Sidebar 1: Carmina Halstead, 25, Norfolk County Monday, May 4, 2009 Halstead and her brother Bill are partners in Norfolk Organics and Nightingale Farms. Nightingale Farms grows more than 1,000 acres of conventional vegetables and contracts another 400 acres. Norfolk Organics grows 200 acres of organic vegetables and contracts another 100 acres. They raise all plants from seed and grade, pack and ship directly to chains such as Loblaws, Sobeys, A&P and Costco, as well as smaller chains and independents. Over the past year, they have also introduced value-added initiatives such as bagging different-coloured peppers. Greatest success. Starting the organic company and adapting to consumer demand.Greatest challenge. Becoming involved in farming and gaining recognition "that you know what's going on."Words of advice. "Women can learn anything, but there will be hurdles. As long as you push through and you love what you're doing, keep going. Things will change; people will change; and it will all work out." Sidebar 2: Alice Uher, 52, north of Blenheim (Municipality of Chatham-Kent) Cover Story - May 2009: Women's Changing Role on the Farm - from helpmate to full-time manager
Ontario invests $6.1 million in northern agriculture projects Friday, October 16, 2026 The Ontario government is investing more than $6.1 million in 14 agricultural projects across Northern Ontario in an effort to improve farm productivity, support rural communities, and strengthen the province’s food production capacity. The funding is being provided through the Northern... Read this article online
Win Tickets to See Cows Come Home at the Hamilton Film Festival Friday, October 16, 2026 Farms.com and Advancing Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food Conference are offering agriculture enthusiasts, rural residents, and film fans a chance to attend a special screening of at the Hamilton Film Festival. Five lucky winners will each receive a pair of tickets to the Saturday,... Read this article online
Ontario Invests $22 Million to Create New Export Opportunities for Ontario food products Wednesday, October 14, 2026 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing nearly $22 million to help farmers and food processors expand into new markets, increase sales and strengthen the province's food supply chain. The funding is being provided through the Market Diversification and Trade Resiliency... Read this article online
Canada and Ontario invest $22 million to support agri-food exports Wednesday, October 14, 2026 The federal and Ontario governments are investing nearly $22 million to help more than 130 agri-food businesses expand into domestic and international markets, strengthen production capacity, and improve the long-term resilience of the sector. Announced October 13, 2026, in Waterloo,... Read this article online
Ontario Farmer Wins YEN Highest Winter Wheat Yield Monday, October 12, 2026 The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) has announced its winners for the 2025-26 season, recognizing farmers in Ontario and Michigan for their outstanding winter wheat yields and ability to achieve their crops' yield potential. The program is supported by the Michigan Wheat... Read this article online