Dig Deep Archive | Page 12

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.

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 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.