING BACKGROUND ‘ALL THINGS AGRICULTURE’ BY MARY LOGGAN Photos courtesy of OMAFA
19 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | September 2024 ™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2024 Corteva. 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/WhatsNext to see how we’re innovating the future of farming. FLACK’S FARMING BACKGROUND 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. provincial and national associations. The very best part of leading our business was to see people grow and succeed. This included our employees, customers, dealers, and suppliers. Success breeds success, and creating the right environment for people to learn and grow is the best pathway for sustainable performance.” Tell us about your current cattle operation. “We have a beef farm in the Ottawa Valley. It is a cow-calf operation comprised of 50 cows. We have a skilled farm manager who runs the show. The farm consists of 200 acres of hay and pasture as well as timber (primarily white pine). We also rent another 100 acres of pasture. “We primarily focus on marketing purebred seedstock along with commercial steer and heifer calves. Since entering public life, we do not get to the farm as often as we used to. However, it still my ‘home away from home,’ and I love every minute being there.” How did running a large national agribusiness help you connect and relate to farmers? “What I enjoyed most about my career was travelling throughout Ontario and Canada meeting with our customers and employees. I have always said serving farmers is a ‘belly to belly’ business. “To succeed, you need to build strong relationships, meeting face to face on their turf. I learned more from my customers, farmers, and farm supplier than any other group of people. “And the same is true today as your Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “The best way I can serve OMAFA stakeholders is to travel across our province to listen and learn about the concerns, issues, and opportunities facing agri-food in Ontario. And that is exactly what I plan to do.” Do you have any advice for farmers or others in the industry wanting to take on leadership roles? “The best advice I could offer any current or future leader is to surround yourself with the best talent you can find. The art of delegation is a learned skill and very important for all leaders to adopt. Always stay curious and explore any and all opportunities to innovate. Finally, stretch yourself and look for ways to serve your community and agribusiness-related associations. “Talk to the multitudes of fantastic leaders we have in Ontario’s agri-food sector. They will tell you they all come back to their business after serving in another leadership capacity with a re- newed sense of purpose and energy.” BF
20 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | September 2024 Pre-Harvest Tips As harvest season fast approaches, Ontario farmers gear up for one of the most important times of the year. With constantly changing and unfavourable weather, producers must be prepared and ready when the harvest window opens. Planting season was stressful for many, so here are some tips to ensure harvest runs more smoothly. Getting equipment ready Your farm equipment plays one of the most important roles during harvest time. Without working equipment, harvest can be detrimental to farmers and result in loss of income. Keeping your equipment in top shape is a simple way to ensure harvest runs as smoothly as possible. This starts by doing maintenance checks on your farm machinery, especially after each use, as engines and implements could suffer damage that you may not notice right away. “Have a strange noise? Check it out. Machinery maintenance could save downtime when you need things to be running,” says Bill Anderson, of Huron Tractor. “For grain carts, check your tire pressures. And the augers; are they sharp and worn out, which could cause grain damage? “With your wagons, again check your tire pressures. Check your wheel bearings. Are the wheel nuts tight? “For your trucks and trailers, are the safety checks current? Check tire pressures, brakes, tarps. Are the lights all ready to go?” Anderson advises that “you spend money on the best seed, fertilizer and chemical, so you should make sure your equipment performs the best, so that you can harvest a high-quality crop that will command a top price, and a top profit.” Vanessa Renaud agrees. The OFA Zone 14 director and Certified Crop Advisor says that “organization is key! Make sure all equipment has been looked at and receives the maintenance necessary.” At Renaud’s farm, “we make sure we have some spare parts and monitor crops as they mature.” Anderson also points out that “it’s especially important to focus on the combine and header. Sharp sections, good knife backing plates, auger settings within spec, draper belts tensioned properly. He says that “hundreds of tons of material have passed through the machine, ultimately wearing parts out. The combine should be gone over in the off-season and parts replaced.” While the functionality of the equipment is essential in the field, it’s SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP HARVEST RUN SMOOTHLY THIS FALL PLAN AHEAD. BE PATIENT. ASK FOR HELP. BY MARY LOGGAN Case IH photo
