Sidebar 3: Trudy Reid, 29, District of Thunder Bay Monday, May 4, 2009 Reid and her husband, Jason, have one daughter and run a 60-head beef cattle operation on 138 acres which they own and also rent 300 acres. They started by raising heifers, then explored pre-conditioned veal before getting involved in beef cattle. They try to market calves locally. The couple supplements farm earnings with off-farm work, such as custom farm work and relief milking. They are currently considering dairy goat production. Greatest success. "I continue to persevere even through tough times, which makes me appreciate the small things in life." Greatest challenge. Remaining optimistic while dealing with a tight cash flow.Words of advice. If you want a career in farming, "go for it." Don't be scared, she says. "Ask questions. Ask for help. Don't be shy." Sidebar 4: Cathy McKay, 55, South of Port Perry (Durham Region) Sidebar 2: Alice Uher, 52, north of Blenheim (Municipality of Chatham-Kent)
Proposed USDA budget cuts could shift the North American ag landscape Wednesday, April 15, 2026 The US administration’s latest budget proposal includes a significant reduction to the US Department of Agriculture’s discretionary spending, a move that could have ripple effects across North American agriculture. According to Farms.com reporting, the proposal outlines a... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Tuesday, April 14, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Canadian farmers are set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Ontario Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for Ontario. Do Ontarians need a license to drive a tractor? No license is required for a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment whether on private... Read this article online
Ontario Farm Leaders Drew and Heather Spoelstra Named 2026 Outstanding Young Farmers Friday, April 10, 2026 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) Program has announced Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ontario, as the Ontario regional winners for 2026. The announcement was made following the Ontario regional competition held April 7 through 9 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. As provincial... Read this article online