Ag minister wants feedback on wildlife control Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Wildlife damage to livestock is an important issue of concern both for Ontario's farmers and my ministry. The Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act which manages livestock damage compensation programs is over 30 years old and out of date, so earlier this spring we took action and proposed a number of changes to the act to better meet the needs of farmers. Modernizing this legislation will give us the ability to update livestock damage compensation programs to expand the number of species that farmers can be compensated for and increase the prescribed maximum compensation rates to reflect current market values. Over the summer we have been meeting with producer organizations to gather input on our proposal and make sure that the updated compensation rates are both fair and reasonable. It is important for us to get input on the overall concept of the new program first, as this will help shape the more detailed design elements. We've also developed a discussion paper which includes the broader, major agriculture-wildlife issues expressed by members of our agricultural community and is another way for us to proactively engage farmers, producers, and other interested parties in discussions. We want to hear from as many people as possible, and our discussion paper has been posted online since early August for public comment. The Managing Agriculture-Wildlife Conflicts Discussion Paper can be found on OMAFRA's website under Quick Links and is available for comment until October 1st. The McGuinty government is committed to supporting Ontario's farmers. Developing a strategy that will help minimize the damages their operations face as a result of wildlife damage is just one of the many ways we're working together with farmers to develop meaningful programs that work for all of us. Sincerely,Carol MitchellMinister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs No plans to revise drain laws says ag ministry MPP proposes tax break for food donations
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online