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 21 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | September 2024 Pre-Harvest Tips also important to remember it travels on roadways as well. “Check your SMV signs on equipment. Are they faded? You need to replace them if they are. Remember, 40 km/h is the speed limit with the SMV sign,” Anderson reminds us. Scouting for pests Scouting fields for pests ahead of harvest time is essential to help you determine any weed issues that need to be addressed, and identify potential problems with crop performance and insect damage. Adam Pfeffer, producer, Certified Crop Advisor, and market development manager with Bayer CropScience says that “farmers should know what is in their fields long before harvest. This allows you to find the right chemistries for your field and crop ahead of time.” Renaud adds, “It is common to do pre-harvest burndowns. We will also take notes when harvesting corn if there are some weed escapes. We will write down the field area and what weeds are presenting. That helps plan for next year’s herbicide program.” Importance of weed control Along with scouting for pests, weed control plays a significant role in determining the success of yield and ensuring harvest runs smoothly. A weed control calendar allows producers to develop a program with proper organization and time management. Putting in the time, effort and resources leads to more desirable soil conditions and less crop interference. Pfeffer advises that “if the necessary weed control hasn’t been applied, the producer can run into several issues. This year especially we have seen lots of Canada thistle and Canada fleabane, among other weeds.” He points out that “you are never going to get your combine through a field of weeds. “Having too many weeds also leads to the depreciation of equipment, increases time spent in the field, the fuel to run the equipment, and ulti-
22 Better Farming | September 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON mately costs you more in the long run.” Don’t miss your windows Whether it’s applying weed control or even approaching harvest time, it is essential not to miss your windows of opportunity. Renaud points out, “If you are not organized or prepared on time for harvest, you might miss some crucial combining and tillage windows. “Every year, the windows are different and never repeat themselves equally. Missing those windows could be very costly.” Pfeffer also adds, “You always need to have patience and a plan. Staying on top of critical windows is important for the success of your crop.” “Mother Nature is the boss; she plays a big role in the equation, so you need to wait for the right timing and utilize windows as they come.” Ask for help Many Ontario farmers encountered a tough planting season, which also creates challenges at harvest time. Producers are encouraged to ask for help when needed. Pfeffer: “This year has been extremely frustrating for a lot of producers, myself included. With late planting and undesirable weather conditions, you can look around and see so many people in the same boat.” “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a tough year. Use those around you and help each other out.” Renaud agrees. “It’s important to utilize your team as much as you can. Parts clerk, your lime supplier, the person taking your soil samples, family members, or employees helping on the farm.” Although we can’t influence the weather, we can focus on factors that can be controlled. Plan ahead. Be patient. Ask for help. Simple reminders for producers to consider during the harvest season ahead. BF Pre-Harvest Tips Check your machinery before harvest to ensure it’s ready to go. Jodie Aldred photo
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24 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | September 2024 Farm Toys ‘COLLECTING HAS SEEN A FEW CHANGES OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.’ A DECADE RUNNING JOLLEY’S FARM TOYS ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY SHARON SALM Nicholas Grose and Ralph Jolley checking out the selection of handmade limited-edition toys. Young farmers enjoy their time at Jolley’s Farm Toys’ open house. Toy testers hard at work in the corn box.
