NFU coordinator affirms commitment to family farms Monday, December 5, 2011 by SUSAN MANNThe National Farmers Union’s Ontario branch is committed to maintaining the family farm as the province’s main food producing unit, says Ann Slater, the group’s newly elected coordinator. “The main thing is to continue to advocate for family farms,” says Slater, who was elected at a special meeting for the Ontario branch held during the 42nd annual national convention in London last month. Other matters members have asked the branch to work on include trying to ensure genetically engineered alfalfa isn’t commercially released in Ontario, better community control over green energy projects, and refocusing attention on the loss of small abattoirs.With a new agriculture minister in Ontario and a somewhat new provincial government “we need to refocus on what we need to do to keep small abattoirs in place,” she says. For many union members, direct marketing is a very important part of their operation. Without a small abattoir, anyone who’s raising livestock can’t market directly to customers.Nationally one thing the union is focused on is ensuring supply management isn’t turfed out when the federal government negotiates various trade agreements, such as the Canada-European one. In other news, a number of Ontario farmers were acclaimed to positions on the organization’s national executive, including Colleen Ross of Iroquis, first vice-president; Don Mills of Granton, second vice-president; Joan Brady of Dashwood, women’s president; and Paul Slomp of Ottawa, youth vice-president. During the union’s Ontario branch accreditation hearing this fall some members raised questions that lead to a continuation of the group’s hearing but Slater says she doesn’t think their reaccreditation is in jeopardy. “Like the other three organizations, we’re just waiting to hear,” she says. BF Pipeline landowners examine options The hydrogen-powered tractor may soon be a reality
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