Establishing councils for animal welfare and environment a priority for new organization Tuesday, May 15, 2012 by SUSAN MANNGetting the animal welfare and environmental councils of Farm & Food Care Ontario up and running is an important short-term priority for the organization, says its new chairman John Maaskant.“There’ll be interest from different members in both councils,” says Maaskant, the Chicken Farmers of Ontario representative and past chair of the Ontario Farm Animal Council. He was elected chair of Farm & Food Care Ontario at the inaugural board meeting May 11. Joining him on the executive are: Larry Lynn of Grain Farmers of Ontario, as vice-chair; Joe Hickson, of the Seed Growers’ Association, as treasurer; and Heather Copland of Grober Inc. as executive member-at-large.Maaskant says they have to work out the details of how to set up the councils and then notify the membership that they can serve on them.The councils will be discussing and developing a lot of the policies and ideas for the future. “These are, in our view, very important councils,” he says.All four executive members previously sat on the boards of OFAC or Agricultural Groups Concerned About Resources and the Environment. Those two organizations amalgamated to become Farm & Food Care Ontario in January. The organization had been operating with an interim board until the first board meeting this month.The newly elected board focused on setting direction for the year, approved a business plan and financial statements at its first meeting. In June, board members will participate in a strategic planning exercise.Another priority for the organization that is ongoing is “just increasing agricultural awareness” and promoting environmental and animal welfare issues among non-farmers, Maaskant says.Farm & Food Care Ontario’s mandate is to provide credible information on food and farming in Ontario. BF Group housing a norm for Ontario's veal calves says industry spokesperson Ontario municipalities, farm groups question trade agreement
Ontario Farmers Considering more Drainage Investments to Adapt to Climate Change Monday, September 22, 2025 Farmers from Southwestern Ontario gathered at the Great Ontario Yield Tour event in Woodstock held a panel discussion, moderated by Steve Denys from Maizex Seeds, to chat about practical ways to increase corn, soybean, and wheat yields in the future, based on this year’s corn and soybean... Read this article online
Ontario’s most problematic weed -- Canada Fleabane Cuts Corn and Soybean Yields Friday, September 19, 2025 At the 2025 Great Ontario Yield Tour, Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph highlighted the persistent challenge of Canada fleabane, one of Ontario’s most problematic weeds. Once easily controlled with glyphosate, the weed has now developed resistance not only to glyphosate but... Read this article online
Augusta Van Muyen selected as the 67th Grape King Friday, September 19, 2025 Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada have announced that Lincoln vineyard manager Augusta Van Muyen has been chosen by her peers as the 2025-2026 Grape King. Currently, the vineyard manager at Tawse Winery, Van Muyen, followed a path to success that took her across Ontario and the... Read this article online
Empowering the Next Generation -- Scholarship Opportunity for Agriculture Students Friday, September 19, 2025 Are you a student studying agriculture with a passion for leadership, innovation, and making a difference in the agri-food sector? The Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWC) East 2025 is offering an incredible opportunity for students to attend this transformative event through... Read this article online
Celebrating Tradition and Skill - The Art of the Plowing Match Friday, September 19, 2025 Plowing matches are more than just agricultural contests—they’re a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community. These events bring together farmers, enthusiasts, and spectators to witness the age-old skill of turning soil with precision and pride.TheInternational Plowing Match &... Read this article online