Feds back plan to fight potato cyst nematode Wednesday, March 16, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFThere’s no sign of the potato cyst nematode in Ontario but if it ever does arrive, a control strategy that a Quebec research centre is developing will come in handy, says the Ontario Potato Board’s general manager.On Thursday, the federal government announced that it was granting $700,000 to the Centre de recherche Les Buissons inc. to develop an integrated parasite management strategy for the pest.According to the federal news release, potato cyst nematodes are major parasites that can negatively affect potato production. The funding backs study of the parasites’ biological traits.Don Brubacher, Ontario Potato Growers’ general manager, says a nematode infestation was found in Quebec in 2007. Shortly after, there was a positive test in Alberta but the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which conducts annual surveys for the nematode, could never find a second sample that was positive, he explains. Despite the lack of confirmation, the sighting “made it difficult” for Alberta’s seed potato industry, which exports into the United States, Brubacher says. The finding in Quebec meant a “significant hit in production,” for that province. Brubacher says he was aware that the centre applied for funding but he was not aware the money had been announced.The non-profit centre, which specializes in potato and small northern fruit research, is located 400 kilometres northeast of Quebec City. BF Crop insurance rates drop for 2011 Winery doubling output
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online