The evolution of sustainability
WHILE THE MARKETPLACE and consumers may alter the definition of what it means to be sustainable, the definition of sustainability has not waivered at Grain Farmers of Ontario. Grain Farmers of Ontario...
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Harvest stress
WHETHER IT IS changing weather, equipment breakdowns, lower than expected yields, or human resources challenges, harvest can be the most stressful season on the farm. Seasonal increases in stress make...
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Simplifying plant-based meals
FOR FLEDGLING PLANT-BASED food company Neophyto Foods of Guelph, markets became rapidly and drastically limited when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. The company, which grew from an energetic team...
View ArticleManitoba Crop Alliance
CREATING EFFICIENCIES WAS the theme behind a major amalgamation completed in Manitoba this summer — one that makes history in their province’s agriculture industry. Launching operations on August 1,...
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Cropside: Soybean seeding depth
Horst Bohner, Soybean Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs THERE IS A trend in modern soybean production to plant soybeans deeper than the traditional 1.5 inches. This...
View ArticleThe new Cereals Canada
THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL Grains Institute (Cigi) and Cereals Canada solidified their amalgamation this year. The two organizations, which, at least for now, will use the Cereals Canada name,...
View ArticlePandemic changes
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has shone a light on the interconnections, vulnerabilities, and resilience within the agriculture and food system. Nowhere is this more evident than in the livestock feed and...
View ArticleSeeds Canada voted down by CSGA
IN A CONVINCING 414 to 337 vote, members of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) chose not to amalgamate with four other organizations to create Seeds Canada. Voting took place starting in...
View ArticleManaging farm business risk
ONLY 30 PER CENT of Canadian farmers say they have a risk management plan, according to Farm Management Canada, and typically this is limited to planning for price and yield. A 2015 study conducted by...
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Wild pigs in Ontario
AMONG ALL THE wildlife that can cause damage to Ontario crops, from gophers to elk, wild pigs may become the most serious threat of all. However, it’s hoped that because the provincial population is...
View ArticleRespiratory health
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC gives Ontario grain farmers yet another reason to wear a respiratory mask this fall. Potential allergens such as weed pollen and mould spores, as well as bacteria and dust, are...
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Vacant dwellings
(J.M.) WHAT OPTIONS DO FARMERS HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO VACANT DWELLINGS ON FARMLAND? (N.M.) When it comes to dealing with a home or dwelling on farmland (other than your primary residence), farmers have...
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Looking back
In recognition of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s 10th anniversary, Ontario Grain Farmer is celebrating some of the major achievements of our organization. The annual March Classic has grown into the...
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GrainTALK for November 2020
Markus Haerle, Chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario FROM THE CHAIRA Q&A with Grain Farmers of Ontario chair, Markus Haerle. At the AGM, there were a number of issues discussed around federal policy and...
View ArticleSpore trapping-analysis technology
MANAGEMENT OF FUNGAL crop pathogens continues to evolve as new diagnostic tools become available to help farmers understand what diseases are present in their fields and pinpoint whether and/or when...
View ArticleDemocratization of data
THE SHEER EXPENSE of precision and crop-analysis technologies has long been cited as a major barrier to farmer adoption. Many new developments, however, are trending less towards the proprietary model...
View ArticleBt resistant corn root worm
HERE IS YOUR Bt resistant corn root worm (CRW) wake up call. This tiny little worm can wreak havoc on your corn, but it can be managed. The simplest management solution is not to plant continuous corn...
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New technology for grain farmers
THE RATE OF technological advancement in agriculture in recent years has been nothing short of astounding. Around the world, engineers and equipment manufacturers are designing innovative machinery,...
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Standards
Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO is a strong supporter of corn-based ethanol, but has been a vocal opponent of key aspects of Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) proposed by...
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Different scales of autonomy
LARGE ROBOTS MIGHT look flashy, but farmers and ag-service providers are finding value in autonomous equipment on smaller and medium scales. Where investments in autonomy are made, however, is...
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