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By farms.com The 2024 tax season introduces crucial changes for Canadian farmers, with three federal tax filing requirements undergoing significant updates. These changes aim to simplify compliance and reduce the administrative burden on the agricultural sector. The Underused Housing Tax (UHT), enacted in 2022, initially posed challenges for farmers due to its stringent filing requirements. Recent amendments now exempt farm businesses with over 90% Canadian ownership from UHT filings from the 2023 tax year onwards. Penalties for non-compliance have been substantially reduced, providing relief to the farming community. Another crucial update concerns T3 reporting rules for trusts, integral to many farm businesses for estate planning and asset management. Effective for taxation years ending after December 30, 2023, these new requirements mandate more detailed filings, impacting trusts associated with farm operations. The mandatory shift to electronic filing for GST/HST returns in 2024 marks a significant transition. With various electronic filing options available, including phone based TELEFILE, this requirement aims to streamline tax submissions for all farmers, ensuring accessibility for those with limited internet access. Farmers are encouraged to maintain accurate financial records and seek professional advice to navigate these changes effectively. Resources such as the Ontario Federation of Agriculture's comprehensive fact sheet offer valuable guidance, making sure a smoother transition into the 2024 tax season. Ensuring familiarity with these updates is crucial for maintaining compliance, avoiding penalties, and securing the financial health of farm businesses.

An ag event that’s gained popularity in other parts of the country is coming to Saskatchewan. This August 10 and 11, farmers in the province will host members of their local community in Saskatchewan’s inaugural Open Farm Days. Organized by Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, this event sees participating farmers engage with people from urban neighbourhoods about agriculture, how farms work and how food ends up on grocery store shelves. “I think it’s going to be very inspiring for people to see agriculture in our province because it is so ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability practices, (and) when we come to ethical farming,” Ashley Stone, Open Farm Days coordinator, told the Prince Albert Herald. “There are some really positive things and stories that will come out of this.” In addition, Open Farm Days provides an opportunity for on-farm sales. In Alberta, for example, more than 100 farms participated in 2023. In total, on-farm sales during the event in 2023 reached $299,000. That’s up from $224,000 in 2022. Since it started in 2012, Alberta Open Farm Days has generated more than $1.4 m

Health Canada is moving forward with a complete ban of strychnine. Farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan, who used the product to control Richardson’s ground squirrels, have been banned from using strychnine since March 2023. As of this fall, the ban will expand to all uses. A six-month phaseout period is in effect with the ban officially starting on Sept. 7. And registrations of the product will be cancelled this week. "All uses of strychnine are cancelled," Lynn Lee of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) said Wednesday in a conference call, The Canadian Press reported. A PMRA decision in 2022 allowed for some uses of strychnine, but the agency received “new information” during a consultation process that supported its decision to proceed with a full ban. In addition to its use to control pests in farm fields, strychnine was also used to control other predators. In Alberta between 2005 and 2018, for example, strychnine killed 225 wolves and 239 other animals like foxes, coyotes and even a grizzly bear, The Canadian Press report says. &lt

By Farms.com The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation (IHARF) received $727,470 funding from the Western Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) in 2021. This strategic investment was channeled into essential infrastructure and equipment, including a state-of-the-art plot combine, a tractor, and various sample processing tools. Such upgrades have markedly improved research efficiency and expanded IHARF's ability to conduct comprehensive field-scale studies. According to IHARF, the acquisition of the Winter Steiger Quantum plot combine stands out as a game-changer, speeding up the collection and analysis of yield data significantly. This has not only enhanced harvest operations but also introduced comfort to the field team with the first combine equipped with a cab. The new processing assets have streamlined post-harvest operations, allowing for quicker and cost-effective in-house analysis. An additional outcome of this funding has been the expansion of IHARF's workforce, facilitating a broader engagement in agricultural research projects and collaborations. The foundation has also taken steps to enhance its extension program, working towards a centralized platform for research publications, making findings more accessible to the agricultural community. With a mission to promote profitable and sustainable agriculture, IHARF's advancements contribute significantly to the sector. Backed by the WGRF's substantial investment in agricultural research, these efforts aim to deliver lasting benefits to Western Canadian producers, ensuring a bright future for farm efficiency and sustainability.

