Ag Industry News Ontario

Chart via BonusFinder Canada Would you believe us if we said that the ag industry has the fifth highest incidence of liars, according to an industry survey? It’s no lie, although we should state that the numbers involving the ag industry are also lumped in with forestry, fishing, and hunting. We’re not talking about the camper who claimed to have seen Bigfoot rummaging through the garbage cans behind the local A&W Restaurant in Nelson, BC. Neither are we talking about regular folk talking about how they hunted and shot a 24-point buck when it was their pick-up truck that did the killing. And neither are we talking about the fisherman who claimed to have caught a fish “this big.” No, this one is about industry personnel who sometimes offer up a little white lie to the whopper, to the full-on baldfaced lie with regards to their salary. According to BonusFinder Canada—a Canadian online gambling business that has no affiliation with Farms.com—the average person lies four times a day. Sure, it could be to promote oneself, perhaps to protect someone’s feelings, or maybe to just not have to answer a telephone spammer’s questions. The gambling site asked some 3,000 Canadians for their take on lying. By the way, for all sectors, Canadians were more likely to lie or avoid discussing salary. Here are some of the highlights: According to the survey, the hospitality industry lies the most about their salary, at 66.3 percent. 6.0 percent of Canadians have lied about their salary. 37.7 percent have said their salary is lower than it is, and only 28.0 percent have inflated their salary. Folks from Ottawa lie the most about their salary, at 63.4 percent - more on that below, because it's not necessarily all a bad thing. People said that negotiating leverage is the most common reason for inflating salaries, according to 37.8 percent of the respondents. 28.4 percent said that they deflated their salary to others to avoid jealousy or resentment in the workplace. Interesting. The best way to avoid lying about salary is to not have such discussions. If a person chooses to reveal their salary, that’s one thing, but asking others seems... wrong. Unless that’s something Gen Z and the Millennials seem more comfortable with. Other reasons why people said they inflated their salary included: social status and image; family and social expectations; business or networking reasons; comparisons with peers (and the need to fit in); fear of judgement or discrimination; and insecurities (feelings of inadequacy). Yes, Ottawa had the most people lie about their salary (63.4 percent), but to be fair, of the Top 10 cities, Ottawa’s population was more likely to state that their salary was lower than it was (40.6 percent), but the second-most likely to inflate their salary (33 percent). The next biggest liar about salary—again, based on a total of 3,000 people surveyed—was Saskatoon (60.4 percent), with 37.6 percent lying low

; Image courtesy of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (OFVGA) has named Don Brubacher as its deserving winner of the . The retired long-time General Manager of the Ontario Potato Board was presented with the award at the annual OFVGA industry banquet in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on February 20, 2024. “As a potato grower and current chair of the Ontario Potato Board, it is a particular honour for me to see Don receive this year’s Industry Award of Merit,” exalted Shawn Brenn, the Chair of the OFVGA. He continued: “Don devoted his entire working life to the potato industry and was respected by growers for his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to working on their behalf to make things better for the industry. He always enjoyed the people this industry brought together and was passionate about the work being done.” &

Image by Ariel Núñez Guzmán from Pixabay Beans, beans, good for the wallet. Dry beans, such as pinto, navy, and kidney beans, are big business in Canada and around the world. Adzuki beans were Ontario’s top moneymaker per acre in 2023. Last year, Ontario farmers planted a record 23,000 acres of the niche crop, which was up from the 19,000 acres planted in 2022. Even still, those numbers paled in comparison to the almost three million acres of soybeans grown in Ontario last year. Then again, dry beans such as adzuki, pinto, navy, and kidney do cost more to produce. While some dry bean farmers will grow these beans every year, some only grow dry beans when prices are strong and they are likely to fit into their crop rotation. One of the biggest concerns for dry bean farmers, however, is weeds. Because the dry bean is a short-stature crop—and one that does not form a full canopy until mid-July—weeds tend to have free reign, which is one reason farmers must only grow it on fields that are already relatively weed-free. Other issues for dry beans include seedling diseases, where they suffer seed rot, and seedling blight diseases caused by , , and . And then there’s viral diseases such as bean common mosaic virus or yellow mosaic virus. Oh, and we all know that rust never sleeps. And bacterial blight. White mould. . Grasshoppers. Cutworm. It’s a wonder anyone can grow any type of dry bean sometimes. And it’s because there is a real need to grow these dry beans more efficiently and sustainably that money has been donated by Ontario Bean Growers (OBG) and an anonymous donor to the University of Guelph’s (U of G’s) Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). This $2 million donation will also be used to support the OBG Assistant Professorship in Weed Sciences faculty position at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. Additionally, the U of G has announced the renewal of the Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management faculty position at Ridgetown Campus. Collectively, these faculty hires will better ensure that the University of Guelph will continue to be among the world’s best in dry bean agronomy and weed management research. The new OBG Professorship in Weed Management and the Professorship in Dry Bean Agronomy and Pest Management fill the vacancies left by Dr. Peter Sikkema, who recently retired, and OAC’s Chris Gillard, who will retire later in 2024. “Peter and Chris have had an immense impact on the Ontario bean industry for years,” stated Dr. Rene Van Acker, the interim Vice President (Research) at U of G. “This renewal of these professorships will ensure their legacy continues and

