Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) has set its sights on Ontario farmland as part of a massive $38.6 billion plan to modernize NORAD, raising fears about the loss of some of the province’s best agricultural land.

Across rural Ontario, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have become popular for recreation and trail riding. But for many landowners and farmers, those same machines carry with them a growing frustration: Trespassing and property damage.

While many farmers across Ontario are familiar with growing winter wheat, other winter crops, including canola, barley, triticale, and rye, have garnered a growing interest from both grain farmers and livestock producers.

For decades, farmers have adapted their equipment and practices to establish cover crops efficiently within the tight window between harvest and winter. Now, drones are emerging as a new tool for seeding directly into standing crops, offering speed and flexibility.

Starting a new farm can be difficult in any industry, but those hoping to access supply-managed sectors face an additional hurdle.

For months now, producers have been grappling with a growing season marked by weather extremes and mounting economic uncertainty.

Crown land represents about 95 per cent of Northern Ontario. As farmers in the North look to expand their farms, some have become frustrated with the barriers limiting their access to Crown land.

From leading the way in robotic milking to adopting no-till farming as a means to reclaim difficult stone-laden fields, and experimenting with switch-grass to improve herd health and soil resilience, Toonders’ approach is rooted in finding what works for his operation.

While these historic structures may show their age, they provide valuable potential for cost-effective storage, livestock shelter, and even new uses like event spaces.

As calves are weaned in the fall months, many feedlots and backgrounders begin looking to fill their barns. The fall weather, along with a combination of other factors, can also set the stage for problems with respiratory disease in calves.

Ontario’s Bill 5, also named the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, recently received Royal Assent.

Eva Wagler farms at a crossroads – operating next door to the controversial Wilmot Township expropriation boundary.

Brandon Cox understands he’s unlikely to realize the full impact of his efforts in his lifetime.

For many in Ontario, agriculture is far more than an industry – it’s a deeply rooted way of life.

Jordyn Domio was elected in March as the 82nd president of the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO).

Lighting in turkey barns has the potential to affect a flock’s productivity and welfare.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) acknowledges that one-size-fits-all solutions often fail to meet local needs.

Farming has always been a profession marked by uncertainty, but today’s landscape presents challenges.

Peter Hannam devoted his life to agriculture. Born in 1939 and raised on his family’s farm in Guelph.

Many rural communities across Ontario have a long-standing annual tradition of gathering at their local fall fair to celebrate agriculture.

Concrete tower silos are a defining feature of Ontario’s rural landscape, serving as crucial storage for silage and grain.

Rural Ontario is dotted with nearly 500,000 private wells, providing the primary drinking water for about 1.3 million people.

Ryan and Romy Schill have built a thriving sheep and wool business that is a model of innovation and efficiency.

Commodity groups have a strong presence in Ontario’s agriculture industry.

Robotic milking systems are not new to Ontario dairy farmers, but the University of Guelph’s Dr. Trevor DeVries says that the adoption of the technology is still climbing.

In Wilmot Township, Stewart Snyder is fighting to protect the future of his farm.

Herbicide-resistant weeds are an increasing problem for many Ontario farmers, limiting their weed management options.

Soon after being named Ontario’s new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness in late March, Trevor Jones sat down with Better Farming for a discussion.

Setting soybean population is both an art and a science.

Farmers have seen several significant threats cast a shadow over the agricultural industry this year.

Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all solution for our farm businesses. As operations grow in scale and complexity, so do the associated risks.

Planning for retirement is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of farming.

Winter fixing season is upon us and many farmers are heading out to their shops to repair their vehicles and equipment.

As the planting season approaches, farmers know the importance of early preparation.

There is so much emotion in farming that sometimes we forget what happened during the growing season.

Each year, corn growers depend on their planters to sow their corn crop effectively with the hopes of strong emergence and uniformity.

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing concern for livestock producers in Canada.

I had an interesting call last fall from the United States. No, it was not Donald Trump calling to tell me that he got back in.

Farmers across Ontario are breathing a sigh of relief following the recent passing of Canada’s new Right-to-Repair law.

Funding programs are an opportunity for farmers to improve their land and equipment, while encouraging growth and advances in the agricultural industry.

When assessing livestock management, nutrition and health protocols are often the first considerations that come to mind.

With harvest wrapped up and the new calendar year beginning, the most important task is picking the variety/hybrid for 2025.

Some producers have diversified from their typical soybean crop by adding dry edible beans to their rotation.

Dr. David Biesenthal’s lifetime career in agriculture and veterinary medicine has left an undeniable mark on the industry.

Limited meat processing capacity has challenged the Ontario beef industry in recent years.

Record-keeping is an important practice for anyone raising livestock, but farmers may find it challenging.

In a landscape that’s constantly evolving, Ontario’s agriculture scene is buzzing with fresh ambitions and big ideas.

The PAWS Act (Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act) came into effect in Ontario in January 2020.

Over the past decade, a lot of focus has been put on sulphur, and rightly so.

Growing up on a farm, Carson graduated from Ridgetown College in 2015 with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture.