Dig Deep Archive

The legacy of COVID-19 in the agri-food industry

The OFA provides farmers with resources and advice to help them pivot their operations and sell to local markets

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Better Farming

As part of the organization’s response to COVID-19, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) staff published a resource to help farmers interested in selling directly to consumers.

‘I’m game’: farmers & hunters strengthen ties

A farm policy analyst provides tips on how to help prevent and safely handle unauthorized visitors on your property

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

While some Ontario producers open their lands to friends, family members and other trusted individuals for hunting, some farmers prefer to keep their acreages private.

Supporting mental health in uncertain times

Mental Health First Aid Canada provides training for individuals to provide effective peer support for family and community members who may struggle with mental illness.

by Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Government officials increasingly recognize that the province needs to provide more mental health solutions for Ontarians, and particularly the ag community, said a statement from Christa Roettele, an OMAFRA spokesperson.

The continuing evolution of Environmental Farm Plans

Stakeholders updated P.E.I.’s environmental farm plan to better serve farmers who look to improve the sustainability of their operations

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

The Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture strives to help farmers create practical plans for their operations and ensure management decisions are environmentally sustainable, socially acceptable and economically viable.

Improving water quality in Ontario’s rivers and lakes

A contestant in an international competition helps farmers protect the environment

By Jim Algie
Better Farming

The 2018 Lake Simcoe phase of an international competition testing phosphorus removal technology led to the installation of new systems on three area farms, said Derek Davy, co-founder of Econse Water Purification Systems.

The new, electro-mechanical systems clean wash water from vegetables.

Farmers give back through international service work

Guelph PhD student is compiling valuable information to help wheat breeders in Nepal

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Kamal KhadkaKamal Khadka, a PhD student in the department of plant agriculture at the University of Guelph, is devoting his research to helping improve opportunities for cereal farmers in his home country of Nepal.

Biologicals offer new opportunities to make plants and soils thrive

This U of Guelph researcher looks to wild relatives and ancient varieties of crops to identify biologicals from the plant microbiome that might help today’s agricultural systems

by Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Dr. Manish Raizada and his team of graduate students and researchers in the plant agriculture department at the University of Guelph are studying endophytes to find potential biological growth promotors or biological pest controls.

Planting the seeds of ag literacy

Can your teen make turkey pasta puttanesca? How about a hard-boiled egg?

By Paula Schuck
Better Farming

If your teen was suddenly accepted to college or university tomorrow, would he or she be ready to care for him- or herself? Would his or her diet revolve around microwaved ramen noodles, hot dogs, and boxed macaroni and cheese? Or could your child shop for ingredients, and plan and prepare healthy meals for a week?

What if every teen began his or her post-secondary education knowing how to make at least six simple, nutritious, fresh meals?

Digging into our knowledge of the living soil

Soil testing for the microbiome is not yet standardized, but DNA sequencing has allowed for soil scientists to determine proxy measurements

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Farmers and researchers are starting to develop a better understanding of the importance of a well-functioning cooperative community of micro-organisms, called the soil microbiome. To help improve their soils, producers must have an accessible way to evaluate the microbiological activity in their fields.