By Farms.com The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) made its presence felt in Ottawa this week, with President Drew Spoelstra leading the charge to bring the voice of Ontario's farms to the forefront of national discussions. The visit was marked by significant interactions with political leaders and participation in pivotal events that underscored the importance of agriculture in Canada. The highlight of the trip was attending the swearing-in ceremony of Senator Mary Robinson, a notable advocate for agriculture, reflecting the sector's growing representation at the highest levels of government. Robinson's experience across various agricultural roles positions her as a key ally for farming interests in Canada. Spoelstra's agenda in Ottawa was packed with strategic meetings aimed at addressing pressing concerns for the agricultural community. Conversations with MP Dave Epp focused on the grocery code of conduct, Bill C-234, and invasive species, highlighting the unique challenges facing Southern Ontario's vibrant agricultural landscape. Further discussions with influential figures, including MP Kody Blois, Minister Lawrence MacAulay, and MP James Maloney, delved into legislative matters such as Bill C-234 and the Advance Payments Program. These dialogues emphasized the critical need for supportive policies, like maintaining the interest-free limit for farm loans and recognizing the vital role of the Ontario Food Terminal in the nation's food supply chain. An overlap with the Dairy Farmers of Canada reception allowed for meaningful exchanges on dairy sector priorities, including leadership development and the urgent need for expanded processing capacity. These interactions underscore the OFA's commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in Canadian agriculture. Before concluding the visit, Spoelstra engaged with Senator Rob Black regarding the Senate's Soil Health study, anticipating its implications for future agricultural practices. This visit to Ottawa by the OFA leadership was a strategic effort to ensure that the voices of Ontario's farmers are heard and considered in national agricultural policy decisions, reinforcing the sector's significance to Canada's economy and food security.

What do Kleenex, the Winter Olympics, Band-Aids, Caesar salad and College Royal at the University of Guelph all have in common? They all turn 100 in 2024. For those unaware, College Royal is the largest student-run university open house in North America. And it started in 1925. “It was started by a group of people who wanted to show livestock,” Lexi Johnston, a Bachelor of Science in agriculture student and current president of College Royal, told Farms.com. “So, the roots of College Royal really run deep in ag.” Johnston, 10 other officers and about 90 people in total make up the team responsible for organizing the experience. “It’s 12 days of events,” Johnston said. “The first 10 days are dedicated to more student activities like kickoff pub and the University of Guelph Aggies vs. Ridgetown Aggies hockey game. Super Thursday has lots of food and messiness involved. Then you’ve got the College Royal Ball where all five floors of the University Centre have food, drinks, dancing, and live music. And for the 100th year there’s going to be an alumni lounge.” The weekend of March 16 and 17 is the open house weekend.

Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H) and its subsidiary, P&H Milling Group, are thrilled to announce a significant expansion at their Hamilton, Ontario facility, showcasing their unwavering commitment to Canadian agriculture and the burgeoning baking industry. This expansion marks a pivotal step forward, introducing two new storage silos designed to handle essential feed ingredients like soymeal and distillers dried grains, as well as wheat to cater to the flour mills. Additionally, construction is set to commence in March 2024 for a third flour mill, underlining P&H's position as a premier flour production hub in Hamilton. The existing P&H Hamilton flour mill, operational since 2017, was a historic milestone as the first new flour mill in Ontario in 75 years. Doubling its capacity in 2020 with a second mill and increased storage, the facility has played a vital role in enhancing the company's wheat processing capabilities. CEO John Heimbecker emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating, "Our commitment to the Canadian agricultural landscape is evident in this Hamilton expansion. We are not merely expanding infrastructure but investing in the future of Canadian agriculture and the baking industry. This strategic move reaffirms our dedication to meeting the needs of our agricultural and business partners." Aligned with its vision, P&H's expansion in Hamilton reflects its dedication to contributing significantly to the food industry, supporting local farmers, and ensuring a resilient supply chain. The company remains at the forefront of innovation, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices to meet the demands of a growing population. P&H Milling Group, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited, is a leading Canadian agribusiness specializing in flour milling and pea processing. Committed to quality and sustainability, the group plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian agriculture and meeting the demands of the growing food industry. With roots dating back to 1909, Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited is a Canadian, family-owned agri-business. Positioned as a growth-oriented, diversified, and vertically integrated entity, P&H operates in grain merchandising, flour milling, crop inputs, and feed mills across over 70 locations nationwide. Leveraging a well-established network of assets and strong business relationships, P&H remains dedicated to supporting Canadian agricultural producers through ongoing infrastructure development.

