Drought spares grape growers Friday, August 10, 2012 by SUSAN MANNThis summer’s hot weather is contributing to what’s shaping up to be a ‘super’ vintage for the grape crop, says a spokesperson for Grape Growers of Ontario.The lack of rain hasn’t decimated grapes the way it has other crops in some parts of Ontario, including hay, corn, vegetables and fruit, says CEO Debbie Zimmerman. “The drought isn’t helpful to us either but it’s not critical at this point.”Some of the young vineyards in areas where irrigation isn’t available are facing challenges but as long as some rain arrives “we’ll be okay,” she says, also noting that harvest this year will begin very early.Everything looks great and it’s going to be a great crop, she says.Ontario farmers normally grow 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of grapes for wine production annually. In 2011, the tonnage was 62,028 with a farm gate value of $77.4 million, according to the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario website. BF Fast track drought assessment farm group pleads Court upholds import permits for Greek yogurt maker
Ont. farmer Tony McQuail reflects on NDP leadership race Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Huron County farmer Tony McQuail is back at Meeting Place Organic Farm in Lucknow after vying to replace Jagmeet Singh as the leader of the federal NDP. “It was a very hopeful and positive experience for me,” he told Farms.com. “I was very pleased with what we were able to bring to the... Read this article online
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Monday, March 30, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Rural Canada Is an Economic Powerhouse that Policymakers Need to Build Upon Monday, March 30, 2026 Rural Canada is a far bigger driver of the national economy than many policymakers realize, and leaders say the time has come to place a rural lens at the centre of public policy decision-making. That message was front and centre during the Coalition for a Better Future’s Scorecard... Read this article online
Spring Swine Events Across Canada that are Not to be Missed Monday, March 30, 2026 It’s a sure sign of Spring, several swine events will be taking place over the next few months. Between April and June 2026, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will all host significant swine-focused events, ranging from producer AGMs and pork quality competitions to large-scale... Read this article online
Boosting Wheat Production with Better Nitrogen Use Monday, March 30, 2026 A University of Guelph research team is pioneering new ways to grow wheat more sustainably by improving nitrogen efficiency and supporting soil health. Dr. Kari Dunfield, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the Ontario Agricultural College, received $3.92 million from the... Read this article online