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
Organic Farming in Canada Enters the Mainstream as Market Nears $12 Billion Thursday, September 17, 2026 September is recognized as Organic Month across Canada, offering an opportunity to feature a sector that has transformed from a niche market into a significant component of Canadian agriculture. For many years, organic farming was often viewed as a specialized production system... Read this article online
FCC Launches $1 Billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund for Canadian Food Processing Growth Thursday, September 17, 2026 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has opened a 60-day Expression of Interest (EOI) process for a new $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance initiative, marking one of the largest targeted investments in Canadian food processing infrastructure in recent years. The financing program is intended to... Read this article online
Canadian Innovation Aims to Transform Nitrogen Fertilizers While Eliminating Microplastics Wednesday, September 16, 2026 A Canadian agricultural technology company is taking aim at two of agriculture's most pressing environmental challenges with a new fertilizer innovation designed to improve nitrogen efficiency while eliminating microplastics from crop production. Burnaby, B.C.-based Lucent BioSciences... Read this article online
Canadian Wool Council Opens New Trade Pathways in Italy as Canada Looks Beyond U.S. Markets Wednesday, September 16, 2026 As Canada continues to strengthen trade relationships beyond the United States, the Canadian wool industry is taking a significant step onto the global stage. The Canadian Wool Council (CWC) has launched its third international trade mission, bringing a delegation of Canadian wool... Read this article online
Bruce County International Plowing Match Nears Wednesday, September 16, 2026 With the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo less than a week away, Bruce County residents, farmers and businesses are being recognized for helping create a welcoming showcase of rural Ontario. Organizers recently celebrated the winners of the 2026 International Plowing... Read this article online