New dairy quota policy would lower prices, limit access Tuesday, February 24, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by GEOFF DALEWOODSTOCK – A discussion panel on P5 harmonization and changes in quota transfer policy at the annual Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium provoked some spirited debate but producers came away with a better understanding of the concept, says a symposium coordinator.Jack Rodenburg says the biggest concern among producers he’s talked with is the availability of quota under the new system, particularly for those undertaking a major expansion of their operations and in need of buying a large amount over a short period of time.“If the new system results in a lower price, then it will be advantageous to the buyer but it also limits access,” he says. “Because before it went to the highest bidder and now it will be divided among various other bidders.”Ontario has been a part of the P5 – a forum of policy discussions – with Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island for more than a decade, sharing markets and revenues.The long-term goal is for P5 to become a governance board making policy and market decisions. Those decisions would be made under a double majority – a majority of provinces and provincial representatives. It would also permit streamlining of resources into a single body.George MacNaughton, production division director with Dairy Farmers of Ontario, says the panel presented advantages and disadvantages so producers could do a “fair evaluation.”“Overall the majority of producers seem to favour this (proposed) policy over the current one,” he says.A second member of the three-person panel Chris Buchner, of Elmwood Farms and Progressive Dairy Producers, says there is more to the change than just harmonization.“With the merging of boards across Canada there is probably a real opportunity to dialogue more with the industry, processors and other stakeholders to ensure we’re heading into a situation that will take us 15-20 years down the road, instead of changing the policy every three years.”Despite concerns over quota availability, Rodenburg says the panel was useful in clarifying the impact of changes. “There are still big questions out there but at least now producers feel better equipped to deal with them.” BF Changes ahead for Canadian dairy producers warns industry leader New organic certification rules provoke uneasy response
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online
Canadian Ag Youth Council Welcomes new Members Saturday, September 14, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has announced the latest members to join the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council (CAYC). This update introduces nine fresh members alongside thirteen returning youths, marking a significant step towards involving young voices in agricultural... Read this article online
New CEO for Livestock Research Innovation Corporation Friday, September 13, 2024 Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest Chief Executive Officer. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville has been tapped to assume the role as of September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.... Read this article online