; Photo courtesy of 4-H Canada 4-H Canada is proud to announce the recipients of three prestigious national awards: ; (s); and . 4-H provides youth with the guidance, resources, and opportunities to become contributing members of their community, their country, and the world by preparing them for the various paths of life and encouraging them to find their sense of self, purpose, and responsibility. Each year, the recognize the extraordinary contributions of supporters, volunteers, and alumni who embody the mission of 4-H and make an impact on youth and the communities they serve. Distinguished Alumni Award The is presented to honour the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to their communities, country, and world. This year’s winner is Jon Montgomery of Calgary, Alberta. That’s him in the photo above. You probably recognize him from at least one of three Canadian things. He is the TV host of The Amazing Race Canada, and he is an Olympic gold medal winner in the most dangerous winter sport—the skeleton, where you go headfirst down a curving downhill course atop a sled. He is one of this writer’s favourite athletes. He won his gold medal at the held in Vancouver, British Columbia. And if one thinks he can’t top all that, Montgomery is a proud second-generation 4-H’er! His involvement in the 4-H movement began in his hometown of Russell, Manitoba, where he was a youth member of the Russell 4-H Beef Club for four years. A proud alum, Montgomery has continued to live and breathe 4-H values throughout his career as an elite athlete, philanthropist, and national TV host. He embodies leadership skills, pride in his rural roots, drive to achieve world-class goals, and a ‘can-do’ attitude that parallels 4-H Canada’s ‘Learn To Do By Doing’ motto. Along with being an Olympic gold medallist, these 4-H values have taken him far, including taking on the mantle of host of in 2013 and remaining in that position today. A household name in Canada and around the world, Montgomery frequently uses his platforms as a motivational speaker on topics close to his heart, including leadership, teamwork, and healthy living. A strong advocate for agriculture, Jon has been a fixture at important ag-related events around the country, including and the . In 2023, 4-H Canada was proud to have Montgomery host the virtual , where he led the celebration of 4-H youth, leaders, and supporters around the country. In a subsequent interview with The Pledge, 4-H Canada’s a

By Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern Transferring fuels or lubricants is a routine necessity on any farming operation, but physically transferring these liquids is not always simple. For example, you have liquids in a jerry can or drum, but you need to get them to their end-use destination. Using spouts can sometimes be challenging when the spout does not cooperate, resulting in spillage. The Quick Flow Drill Pump Kit from SP Tools allows you to pump 3 liters of liquid per minute, at 1,200 RPMS with just a push of a button. Leaving your second hand free to manage suction and/or discharge hoses. The drills universal adapter allows any drill of any size to be used with the help of the rubber mounting strap which sets the drill firmly in place. The Drill Pump is ideal for transferring: Automotive Engine oil Automatic transmission Gear oil Brake fluid Power steering fluid Coolant Industrial Hydraulic oils Machining coolants Whether it is transferring fuel for a machine or truck, diesel for a generator, lubrication for an engine, SP tools Quick Flow Drill Pump Kit will do the trick in transferring fluids on the farm. Watch this video to learn more about this cool tool.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay It’s over. Two of France’s main farmers’ unions asked their members to end the protest that was blocking access in and out of the capital city of Paris after the government agreed to their demands. The French farmers took no pleasure in harassing their fellow countrymen. But it appears as though their hold on the arteries going in and out of the capital worked, as the French government agreed to many of their demands. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, just three weeks into the job, had failed with his initial attempt to quell the blockade that was starving Parisians of access to fresh fruits and vegetables. His second attempt went much better. The French protest was initiated after farmers said their concerns were being ignored by the government. French farmers were angry over rising input costs, increased taxes, falling income, and European agriculture policies. With regards to its European neighbours, French farmers were upset about its government purchasing too much agricultural product from Ukraine. Understanding that Ukraine is at war with Russia and can use financial aid, French farmers railed against its government for being too generous in flooding the market with Ukrainian goods, not to mention that they believe much of the Ukrainian products to be substandard to expected French food quality. Worse still, for the French farmers, the Ukrainian products were being sold at a cheaper price than their own. For French farmers, purchasing too many substandard and inexpensive Ukrainian agricultural products had affected their livelihood while lowering the accepted food standards for consumers. The French farmers said they had been raising their concerns to the government for years, but to finally get their point across, a tractor blockade at every roadway leading in and out of Paris caught not only the government’s attention but the attention of other European countries facing similar shortcomings. By way of apology and righting the situation, Attal said the government wants French ag to come first—French food products, produced in France, by its farmers. As well, the French government said it would create a $162 million financial aid package for its farmers. A financial aid package worth over CDN $215 million was promised for French livestock farmers. As well, the Prime Minister said there would be a ban on the import of fruit and vegetables treated with , an insecticide that may be harmful to honeybees. has been banned in the EU since 2019, but both Canada and the US allow its use, though only for limited purposes in Canada. Most importantly, the France plan—which follows the UK and EU’s plans—to reduce pesticide usage has been put on hold. While pesticide reduction is still being considered, the French government said it wants to implement an easier way for farmers to reduce pesticide usage while maintaining its yield quantity and quality. It just doesn’t know how to do that yet. The farmers’ action wasn’t a complete blockage. Aft

