Provincial cost-share program helps farmers save at-risk species Tuesday, October 8, 2013 by MATT MCINTOSH The Ministry of Natural Resources reintroduced a three-tier cost-share program that will help farmers protect Ontario's struggling plant and animal species, says the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. The species at risk farm incentive program provides farmers with funding to help create a set of best management practices that are designed to improve on farm operations while protecting species at risk, and the local environment more generally. The program works hand-in-hand with Growing Forward 2, a federal/provincial agricultural framework of programs that invests $3 billion dollars into agricultural innovation, market development, and competitiveness. Because of the funding partnership, farmers interested in the species at risk program must have an existing Environmental Farm Plan – and be registered as part of Growing Forward 2 with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association – before they can receive funding for further conservation projects. "There is money available for on-farm conservation programs, but the program operates on a first-come first-serve basis," says Katie Burt, the association's communications specialist. "When the funding is gone, the program is over." There are three different levels to the species at-risk program, each with increasing cost-share funding. The first level has the lowest amount of funding, and focuses on general habitat conservation. It is available for all Ontario farmers, provided they meet the qualifying criteria. The second level involves more financial backing, but requires farmers to identify and develop a plan to protect a species at risk specific to their area. The program's third level is limited to farmers who have identified a specific species at risk on their property, and who have acquired a letter of verification from a qualified third party. Individual farms that qualify for this level can access cost-share funding of 80 per cent, up to a maximum of $15, 000. The application process opened on April 1 of this year, and the last day to submit expenses is January 15, 2014. BF Identification tool helps rid stored grain of pests Province steps aside in GM alfalfa debate
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