By Colleen Halpenny
As defined by the Ontario Cover Crop Strategy, a cover crop is a plant that is seeded into agricultural fields, either within or outside of the regular growing season, with the primary purpose of improving or maintaining soil quality.
These are non-commodity crops either inter-seeded into living crops or planted onto bare fields or crop stubble during fallow periods.
By Geoff Geddes
Though there are exceptions (remember Cheetos lip balm?), diversification can offer many benefits. In an industry challenged by droughts and floods in recent years, extra income streams may be a welcome addition for producers. As with any aspect of farming, however, success hinges on knowing where you’re headed and crafting a plan to help you get there.
By Colleen Halpenny
“Mental health is everyone’s health. This is a grassroots movement that farmers were taking the initiative to start, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is proud to partner with Lifeworks and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to bring this program province-wide,” explains Cathy Lennon, general manager of the OFA.
By Jim Algie
Tight supply chains and higher production costs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine only add to pre-existing environmental issues associated with the use by Canadian farmers of crop-boosting agricultural fertilizers.
By Colleen Halpenny
Whether you call it moonlighting, a side gig, or bonafide employment, many producers are known for more than their farm. They take on extra work to make ends meet, working off-farm while the farming operations are run by other family members.
Regardless of lifestyle or job sector, feeling the pinch of increasing living costs, how are farmers making ends meet? We spoke with those in the industry to find out why, and how, they are turning to outside income to support their needs.
By Becky Dumais
Agriculture is embedded in Patrick Lynch’s bones, and he’s known for his experience, wisdom and mentorship.
Patrick – who will be inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame on June 12 in Elora – was raised on a farm in Otonabee Township, near Peterborough. In childhood he developed a deep respect for farming and farmers, beginning with his dad.
By Colleen Halpenny
Frank Dietrich of Lucan was excited to begin making tiling plans for one of his fields recently. “We purchased this plot a couple of years ago, but last year really looked into getting it tile-drained so we could maximize yields,” he reflects.
“Currently, along the road, there are 10 hydro poles, which sit about 30 feet into my field. The poles are not in great shape – most were installed in the 1960s.”
The poles hampered his operations.
by Colleen Halpenny
Still residing on the original Stafford family farm in Howick, John Stafford’s history in Ontario agriculture speaks to a generational love of farming. “A Stafford has lived on this farm since 1868. We still have the deed from the Crown, signed by Queen Victoria!” he proudly proclaims.
Born in 1935, and excited to have recently celebrated his 87th birthday, John’s passion for agriculture, and his fellow producers, is still very evident.
by Becky Dumais
“We need to have lots of kernels and we need to make them all heavy.”
That’s how David Hooker describes a great year for Ontario corn producers.
Hooker is a field crop agronomist and associate professor at the University of Guelph (UofG), Ridgetown Campus, and he says yield potential is excellent again this year.
So what are the current best practices to ensure those cobs are crammed with heavy kernels?
by Kristen Lutz
Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair and surrounding watersheds continue to be affected by nutrient runoff from farms, leading to well-documented increases in algae blooms.
Agricultural nutrient runoff contains nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which continues to be a significant source of water pollution leading to these blooms.
Better Farming interviewed experts on what programs are in place to address the ongoing issue, and what producers might do on their farm.