Image via Grigorenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Moo-ve over gassy feed, there’s a new additive in town. Just approved for use in Canada, , , is a livestock ingredient that will reduce cattle methane emissions via burps and… you know. With approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Bovaer product is said to neutralize methane in the rumen. When microbes in the rumen break down the feed, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases are released, which combine when there’s an enzyme present. But Bovaer suppresses the enzyme, thereby reducing the amount of methane created. With less methane created, it also means fewer possible methane gases released by the cattle. Dsm-Firmenich said that the product (produced by the same-named Bovaer) could be available for sale in Canada in a few weeks. Dsm-Firmenich has the right to sell the product in Canada. Additional Canadian research into ingredient usage shows that cattle achieve a small increase in feed efficiency without any change in their growth rate. Mark van Nieuwland, the Vice-President of Bovaer, stated: “This will benefit Canadian farmers, the efforts of the sector, and support Canada in delivering on its international emissions reduction commitments, such as the Global Methane Pledge.” According to van Nieuwland, Canadian cattle feeders can reduce cow methane emissions by an average of 45 percent by using the ingredient. For dairy cows, the company said that the product additive can “reduce methane emissions by 30 percent on average, potentially lowering the overall greenhouse gas footprint per litre of milk by 10 to 15 percent.”

By Farms.com Calling all farmers interested in maximizing winter wheat crop returns! The 2024 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is now open for registration, offering a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into crop performance. Established in 2021, the Great Lakes YEN is dedicated to helping farmers elevate their winter wheat yields by providing in-depth knowledge about crop performance. Registration for this insightful program closes on February 2nd, 2024, or when maximum capacity is reached – so act fast! Participants in the Great Lakes YEN can look forward to: Collecting soil and plant samples, meticulously analyzed at an accredited laboratory. Engaging in multiple in-person networking events, fostering connections with farmers and researchers. Receiving a comprehensive, personalized report summarizing data specific to their individual fields. Agronomists and crop consultants are integral to the success of the Great Lakes

https://www.farms.com/author-bio/andrew-joseph.aspx">Andrew Joseph; Image from Harry Hoffman and Sons Funeral Home Jack Riddell, a former Ontario Minister of Agriculture, passed away on January 23, 2024, at the age of 92. He served in that role from 1985 to 1989. Riddell had also been an MPP for Huron and Huron-Middlesex from 1971 to 1990, winning six consecutive elections for the Ontario Liberal Party. For the Ontario Liberals, he was elected and became the Agriculture Critic in 1973. He was born in London, Ontario, but grew up in Huron County, earning a B.Sc. In Agriculture from the OAC in 1957. He was the Assistant Agricultural Representative in Hastings and Essex Counties, then the Assistant Manager of the Ontario Stockyards. At home, he raised cattle and sheep on a farm near Dashwood, Ontario, even while working as a teacher at the South Huron District High School. He owned and operated the Hensall Livestock Sales Barn and worked as an auctioneer jointly with his brother Doug. After becoming the Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food in 1985, he introduced the program and formed an of rural MPPs. For his efforts to sustain and advance agriculture, Riddell was elected to the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame in June 2017. A service for Riddell took place on January 27, 2024.