A new mentorship initiative, AgriMentor, is now offering Canadian women a unique opportunity to advance their careers through personalized coaching. This innovative program aims to connect experienced mentors with women working in agriculture, facilitating monthly meetings to share knowledge, experience, and support. Originating from a successful pilot project in Quebec, initiated by the Agricultrices du Québec, the AgriMentor program received federal funding through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Its success and the recognized need for more female-focused training in agriculture led to the expansion of this mentorship opportunity across Canada. Managed in Ontario by the Union des cultivateurs franco-ontariens (UCFO) and supported by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), the program is designed to match mentors and mentees for a six-month period, accommodating both virtual and in-person meetings. Open to all Canadian women in agriculture, AgriMentor is free for mentees, while mentors receive an honorarium for their invaluable contribution. Mentorship provides a platform for sharing experiences, gaining new perspectives, and receiving constructive feedback. It's an empowering process that boosts confidence, motivation, and emotional well-being. For many women in the agricultural sector, having access to a mentor can be a game-changer, offering guidance, support, and the knowledge that they're not alone in their challenges. As someone passionate about this cause and with firsthand experience of the industry's demands, I strongly advocate for the AgriMentor program. It's a chance for women in agriculture to benefit from the insights of those who have paved the way before them, as well as an opportunity for mentors to give back and make a significant impact on the next generation of agricultural leaders. This program is not just about career advancement; it's about building a supportive community that fosters growth, resilience, and success for Canadian women in agriculture.

By: Farms.com In a world where technological advancements shape every aspect of life, agriculture stands on the brink of a new era, especially in the realm of pest control. As we look forward to 2050, Abell Pest Control, a company with a rich history dating back to 1924, is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and efficient farming future. Founded by Earl F. Abell in Toronto, Ontario, and now guided by President Brett MacKillop and the fourth-generation Elizabeth Abell, this company has become an international leader in pest management. Celebrating its centennial, Abell Pest Control is not just about legacy but is actively shaping the future of agriculture. Pests pose a significant challenge to agriculture, affecting crop yields, quality, and profitability. Traditional pest control methods, heavily reliant on chemical pesticides, have been effective yet fraught with concerns over environmental impact, health risks, and the emergence of pesticide-resistant pests. Recognizing these challenges, Abell Pest Control has evolved, embracing technological innovations and partnering with Canadian universities to develop solutions that are both effective and environmentally sustainable. Brett MacKillop, the company's president, emphasizes the shift towards sustainable, eco-friendly pest control solutions that reflect a broader industry move towards practices that are kind to our planet. With advanced reporting mechanisms, farmers are now equipped with precise data to inform their pest control decisions, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and minimizing environmental damage. Elizabeth Abell represents the new generation at Abell Pest Control, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to innovation and excellence. Under her guidance, the company is poised to introduce new solutions that align with sustainable farming practices, promising a healthier future for agriculture. The future envisions a world where pest control supports sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural practices, thanks to technological advancements. With companies like Abell Pest Control leading the way, farmers can look forward to a future where they can grow their crops more sustainably, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come. Abell Pest Control's story

By: Farms.com Canada is currently facing an alarming drought situation, sparking widespread concern across various sectors. After a notably warm winter with insufficient moisture, experts from the University of Alberta are stepping up to decode the potential impacts of these dry conditions on the nation's future. Wildfires, agriculture, the economy, and daily lives could be reshaped in the face of dwindling water supplies. The conversation around water law is crucial as it underpins many of the challenges and strategies related to drought management. The drought's influence on consumer behavior, particularly in the realm of sustainable food choices, is explored by agricultural economist Ellen Goddard. She notes the growing consumer emphasis on sustainability and the potential for drought-induced price increases to shift purchasing habits significantly. Boyd Mori raises an alarm about the potential for grasshopper infestations to ravage prairie agriculture, a consequence of the mild winter failing to curb their populations. As Canada navigates these turbulent waters, the insights from these experts underscore the urgency of adopting innovative solutions to address the wrath of mother nature. The collective wisdom gathered here paints a vivid picture of the interconnectedness of ecological health, legal frameworks, economic stability, and community resilience in the face of agriculture adversity.

