By Peggy Brekveld, Vice President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture We’re all living in a new reality as the changes and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to play out. Last week, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) checked in with our members to find out how they expect this pandemic will impact their farm businesses. Already, 74% of … Read More

Canadian farmers and food businesses work hard so Canadians have quality food on their grocery store shelves and kitchen tables. In these times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make sure that they are supported so they can continue providing the good, healthy food that nourishes our families. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced important new … Read More

Some see themselves in land rights fight while others worry about rail shipments By: Hallie Cotnam  With no trains running on CN Rails in eastern Canada for a week, many farmers are becoming anxious about the potential impact on their livelihoods.  It’s been nearly two weeks since Tyendinaga Mohawk protesters set up camp along the tracks near Belleville, Ont., in … Read More

The Chatham-based Agris Co-operative will return patronage and interest of $1 million to its farmer-owners and investors. Agris reported 2019 sales of more than $220 million, with $2.44 million allocated to support its operations, according to a media release regarding the co-op’s annual meeting on Jan. 15. Patronage rebates will be issued as 40 per cent cash and 60 per … Read More

Corn growers should look to sell their crops at $6 per bushel this year, while soybean prices could top out at $13 per bushel, says a commodity expert. By: Tom Morrison Corn growers should look to sell their crops at $6 per bushel this year while soybean prices could top out at $13 per bushel, a commodity expert says. Moe … Read More

By: CBC NEWS New 94,000-square-foot production facility in Winnipeg set to open in fall Winnipeg is about to become home to a plant that will supply the world’s largest food company with plant-based protein. Nestlé is partnering with Merit Functional Foods and Burcon NutraScience to supply protein from peas and canola that will be used in food and beverages. The plant-based protein … Read More

By: Barbara Duckworth Ontario farmers are being told they need to get back into hay production. “We want farmers to consider hay production as a complement to row crop and cash crop production to renew soil,” said Fritz Trauttmansdorff, a farmer and founding member of the Ontario Hay and Forage Co-operative. Why it matters: Soil health can be improved if … Read More

By Jackie ClarkFarms.com The Ontario government has introduced a solution to the labour shortages in rural areas of the province, particularly within the agricultural sector. The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade introduced the Regional Immigration Pilot, which will target Chatham-Kent, Cornwall, and Belleville/Quinte West, in a Dec. 19 statement. “Through discussions with employers in the agricultural sector, (ministry officials … Read More

By Diego FlamminiStaff WriterFarms.com A U.S. farm organization hopes to further discussions about giving producers the right to repair their equipment. In December, the Nebraska Farm Bureau voted 176 to 1 in favor of a policy statement mandating the organization support right to repair legislation or similar agreements. Any law or agreement must guarantee that a farmer and independent technician has … Read More

By Diego Flammini A new year means legislation and regulation changes for members of Ontario’s ag community. Two bills under OMAFRA’s jurisdiction will have amendments take effect on Jan. 1. One affected piece of legislation is the Farm Products Payments Act (FPPA). The government’s amendments will provide the Livestock Financial Protection Board (LFPB) “with more flexibility around quorum and ensure the board … Read More