Dig Deep Archive

Prep for success in 2021

Farmers can use information from seed guides to inform management practices later in the season

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Once your crop is growing in the field, it’s up to Mother Nature and your agronomic management decisions to try to capture the full yield potential of that seed.

The latest frontiers in corn & soybean research

An associate professor at the University of Guelph provides insight into his responsibilities as a researcher, educator and editor-in-chief

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Ongoing crop research and development are critical to keep the Canadian agricultural industry competitive.

As a result, the ag industry needs a large network of passionate, skilled and dedicated crop specialists committed to excellence in research.

Producers beef up ways to manage what they measure

A research centre in Alberta delivers genomic information to livestock producers

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Genetic information rests at the centre of better understanding how living things function and adapt to their environments.

The livestock industry can use this information, such as genotypic and phenotypic data, paired with breeding tools to obtain desired traits in progeny and make improvements throughout the value chain.

Risky business: Mitigate risk on the farm

Managing your operation’s debt service capacity is part of an overall risk management strategy

by Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Better Farming

As producers look to maintain or expand their operations, they must be mindful of their debt servicing capacity, Carl Fletcher told Better Farming.

New ag research methods reach farm concessions

Living labs provide opportunities for global collaboration to solve complex issues in the agri-food industries

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

Agri-food groups around the world promote sustainability throughout the value chain and launch new efforts to tackle overarching challenges.

Through living laboratories, better knowns as living labs, farmers, advisers, researchers, consultants, and other stakeholders co-develop and test innovative solutions to complex agri-environmental issues.

How to build Ontario’s agri-food workforce

Sector leaders and organizations use interactive experiences and hands-on learning to raise students’ awareness about careers in agriculture and food.

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

As the Canadian agricultural sector continues to grapple with a labour shortage, some industry leaders are stepping up to the plate to help attract students with new perspectives and fresh ideas.

Cannabis and ag: Are we on the same team?

Do opportunities exist to use ag breeding expertise to improve cannabis production?

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

When it comes to the breeding and genetics of cannabis, “it’s still a bit of the Wild West,” Bill MacDonald told Better Farming.

He co-designed the Commercial Cannabis Production Ontario college graduate certificate program curriculum. He also coordinates the program at Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.

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.