25 Like Us on Facebook: BetterFarmingON Better Farming | September 2024 Nicholas Grose is an avid toy collector – and so dedicated to the hobby that when the opportunity to purchase Jolley’s Farm Toys presented itself, he jumped at it. Ralph Jolley started the business in Meaford back in 1964, and when Jolley could not continue with the physical work to set up at shows, he approached Grose to buy the company in 2014. Earlier, Jolley had given Grose his first job, hiring the seven-year-old to make miniature bales to sell to collectors who wanted accessories for their toy displays. Grose would set up his bale-making operation out front of Jolley’s booth at the farm shows. All Grose’s earnings went to purchasing toys from Jolley, and he often told Mr. Jolley that if he ever wanted to sell the business, he would be interested in buying it. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Jolley’s with Grose at the helm. “Toy collecting has seen a few changes over the past 10 years,” Grose explains. “Older collectors still have money to spend but are spending on high-end and handmade toys. “Younger collectors have tighter budgets, so they are more selective with their purchases. They have specific toys in mind – like the first piece of machinery they drove or equipment they want to have at the farm. “Many no longer have an interest in collecting equipment from their father’s or grandfather’s era.” He says the “scale of collecting has moved down in size. There has been a shift from collecting 1/16th to 1/64th scale in Canada. With European transplants collecting 1/32nd. The smaller scale collections are space-saving and today 1/64th is as highly detailed as the old 1/16th. There are more companies like Husky Farm Equipment manufacturing their own line of toys in 1/64th for small-scale collectors to enjoy.” There are not a lot of implements for 1/64th tractors mass-produced. Toy collectors can make their own 1/64th accessories and implements with a 3-D printer, which lets them create one-of-a-kind implements. Over the years, social media has changed toy collecting, according to Grose. “There are more avenues of communication for today’s collectors. Facebook, online auctions, and online toy trading all give collectors easy access to a large assortment of common toys.” That allows Grose to stock the shelves with more unique items. “I carry more specialized toys that they cannot get so easily from the neighbour or online. I am buying in more toys from Europe and speciality lines.” AWC EAST 2024 - Better Farming Ontario - 1/2 Page Horizontal - 7 x 4.875” *Note: this advert calls for a large .6875” bleed on the left and right, and .3375” top and bottom. Please view crop marks for actual ad trim Call Iris Meck (403) 686-8407 • AdvancingWomenConference.ca/2024east AWC EAST 2024 November 17, 18 & 19, 2024 at the Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, ON Listen, learn, network and grow! REGISTER TODAY! Farm Toys … the top producers across Ontario for just PENNIES per adult reader! Paul.Nolan@Farms.com ADVERTISERS REACH ...
Times have changed. “I am starting to see a decline in collecting equipment from the older era, with this generation of toy collectors no longer having a connection to a grandfather’s or great-grandfather’s machinery or toys. The younger collectors are including plastic toys in their collections because that is what they grew up playing with. Collectors are starting to share their 20-year-old plastic Bruder Toys with their kids. Multi-generational collecting will now include plastic toys,” notes Grose. When Grose started running Jolley’s, he was building static displays and, over the last 10 years, he has transitioned to now building play tables with his daughters, reusing the same toys that he grew up with. BF Farm Toys Nick enjoys sharing tips for making farm toy dioramas. SHARON SALM Sharon captures real-life moments with her camera in rural Ontario as an agriculture, event, and wedding photographer. She graduated from the University of Guelph and AALP. DEMAND NEW HOLLAND https://agriculture.newholland.com/nar/en-us Bob Mark New Holland Sales Ltd. Campbellford • 705-653-3700 Bob Mark New Holland Sales Ltd. Lindsay • 705-324-2221 Bob Mark New Holland Sales Ltd. Napanee • 613-354-9244 Bob Mark New Holland Sales Ltd. Sunderland • 705-357-3121 Delta Power Equipment Mitchell • 519-348-8467 Delta Power Equipment St. Marys • 519-349-2180 Delta Power Equipment Tilbury • 519-682-9090 Delta Power Equipment Waterford • 519-443-8622 Delta Power Equipment Watford • 519-849-2744 Delta Power Equipment Winchester • 613-774-2887 Ebert Welding Ltd. New Liskeard • 705-647-6896 ESM Farm Equipment Ltd. Wallenstein • 519-669-5176 Maxville Farm Machinery Ltd. Maxville • 613-527-2834 McCauley Equipment Sales Orillia • 705-325-4424 Oneida New Holland Caledonia • 905-765-5011 Oneida New Holland St Catharines • 905-688-5160 Regional Tractor Sales Ltd. Freelton • 905-659-1094 Richards Equipment Inc. Barrie • 705-721-5530 Robert’s Farm Equipment Sales, Inc. Chesley • 519-363-3192 Robert’s Farm Equipment Sales, Inc. Mount Forest • 519-323-2755 Robert’s Farm Equipment Sales, Inc. Walton • 519-887-6365 Smiths Farm Equipment (Jasper) Ltd. Jasper • 613-283-1758 Stewart’s Equipment Erin • 519-833-9616
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