Court denies stay of Ontario's neonicotinoid law Saturday, October 24, 2015 by BETTER FARMING STAFFThe Ontario Superior Court has denied Grain Farmers of Ontario’s request for a stay of a law that requires farmers to greatly restrict the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments next spring.In a written statement released late afternoon Friday, Mark Brock, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s chairman, expressed disappointment at the judge’s ruling which had been reserved following a hearing on an application made in court on Sept. 28. Brock, who farms near Staffa in Perth County, says the 28,000 member organization “has not conceded on this matter,” and is considering further legal options. Farmers are in a difficult situation as they order seed this fall for planting in the spring, Brock says. Arrangements must be made now with seed dealers to either treat or not treat the ordered seed which is delivered shortly before planting in the spring.The widespread use of neonicotinoid seed treatments in recent years has been blamed for high losses in hives in overwintering bees. Beekeepers have called for a ban on use of the seed treatments. The regulations that Grain Farmers is fighting came into effect on July 1. Better Farming was unable to reach the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change was not able to respond Friday.UPDATE: Oct. 24, 2015"We are pleased the court has ruled in favour of the government's actions to improve pollinator health," writes Kate Jordan, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, in an email. "The new requirements support the government of Ontario’s target to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seed by 80 per cent by 2017."These rules will be phased in to give farmers and seed vendors time to adapt. Government funded training is also available to farmers through to September 2016." BF World Health Organization slams meat consumption Maple leaf promoting U.S. canned corn sold in Ontario stores riles growers
Getting your swine barns ready for the cold weather Saturday, October 5, 2024 As the cold weather approaches, swine producers can perform barn maintenance checks now to help ensure a healthy environment for the fall and winter seasons. Mark Oberreuter, a System Design Engineer for AP (Automated Products, an AGCO company), recommended the following checklist... Read this article online
Meristem unveils new liquid BIO-CAPSULE technology Friday, October 4, 2024 Byline: Denise Faguy Meristem Crop Performance has unveiled its new patent-pending LIQUID BIO-CAPSULE TECHNOLOGY, promising significant advantages for crops and farmers alike. This innovative delivery system aims to enhance the effectiveness of microbial products while ensuring they... Read this article online
FeedFlo makes it easier Thursday, October 3, 2024 FeedFlo is a Winnipeg, Manitoba-headquartered company that offers what it says is the world’s only on-pipe feed sensor. The same-named on-pipe feed sensor, , tells operators exactly how much feed is being delivered to the animals so one can be sure that every pig in the barn is well... Read this article online
Who’s ready for advanced ag leadership? Thursday, October 3, 2024 The () is now accepting applications for , which begins in September 2025. During the executive leadership program, up to 30 individuals will embark on a personal journey to realize their potential while exploring agriculture, food, and rural economic development from the local to... Read this article online
Ontario Farms Fill Your Thanksgiving Table Thursday, October 3, 2024 Fresh Local Produce Stars in Ontario’s Fall Festivities Ontario’s farms are bustling with activity, providing an abundance of fresh produce just in time for Thanksgiving. This season, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local flavour and tradition that define Ontario’s... Read this article online