An ag event that’s gained popularity in other parts of the country is coming to Saskatchewan. This August 10 and 11, farmers in the province will host members of their local community in Saskatchewan’s inaugural Open Farm Days. Organized by Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan, this event sees participating farmers engage with people from urban neighbourhoods about agriculture, how farms work and how food ends up on grocery store shelves. “I think it’s going to be very inspiring for people to see agriculture in our province because it is so ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability practices, (and) when we come to ethical farming,” Ashley Stone, Open Farm Days coordinator, told the Prince Albert Herald. “There are some really positive things and stories that will come out of this.” In addition, Open Farm Days provides an opportunity for on-farm sales. In Alberta, for example, more than 100 farms participated in 2023. In total, on-farm sales during the event in 2023 reached $299,000. That’s up from $224,000 in 2022. Since it started in 2012, Alberta Open Farm Days has generated more than $1.4 m

Charlotte Huitema only needs to look across the dinner table to see someone she considers a hero in ag. The egg farmer from Haldimand County considers her mom, Cindy, to be an inspiration for the way she advocates for the industry. “When we built our new barn in 2018, she did a blog for Canadian Poultry Magazine called Egg Farmerette, talking about how to go from a conventional layer housing farm to an enriched housing colony farm. She was telling our story and I thought that was really cool,” Huitema said. “And every year we volunteer at local events in our community, and she’s always answering questions and telling our farm’s story. She leads by example for all of us.” Charlotte also has two sisters and a brother. Though she grew up on her family’s farm, Huitema didn’t know if she’d follow in the family business. Mohawk College recruited her to play on the women’s varsity volleyball team.

Ignore the haters. That’s part of the message Jessica Pfisterer, a hay, cash crop and beef producer from Arthur, Ont., would tell her 12-year-old self. “I’d tell her not to worry about what others say and focus on doing your own thing,” she told Farms.com. “If you just worry about paving your own way then you can find a place in this industry and a seat at the table.” When she was that age and thought about what to do when she grew up, farming wasn’t on Pfisterer’s radar. She grew up in Guelph and figured she’d be doing something in the city. “I didn’t own a pair of rubber boots until I was in my 20s,” she said. “I was very urban focused and that’s where I thought my life would take me. At my wedding my dad said he couldn’t believe all the things I’ve done since meeting my husband. And my uncle said of all his nieces and nephews he’d never thought it would be me to help hook up a trailer hitch.” Together with her husband Ryan, she has two boys, Boone, and Rip. The Pfisterer family (Jessica, Ryan, Boone a

If Paige Dueck, a dairy and grain farmer from Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld, Man., could go back in time to give her 12-year-old self some advice, the elder Dueck would tell the younger one to keep exploring. “Try different jobs, work at different places and see what speaks to you,” Dueck told Farms.com. “That way, when you do choose a path, you know what you like. Mess around with this stuff when you’re young so you can succeed in your career sooner.” This piece of advice comes from Dueck’s lived experience. Dueck didn’t grow up on a farm but as a young girl her parents moved to rural Manitoba to nurture her love of horses and animals. No matter how big or small, if a creature was around, Dueck wanted to see it. “I always had a horse addiction. I could sniff them out at any fair, petting zoo or parade,” she said. “I loved finding little frogs in the backyard. And I spent lots of time in my youth working at chicken barns or pig barns or dairy barns. I’ve always been fascinated with living things.” This interest in living creatures prompted Dueck to attend the University of Manitoba where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in animal systems. And it was at university where she met her now husband Marcus.

By: Farms.com Keep it clean reminds farmers to prioritize the battle against Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) as they plan for the upcoming growing season. This disease not only affects crop yield and quality but also poses significant market risks. Here's how you can fortify your crops against FHB and keep your harvested grain marketable: Choose FHB-Resistant Varieties: Selecting seeds with the highest available resistance to FHB is crucial, especially in areas prone to the disease. Resistance varies among cereals, with durum being the most susceptible, followed by wheat, barley, and oats. Opting for resistant varieties is a key step in disease management. Invest in Quality Seed: High-quality, vigorous seeds contribute to a robust crop stand that can outcompete weeds and resist diseases. Pair this with appropriate seeding rates for the best start to your crop. Strategize Crop Rotations: Fusarium spores can survive in stubble over winter, making crop rotation vital. Planning rotations that allow stubble to decompose before replanting cereals is essential. If your rotation includes corn, consider its s

