A chemical-free way of reducing pests Sunday, November 8, 2015 A California-based company has created a chemical-free way to reduce pests and increase yields.According to Wine Industry Network, AgroThermal Systems' thermal plant treatment system, called Thermaculture, was originally designed for insect and fungal control. However after early trials the company found that the procedure had several other benefits, including increased fruit set. Results from recent tests done at the Chateau Reynon vineyard near Bordeaux, France, found that Thermaculture helped to increase the fruit set by 20 per cent while also increasing bunch weight by 25 per cent, a press release reports.While it is currently used primarily in viticulture, AgroThermal Systems founder and CEO Marty Fischer said in a press release that "while we are most experienced with wine grapes, Thermaculture will provide benefits to other crops including orchards, berries [and] kiwifruit."A video explaining the procedure can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_8C-sNogIw BF Lake Erie agreement confronts Ontario farmers with stiff phosphorus reduction targets Now you can buy animal welfare bonds
2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour forecasts a New Record High in Corn and Soybean Yields Thursday, August 27, 2026 Ontario farmers could be on track for one of the most productive growing seasons in provincial history. The 2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour is forecasting a record average corn yield of 206 bushels per acre (“bpa”), with a range of +/-1% at 203.94 to 208.06 bpa depending on how the season... Read this article online
US-Canada tariff uncertainty continues to concern businesses and farmers Tuesday, August 25, 2026 As of late August 2026, trade relations between Canada and the United States remain under pressure as both countries work to finalize an agreement aimed at preventing a new round of tariffs from disrupting cross-border commerce. While a temporary reprieve has been secured, uncertainty... Read this article online
Alveo partners with AgriNerds on bird flu surveillance Tuesday, August 25, 2026 Poultry producers may soon have access to a new tool designed to improve how they monitor and respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) threats. Alveo Technologies and AgriNerds have announced a partnership that will combine rapid on-farm molecular testing with real-time... Read this article online
OPA Secures Lambton County Site for 2027 International Plowing Match Monday, August 24, 2026 Lambton County is preparing to welcome one of Ontario agriculture’s biggest events after the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) announced it has secured a site for the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM). The event is scheduled for September 21 to 25, 2027, on... Read this article online
Grain Prices Rise as Crop Tours Raise Yield Concerns Monday, August 24, 2026 Grain markets ended the week on August 21, 2026, with a strong tone as traders assessed the latest Pro Farmer Crop Tour results, crop damage concerns across the U.S. Midwest, improving demand prospects and growing fund interest from speculative traders. During the August 21 Farms.com... Read this article online