Dig Deep | Better Farming

Dumping dirt: Excess soil turns up on farmland

Chatsworth Township producer encouraged municipality to pass site alteration bylaw

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Sensing your soil’s potential

Image detection systems could enable producers to reduce chemical usage by up to 90 per cent

By: Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Producers could use sensor-based precision herbicide applications as another tool to fight hard-to-control weeds in their fields.

Canada’s cannabis race blossoms

Ontario horticulturist agrees to rent land to a cannabis producer

By Nicholas Van Allen
Writer
Better Farming

WeedMD’s management built the company’s Strathroy facility with the help of Jerry Zakaria, CEO of Perfect Pick Farms.

Laying the groundwork for better soil

Agronomist discusses how farmers can adopt soil best management practices

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Taking the fear out of data sharing

Cash cropper shares how precision ag benefits his farm business

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Jason Robinson, a third-generation cash crop and vegetable farmer in Courtland, Ont., uses a range of precision ag technology in his family’s operation. Much of his equipment can collect data.

Unpacking the changing ag export markets

CETA may unlock possibilities for increased Canadian agri-food exports to Europe

Tracking data from farm gate to dinner plate

Canada’s beef industry strives to show traceability and sustainability throughout the supply chain

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Reaching the end of the road

The municipality of Dutton Dunwich continues to support its local businesses, despite increasing infrastructure expenses

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Cameron McWilliam runs a cash crop, beef and turkey operation with his wife, Anne Marie, in Elgin County.

Walking down the barn aisle

An American ag group promotes on-farm wedding venues

By Jim Algie
Writer
Better Farming

Growing forward to CAP: Building on success

Ontario producers share their views on the new partnership

By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Farmers and other industry members are familiarizing themselves with the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), which came into effect earlier this month.

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Tehkummah, Ont. farm family wins BMO award

August 17, 2018

An Algoma County, Ont. farm family is one of a select few that will be honoured next month. The McNaughton family are among the recipients of the BMO Ontario Farm Family Award. They will officially receive it during the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Chatham-Kent in September. Ten other Ontario farm families will also receive the award. The prize recognizes dedication to Ontario’s ag sector and rural way of life. Winning the award this year is extra special for the family, as they were nominated last year but were not among the winners. “It’s very much a... read more

Campaigning to protect seasonal worker program

August 17, 2018

Ontario producers have started a movement to protect the future of their farms. A team of horticultural industry groups launched a campaign in May to emphasize the importance of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) for Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers. Many members of the horticultural sector fear that the federal government may implement changes that could harm the integrity of the program, a release said on Tuesday. Some people worry that the feds may scrap the program altogether. Under new regulations, farmers may struggle to access enough workers to operate their... read more

Celebrating a record-breaking tractor parade

August 16, 2018

An Ontario community is organizing a parade to celebrate a milestone it reached a decade ago. Stirling, Ont., will host the tenth anniversary of the World’s Greatest Tractor Parade on Aug. 25. In 2008, 601 tractors drove through the community during its 150th anniversary celebrations to set the Guinness world record for the largest parade of tractors. A flat tire on one tractor prevented the number from being 602. The anniversary parade serves different purposes. The event helps the community get to know the local farmers who contribute to every meal, said Darrin Heasman, a farmer,... read more

Farmer-turned-writer shares Ontario’s soil history

August 16, 2018

Growing up on a family farm in Waterloo County, Harold Rudy did not expect to become an author. However, Rudy will soon publish a book that could get the industry talking. In , Rudy, who recently retired from his position as executive officer of research and business development with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), documents the efforts of Ontario producers to improve soil health over the past thirty years. He also discusses the evolution and importance of OSCIA programs, such as the annual Forage Masters’ Competition. “The book raises the importance... read more

Protecting yourself from West Nile on the farm

August 9, 2018

While working outdoors, farmers likely come into contact with a variety of insects, including mosquitos. Since these pests can transfer West Nile Virus to humans, producers can take a few precautions to protect themselves from becoming infected with the disease. For example, between dawn and dusk, they can wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, the Ontario government website states. Individuals can also tuck their pants into their socks. In addition, when possible, people may want to remove standing water on their farms, as mosquitos lay eggs in these locations. As these insects... read more