Survey tackles ag labour needs Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by BRIAN CLEEVE and BETTER FARMING STAFFA pilot survey underway in Haldimand County is searching for grassroots feedback on the challenges and opportunities that affect jobs in agriculture.Studying labour-related agricultural problems at the local level marks a first for the county.Once the process is honed, it’s hoped to be replicated in Brant, Norfolk, Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex counties, says Clara Siisii a volunteer researcher with the project.Brantford-based Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie (formerly the Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board) is spearheading the survey in response to a request from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The non-profit board is one of 21 in Ontario.Siisii says shortages of skilled trades have played a role in agriculture’s challenges over the past two years.She notes that the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimates a nine per cent vacancy rate for seasonal and non-seasonal work. And it estimates that employers of berry, vegetable, tree fruit and vine operations are projecting a need to increase their employees by 52 per cent over the next five years.Siisii says the survey results can be used to guide government policy and local economic development, develop effective training programs and inform community leaders about the challenges agriculture faces.It targets six interest groups: farmers; general farm organizations; industry suppliers such as fertilizer plants and truckers; food processors; ethanol plants and manufacturers that use bioproducts; and colleges and universities with agricultural programs.Siisii hopes most of the 212 surveys mailed last week will be returned by the end of the month.They will be analyzed to determine whether there are problems the agriculture sectors such as vegetables, grain and livestock share common problems. It’s also hoped growth opportunities for the industry will be identified. “We hope to identify present and future occupations so we can match those with the training needs of the industry,” she states in a January news release.The study’s costs are not yet known, says Siisii. The Haldimand County Economic Development and Tourism department is supporting the pilot project. BF Apple growers ponder fee hike Economic study shows hefty impact
40 Agriculture Groups Urge Senate to Reject Bill C-282 Thursday, October 31, 2024 Forty of Canada's leading agriculture and agri-food groups sent a letter today to the Senate urging them to reject Bill C-282. Bill C-282 is an Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management). "This bill risks handcuffing Canada’s... Read this article online
Innovating Crop Nutrition with AI and Biologicals Thursday, October 31, 2024 Chad Mangan, national sales director for NutriAg, recently shared information on how to mitigate crop stress and to maximize yields during the 2024 Great Ontario Yield Tour event in Chesterville, Ontario. NutriAg, a Canadian crop nutrition company, focuses on optimizing nutrient... Read this article online
Boosting Soybean Yields with Advanced Agronomy Techniques Thursday, October 31, 2024 Strategic nutrient management and the impact of environmental conditions on soybean growth was the focus of a recent presentation by Shaun Casteel, Associate Professor of Agronomy at Purdue University, during his presentation 'Setting and Expanding on Foundations to Maximize Soybean Yield'... Read this article online
Cdn. farmers can win a chance to brew their own beer Wednesday, October 30, 2024 A contest is giving Canadian farmers a chance to brew their own beer. Bayer and Origin Brewing & Malting Co., out of Strathmore, Alta., have teamed up for the FieldBrew contest. The contest is open to farmers from B.C. to Ontario who are at least 19 years old. Participants can earn... Read this article online
Farmers and small businesses worried about Federal Debt Crisis Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Nearly 74% of Canadian small businesses express concern over the federal government’s lack of a concrete plan to balance the budget, as deficits and federal debt continue to rise, reports the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). These sentiments are also held by many growers... Read this article online