By: Farms.com Keeping it clean reminds farmers of the crucial balance between disease management and maintaining market access. As we approach the 2024 growing season, it's essential to select crop protection products wisely to safeguard your crops and their marketability. Choosing the right seed plays a pivotal role in managing disease pressures efficiently. Yet, the use of pesticides requires careful consideration. Only those registered for use on your crop in Canada and free of trade concerns should make it into your growing plan. Before you decide on your pesticide applications this season, think about the market implications. Our annual Product Advisory, released this spring, offers a comprehensive overview of crop protection products, highlighting those with potential market risks. Some products might limit your marketing options due to misaligned maximum residue limits (MRLs) or buyer reservations in key export destinations. Communication with your grain buyer is crucial to ensure the acceptability of your chosen pesticides to both domestic and export markets. Understanding these restrictions allows growers to mitigate risks effectively, keeping product residues within the bounds of regulatory MRLs. This strategy is more than just compliance; it's about protecting your investment and ensuring your crops remain market ready. With diseases like Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) threatening cereal grains, managing disease pressures is vital. Through strategic pesticide use and adherence to recommended practices, growers can limit FHB's spread and severity, securing their market positions. Managing disease pressures is part of Keep it Clean's tips to help growers keep your crops ready for market. By limiting the spread and severity of FHB in the field, you can protect your investment and help keep marketing options open for cereal grains.

By: Farms.com At the recent 2023-2024 Sollio Next Generation Award Gala, three Ontario farming entities were spotlighted for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector. This prestigious event, known for recognizing the innovative spirit within Canadian agriculture, highlighted the McRae brothers, Luymes Farms, and the MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company for their outstanding achievements. Matt & John McRae of Alvinston, and Luymes Farms & Custom Farming of Moorefield, were among the celebrated winners, demonstrating excellence in modern farming practices and community engagement. These farmers exemplify the progressive mindset that drives the agricultural industry forward, combining traditional values with innovative approaches to farming. Matt and John McRae run an 870-acre grain farm while working day jobs outside of the industry. They grow wheat, soybeans, and corn, as well as producing high quality seed for both their customers and their local Agromart retailer. They also manage a maple grove. Luymes Farms & Custom Farming specializes in grain production and contract farming, which has its own 2,000 acres, and services 8,000 acres in 500 fields for neighbouring farms. They are adept at managing their machinery fleet and have extensive knowledge of the specific growing needs in their area. In addition to these remarkable farmers, the MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company from Bath, Ontario, was also honored, showcasing the diversity and breadth of agricultural entrepreneurship within the province. Their unique blend of farming and brewing highlights the innovative potential of combining agriculture with other sectors to create unique, marketable products that resonate with consumers. The gala brought together members of the judging panel, including Marilyn Côté, Jean-Philippe Côté, and Normand Lapointe, alongside distinguished guests such as Richard Ferland, President of Sollio Cooperative Group, and Casper Kaastra, CEO of Sollio Agriculture. Their presence underscored the importance of the Sollio Next Generation Award as a cornerstone for recognizing agricultural excellence in Canada. The award, exclusive to Canadian agricultural businesses, included a category for clients of The Agromart Group for the second consecutive year, highlighting Sollio Agriculture's commitment to fostering growth and inno

To support and strengthen the pork sector, today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, announced up to $10.6 million to Swine Innovation Porc (SIP) through the AgriScience Program – Clusters Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Cluster seeks to enhance Canada's leading position in the global pork sector by conducting strategic research initiatives that will advance sustainability, resilience and growth opportunities. Research activities are expected to: improve understanding of sector environmental and climate performance and strategies to reduce GHGs and environmental impacts stimulate greater productivity and product quality through new insights and technologies enhance animal welfare and respond to diseases advance the fight against antimicrobial resistance enhance the competitiveness of Canadian pork producers and processors

An Alberta organization dedicated to ensuring livestock in the province were properly looked after has halted operations. Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), which local livestock producers founded in 1993 to promote responsible and humane animal care, announced its immediate closure on March 1 citing a lack of resources. “AFAC has been hit hard in recent months, including a lack of government funding,” Merna Gisler, chair of AFAC, said in a statement. “This is by no means the conclusion we wished to see happen, but the Board feels this is the responsible action to follow.” AFAC’s expenses have been in the red in recent years. In its 2022 annual report, for example, the organization ran a deficit of $56,478. The losses were “partially due to lack of government funding,” AFAC’s report says. The organization’s work is funded primarily through membership dollars. Throughout its 30-year history, AFAC has been involved with multiple initiatives to support the ag sector.

