New president for OFA Wednesday, November 26, 2008 by BETTER FARMING STAFFCashcropper Don McCabe, Inwood, and garlic grower Mark Wales, Aylmer, were elected as vice-presidents in a run off beating out Debra Pretty-Straathof, Arnprior, Wendy Omvlee, Haldimand, and Joe Vermunt, Huron County.In her acceptance speech, Crews warned that farmers face some tough times. Some farmers have benefited from a trend to consuming locally produced food. Farmers will potentially be hurt as the economy slides towards recession or worse. Processors and consumers will be looking for deals, she said. “That always comes back to bite the farmer.”Crews pledged to work with the new governance structure at the federation. Immediately following the convention, a board of 18 that meets monthly and an advisory council that meets periodically replace an old board model with approximately 100 members representing counties and commodities. Crews said the new structure offered many opportunities to develop policy that doesn’t disadvantage any commodity or any sector.”Farm groups are likely to find it challenging to work with the provincial government in tough economic times. Speaking to the convention floor, Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky said "we will have to find ways to support the industry without direct payments." BF Release of grains and oilseeds merger vote on hold Storing biosolids in manure pits tanked - for now
Canadian Innovation Aims to Transform Nitrogen Fertilizers While Eliminating Microplastics Wednesday, September 16, 2026 A Canadian agricultural technology company is taking aim at two of agriculture's most pressing environmental challenges with a new fertilizer innovation designed to improve nitrogen efficiency while eliminating microplastics from crop production. Burnaby, B.C.-based Lucent BioSciences... Read this article online
Canadian Wool Council Opens New Trade Pathways in Italy as Canada Looks Beyond U.S. Markets Wednesday, September 16, 2026 As Canada continues to strengthen trade relationships beyond the United States, the Canadian wool industry is taking a significant step onto the global stage. The Canadian Wool Council (CWC) has launched its third international trade mission, bringing a delegation of Canadian wool... Read this article online
Bruce County International Plowing Match Nears Wednesday, September 16, 2026 With the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo less than a week away, Bruce County residents, farmers and businesses are being recognized for helping create a welcoming showcase of rural Ontario. Organizers recently celebrated the winners of the 2026 International Plowing... Read this article online
Canada Trade Tribunal Submits Report on Vegetable Imports and Potential Industry Injury Monday, September 14, 2026 The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has submitted its report on imports of certain vegetable goods to the Governor in Council following a six-month safeguard inquiry into potential injury to Canadian producers. The Tribunal announced Sept. 9 that the report contains its... Read this article online
Canadian Staccato® Cherry Patent Dispute Ends in Major Settlement Monday, September 14, 2026 Canada's tree fruit breeding program has secured a significant legal victory in a long-running intellectual property dispute involving the popular Staccato® cherry variety. Summerland Varieties Corp. (SVC) announced that it and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) have reached a... Read this article online