From a news release OFA congratulates Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative party on forming the next government in Ontario. “We look forward to getting to know new MPPs across the province, and connecting with returning politicians to continue the conversations we started during the election period about the needs of the agricultural sector and our rural communities,” says Keith … Read More
ALUS PRESENTS AWARDS FOR FARMLAND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
From a news release ALUS Canada and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation presented two Innovation Awards, each worth $10,000, during an awards presentation held June 6 at Y U Ranch in Tillsonburg, Ont. The Innovation Awards recognize researchers and producers of ecosystem services on Canadian farms and ranches. The winner of the Weston Family Ecosystem Innovation Award for 2018 is … Read More
GFO WELCOMES NEW ONTARIO PC GOVERNMENT
From a news release Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, offers congratulations to Ontario’s new Premier Doug Ford and the members of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario as the new provincial government of Ontario. Grain Farmers of Ontario looks forward to seeing Premier Ford swiftly implement … Read More
SOUTHWEST CROP DIAGNOSTIC DAY CELEBRATES 24TH YEAR
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) hosts the 24th Annual Southwest Crop Diagnostic Day (SWCDD) in partnership with the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus and the Southwest Soil and Crop Improvement Associations. This year, the event takes place on July 4 and July 5. The same program is offered both days, running from 8:45 a.m. to … Read More
REALIZED NET FARM INCOME DROPPED IN 2017
From the Statistics Canada report, released on May 28 Realized net income decreased 2.5% in 2017 to $8.3 billion, the first decline since 2013 and only the second decrease since 2009. Realized net income is the difference between a farmer’s cash receipts and operating expenses, minus depreciation, plus income in kind. Rising depreciation charges, together with slightly higher operating expenses, … Read More
PHOSPHORUS INNOVATION IN HOLLAND MARSH
Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Commentary By Paul Bootsma, CFFO Manager of Field Services Scientists agree that there are some boundaries in the earth’s ecology that cannot be crossed. One of those is the level of nutrients in our freshwater bodies. The amount of nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen that we put into our lakes, rivers, and watersheds has reached … Read More
FARM CASH RECEIPTS DOWN IN FIRST QUARTER
From Statistics Canada Farm cash receipts for Canadian farmers totalled $15.4 billion in the first quarter, down 5.3% from the same quarter in 2017. Lower crop receipts and program payments contributed to the decline, while livestock receipts were unchanged. This was the first year-over-year decline for a first quarter since 2014. Farm cash receipts, which include crop and livestock revenues, … Read More
AAFC MARKET ANALYSTS FORECAST HIGHER PRICES FOR 2018-19 CROP YEAR
From the Outlook for Principal Field Crops Report, by the Market Analysis Group/Grains and Oilseeds Division of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) In their preliminary assessment of the upcoming 2018-19 crop year, market analysts for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are predicting higher prices for corn, soybean and wheat (lower protein wheat). Here are some of the highlights from the latest … Read More
AG INDUSTRY STEPS UP TO SUPPORT FARMER MENTAL HEALTH
From FCC Express By Owen Roberts Across the country, efforts are increasing to address farmers’ mental health needs. In government, academia, industry – and indeed in the field itself – problems that have long been hidden or dismissed are starting to see the light of day. These efforts follow a University of Guelph study in 2015-2016 of more than 1,000 … Read More
NEW FARM LABOUR REGULATIONS IMPACT ONTARIO FARMS
Ontario Federation of Agriculture Commentary By Peggy Brekveld, OFA Vice President Running a farm is a complex business. Laws and regulations from multiple ministries govern Ontario farms on issues ranging from transportation and environment to labour and finance. The passing of Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act in 2017 has added additional layers of complex regulations for Ontario farm … Read More