By Jim Algie
In March, Denver-based Ardent Mills announced the creation of what it described as “the largest quinoa growing network in North America.” The company is working in close cooperation with Saskatchewan grower and Canadian quinoa pioneer Joe Dutcheshen.
By Jennifer Jackson
“If we want to expect to be able to market our product and do the job we love, we need to provide a product that people can trust,” says Bob Wilson of Gilbrea Farms, located just north of Guelph. This belief is one of the main reasons why Wilson registered his feed stock operation in the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program – a way for the industry to come together for accountability.
by Jim Algie
A proposed natural heritage plan for Grey County appears to have avoided the landowner hostility that greeted a proposal, subsequently withdrawn, for expanded controls in some areas by the provincially-appointed Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC).
Photos from Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc., article by Better Farming staff
In the April edition of Better Farming, the Aalbers family of Rosslyn shared their experiences in rebuilding their dairy operation after a fire destroyed their barn and herd. The fire marshal’s investigator ruled the blaze accidental, “which means electrical,” Peter Aalbers said.
By Jennifer Jackson
Bale wrap was a problem for Lynn Leavitt, a farmer in Prince Edward County. The bigger problem for Leavitt: the fact that there was no solution – no place to get the wrap processed and no system to get the wrap from the farm to the processor.
By Jennifer Jackson
Organic waste is an inevitable product on many farms. Whether it be manure for the garden or lawn, for example, we often see urban residents finding use for this organic farm waste. An environmental company, however, also shows how farmers can benefit from the waste of city dwellers.
Jeff Leal’s cabinet role expanded on Jan. 12, 2017, according to a government release. He retains his role as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs but was also appointed Minister Responsible for Small Business. Better Farming reporter Jennifer Jackson asked Leal if Ontario producers should be concerned about his additional responsibilities.
.
As urban traffic inches closer to some farmers’ fields, farm road safety becomes a growing priority. Farmers have to travel on busy roads to reach their fields and some roads are difficult to navigate with large equipment. Turning off of the road, especially when making a left-hand turn, can be risky. There’s also the risk of rollovers – a risk which can be heightened by soft shoulders and narrow roads.
By Nicholas Van Allen
For many years, hazelnut farming has been confined to the Pacific Northwest – in places like Oregon, Washington State and British Columbia. But, with grower trials now underway in Ontario and new science, Ontario’s hazelnut growers are on the cusp of major industry expansion.
In many ways, the evolution of hazelnut farming has been shaped by the presence of the eastern filbert blight, a canker disease which infects hazelnut trees.
By Jim Algie
Agricultural water use in Canada has varied widely in recent years mainly because of fluctuations in rainfall, Statistics Canada’s analysis and survey work shows.
The federal agency conducts agricultural water surveys as part of its Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program. Data for the 2016 survey is scheduled for release in September 2017, a statement on the Statistics Canada website says.