Unpacking the changing ag export markets
Dig Deep Archive
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.
Looking abroad for local labour
Beamsville church welcomes temporary foreign workers into its community
By Jim Algie
For long-standing members of St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Beamsville, their outreach to temporary agricultural workers has meant “new life for the church,” Rev. Javier Arias said in a recent interview.
“We are giving some kind of service and support to the guys, but they are bringing to us a new life, you know, new blood,” he said. A native Spanish speaker of Colombian origin, Arias is a former Roman Catholic priest who joined the Anglican Church of Canada eight years ago.
All aboard: female representation in ag leadership
Innovation Guelph offers multiple programs to help women become involved on boards
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Staff Reporter
Better Farming
Women in agriculture – and other industries – can access a variety of resources to help them develop the confidence, skills and knowledge which can enable them succeed on boards.