Straw sculptures a hit in Perth Monday, November 3, 2014 Cathy Biemen, general manager of the Perth County Visitors' Association, got the idea for Perth's first straw sculpture tour when she spied a straw RV at last year's International Plowing Match in Mitchell, Ont. She reasoned that a straw sculpture tour would be a great way to get people checking out the farms and businesses of Perth County.Five farms and six businesses created sculptures out of hay bales and put them on display from Sept. 5 to 19. Visitors voted on the best sculpture for a chance at prizes. Sculptures included a giant spider, a tractor, a giant farmer and a chicken, but in the end it was Smelski Pumpkin Farm and their sculpture of a Spider and Pumpkin who won the Judge's Choice award and Neubrand Country Produce winning People's Choice for Best Straw Sculpture with its Large Vegetable Basket.The real prize, however, was increased business and exposure for the participants. Biemen saw the tour as a way to "familiarize people with farm-gate sales" by having farmers sell their products to those who came to view and vote on the sculptures. "A lot of people are very hesitant to actually go to somebody's farm and buy food," Biemen said. "I'm hoping that this will break down those barriers a little bit."Biemen called the event "very successful . . . people are excited about it," and predicts that "next year will be bigger and better." BF Needed: financial protection for produce sellers in the Canadian market Arab farmer in udder shock as billy goat produces milk
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online