Dig Deep Archive | Better Farming

The ag industry’s fight for government support

The long-term trend in American support payments to farmers has shifted

by Jim Algie
Better Farming

Until U.S. President Donald Trump began working trade policy in earnest in 2018, the trend for government support payments to farmers in both the United States and Canada had shown a 30-year period of almost continual decline, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) analysis showed.

Industry leaders take a bite out of food fraud

IBM is developing an e-tongue to fingerprint beverages and complex liquids

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

While food fraud has been a challenge in Canada for decades, food supply chain stakeholders and consumers have recently become more aware of the issue. The intentional adulteration of food can harm the reputation of the entire agri-food industry and affect producers’ bottom lines.

Conservation Authority Act changes

Staff and industry stakeholders are shocked by recent government directions

By Nicholas Van Allen

In midsummer, “conservation authorities (CA) and Conservation Ontario (were) stunned” by a letter from Jeff Yurek, minister of the environment, conservation and parks, Conservation Ontario said in a Aug. 19 press release.

Ag’s position in the national food policy puzzle

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association president provides his perspective on how the policy could affect the fresh produce sector

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

In June, the federal government launched Canada’s first food policy, which is a $134.4-million investment over the next five years.

How to beef up your feed supplies

While cattle will generally steer away from toxic weeds, livestock can be poisoned by grazing on certain plants or eating contaminated feed

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Volatile weather conditions can significantly affect farmers’ abilities to produce and maintain quality feed and forages for their animals.

Volunteer firefighters: Protecting and serving their communities

A cash crop farmer, Ontario certified crop adviser, full-time EMS responder and volunteer firefighter gives us insight into his volunteering experiences

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Many rural Ontario communities depend on volunteer firefighters.

Province examines future of local governments

Michael Fenn’s 2017 report may shed light on possible recommendations in the current regional government review

By Jim Algie

Single-tier regional municipalities may be the way to go in rural Ontario, suggested a 2017 report by one of two provincial government advisers currently reviewing regional municipalities in Ontario.

Time for training: the new transport rules are here

Trucking and transportation in Picture Butte, Alta.

by Nicholas Van Allen

To get a national perspective on the new livestock trucking regulations, Better Farming spoke with Rick Paskal, president of Van Raay Paskal Farms Ltd., a cattle farm based in southern Alberta.

The food that doesn’t reach the plate

Loop Resource plays a critical role in diverting organic wastes from landfills and provides small farms with alternative feed sources

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Investing in mental health on and off the farm

Ag mental health advocate shares her thoughts on the best ways to manage farm work and personal activities

By Lauren Arva
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Is maintaining a work-life balance different than a life balance?

For Lesley Kelly, co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation and a grain farmer from Watrous, Sask., an important distinction exists.