Dig Deep Archive

Laying the groundwork for better soil

Agronomist discusses how farmers can adopt soil best management practices

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Better Farming

As stakeholders consider ways to implement Ontario’s soil health strategy, a Certified Crop Adviser from Middlesex County provides grounded tips on how producers can adopt new soil management practices on their farms.

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.

Robinson, who farms with his father, uses this data to make decisions throughout the year.

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

Blockchain is an emerging technology that provides supply chains with an online documentation system, which the agri-food industry can use to improve traceability and food safety, as well as reduce food waste.

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.

He also serves as mayor of Dutton Dunwich, a rural municipality in southwestern Ontario.

Through both of these roles, McWilliam is familiar with the importance of rural infrastructure.

Walking down the barn aisle

An American ag group promotes on-farm wedding venues

By Jim Algie
Writer
Better Farming

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture wants a bigger slice of the US$72-billion American wedding industry spending to be directed to local farms. So, the agency has kicked off an active campaign to encourage publicity for the state’s 650 agri-tourism destinations.

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.

To understand how some farmers have reacted to the transition from the Growing Forward 2 framework, Better Farming reached out to two Ontario producers.

Building better soil with biochar

Beating cattle belches with biochar while improving feed efficiency

By Jim Algie

The addition of relatively small amounts of biochar to cattle diets could reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving feed efficiency in ways that support the greening of Canada’s cattle industry.

Greenbelt expansion could cinch rural communities

London’s Metropolitan Greenbelt faces rising pressure from developers

By Kate Ayers

London, England’s Metropolitan Greenbelt is one of the world’s oldest greenbelts.

The city established the land-use plan exactly 80 years ago through the Greenbelt Act.

The grass is always greener: cropping and grazing

Cover crop selection requires background research and forward thinking

By Kate Ayers

Cover crops planted after a cereal crop, such as winter wheat, fit well into the growing season and provide opportunities for livestock grazing. The crop can also provide a wealth of benefits for the field, such as improving infiltration, reducing erosion and increasing soil organic matter.