Give credit to the economics Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Why is Bt corn so darn popular? Blame it on the economics, says a paper to be presented to the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association's annual meeting in Virginia this month.The paper, prepared by Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo and Seth Wechsler of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service in Washington, D.C., says that by 2011 Bt corn accounted for 65 per cent of U.S. corn acres. Observations in 19 corn-producing states in 2010 show that corn yields were 26 bushels per acre higher for adopters of that technology, compared to non-adopters.There was no associated reduction in insecticide demand in 2010, as there had been in a similar 2001 study. Variable profits were US$118 higher for adopters than for non-adopters. "Insect infestation levels were lower in 2010 than they were in 2001 or in 2005." And producers, whether Bt corn users or not, were using less insecticides. "However, our results suggest that Bt adoption is not significantly related to insecticide use. This result appears to be related to the fact that insect infestation levels were lower in 2010 than they were in earlier years," the study says. BF Words hurt when your business does Putting boots to the local food movement
New MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header Monday, October 27, 2025 Case IH continues to expand its innovative harvest equipment lineup with the launch of the MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header, a new series designed to provide farmers with smoother, cleaner, and more efficient harvesting. Available in multiple widths — 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 61... Read this article online
Lots of news from the Ontario Pork Congress Monday, October 27, 2025 The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) took place on October 20, 2020, at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, with over 50 attendees. At the event, Arnold Drung, President of Conestoga Meats, was honoured with the . Drung has been a dedicated supporter of the OPC for over 23... Read this article online
Free Tools to Power Up Your Farm’s Digital Life in Canada Wednesday, October 22, 2025 For many Canadian farm families, the internet has become as vital as a tractor or combine. It is how producers manage precision planting, monitor commodity prices, check weather forecasts, pay bills and stay connected with suppliers and customers. However, fast and reliable broadband remains out... Read this article online
Precision Harvesting with HeadSight and TrueSight Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Modern harvesting relies heavily on precision and smart technology, and new systems for head height control and steering are making sure you are not leaving bushels in the field. These innovations ensure efficient crop collection, protect equipment, and reduce operator fatigue during... Read this article online
Remembering Ralph Winfield: Beloved Better Farming Columnist Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Ontario's farming community is mourning the loss of longtime agricultural writerRalph Gordon Winfieldof Glanworth, who passed away peacefully at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Ralph’s name has been closely tied to Better Farming since 1999. His... Read this article online