Researchers with VIDO are evaluating the addition of modified baker’s yeast to the rations of piglets in place of antibiotics to protect health and stimulate increased weight gain. With funding provided by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, scientists are exploring the potential of adding modified bakers yeast to the rations of piglets to deliver antimicrobial peptides and essential amino acids directly to the gut. Dr. Heather Wilson, a Research Scientist with VIDO and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan, says the goal is to develop feed supplements that will attack bacteria and viruses in the gut without the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Quote-Dr. Heather Wilson-Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization: We’re partnering with Renaissance Bioscience Corp from British Columbia and what they’re experts in is yeast bioengineering. They simply take bakers yeast, brewer’s yeast, the same thing that we use all of the time and they’re putting in some small modifications so that the yeast can have a protein on the surface so it localizes to the small intestine of the pig. That overcomes the huge dilution effect of the digestive tract and then it’s going to be secreting into the lumen or the gut itself these antimicrobial peptides and we’re going to then test if it’s promoting piglet health and protecting them against bacterial and viral infections. What we’re lining up is looking at which proteins we want to use to localise the yeast to the small intestinal wall. We already know which antimicrobial peptides we’re going to put into the yeast so they can be secreted, we already know which of the essential amino acids are going to be secreted by the yeast as well. We think that if we can show that adding simple modified baker’s yeast to piglet diets then we can help their growth and their health and it’ll benefit the pigs and the producers. Dr. Wilson says the work is in its early days but the hope is that this approach will protect piglet health, especially during the stressful weaning period, and stimulate increased growth and faster weight gain.

A professor with the University of Saskatchewan reports progress in the development of a new tool to assess indicators of on farm animal welfare at slaughter. Researchers with the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering with funding provided through the NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Swine Welfare research program have developed an automated swine welfare assessment system using computer based artificial intelligence to evaluate carcasses at the abattoir. The system consists of a digital security camera and an artificial intelligence processor.Dr. Seokbum Ko, a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, says throughout processing this system identifies and evaluates lesions, serving as on farm welfare indicators. Quote-Dr. Seokbum Ko-University of Saskatchewan: Initial findings suggest this approach is very cost effective and provides insights into on farm welfare and preslaughter handling.Utilizing computer vision ensures consistent unbiased data collection crucial for monitoring and improving animal welfare standards. Regarding the technology's capability to evaluate lesions, the AI models are displaying improved accuracy in identifying and categorizing lesions on pig carcasses.Several factors impact this ability.Firstly, the quality and quantity of data utilized for training significantly influences performance.A diverse dataset with ample images representing various lesion types and severity is crucial for effective training. Secondly the complexity and appearance of lesions can pose challenges for accurate detection, especially subtle or irregularly shaped ones.Moreover, environmental factors like lighting conditions in the abattoir can affect image quality and consequently lesion detection accuracy.Optimising camera placement and lighting is essential to ensure clear and consistent images for analysis. Dr. Ko says the promising advancements validate the potential scalability of this technology for widespread commercial implementation.He says the next step is to refine the computer models to ensure they deliver more precise results.

If Paige Dueck, a dairy and grain farmer from Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld, Man., could go back in time to give her 12-year-old self some advice, the elder Dueck would tell the younger one to keep exploring. “Try different jobs, work at different places and see what speaks to you,” Dueck told Farms.com. “That way, when you do choose a path, you know what you like. Mess around with this stuff when you’re young so you can succeed in your career sooner.” This piece of advice comes from Dueck’s lived experience. Dueck didn’t grow up on a farm but as a young girl her parents moved to rural Manitoba to nurture her love of horses and animals. No matter how big or small, if a creature was around, Dueck wanted to see it. “I always had a horse addiction. I could sniff them out at any fair, petting zoo or parade,” she said. “I loved finding little frogs in the backyard. And I spent lots of time in my youth working at chicken barns or pig barns or dairy barns. I’ve always been fascinated with living things.” This interest in living creatures prompted Dueck to attend the University of Manitoba where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in animal systems. And it was at university where she met her now husband Marcus.

An Alberta organization dedicated to ensuring livestock in the province were properly looked after has halted operations. Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC), which local livestock producers founded in 1993 to promote responsible and humane animal care, announced its immediate closure on March 1 citing a lack of resources. “AFAC has been hit hard in recent months, including a lack of government funding,” Merna Gisler, chair of AFAC, said in a statement. “This is by no means the conclusion we wished to see happen, but the Board feels this is the responsible action to follow.” AFAC’s expenses have been in the red in recent years. In its 2022 annual report, for example, the organization ran a deficit of $56,478. The losses were “partially due to lack of government funding,” AFAC’s report says. The organization’s work is funded primarily through membership dollars. Throughout its 30-year history, AFAC has been involved with multiple initiatives to support the ag sector.