Farm groups jump into election fray Wednesday, April 20, 2011 by PAT CURRIEIn a gambit aimed at providing a large slice of the agricultural community with information to make "an informed choice" in the May 2 federal election, Ontario Pork has partnered with four farm organizations as well as Ontario cattlemen and grains and oilseed producers to create an election tool kit. The organizations together represent 50,000 farm families across Ontario.Part of the kit to be sent to producer/members of the organizations is a brochure for candidates that provides background information on reasons why the federal government should support an Ontario risk-management program, said Ontario Pork strategist Patrick O’Neil. The program, a form of insurance, was introduced four years ago for grain and oilseeds producers. The groups are asking the federal government to kick in 60 per cent of the program’s government funding. The Ontario government expanded the program in its latest budget to include livestock and horticulture producers. Ontario pays 40 per cent of the cost but to date the federal government hasn’t signed on for its 60 per cent share, said O’Neil.The purpose of the joint campaign is twofold – to inform candidates about the importance of RMP to Ontario agriculture and to help inform producers on the positions of individual candidates, said Ontario Pork chair Wilma Jeffray.The tool kit provides a list of questions for candidates, including: "Are you committed to supporting Ontario Farmers in securing federal funding for RMP?" "If you are able to get an answer to this question from any candidate, please forward the information to me at patrick.oneil@ontariopork.on.ca," O’Neil asked. BF Precedent setting hearing vindicates farmers Migrant worker health study challenged
Ont. farmer Tony McQuail reflects on NDP leadership race Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Huron County farmer Tony McQuail is back at Meeting Place Organic Farm in Lucknow after vying to replace Jagmeet Singh as the leader of the federal NDP. “It was a very hopeful and positive experience for me,” he told Farms.com. “I was very pleased with what we were able to bring to the... Read this article online
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Monday, March 30, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Rural Canada Is an Economic Powerhouse that Policymakers Need to Build Upon Monday, March 30, 2026 Rural Canada is a far bigger driver of the national economy than many policymakers realize, and leaders say the time has come to place a rural lens at the centre of public policy decision-making. That message was front and centre during the Coalition for a Better Future’s Scorecard... Read this article online
Spring Swine Events Across Canada that are Not to be Missed Monday, March 30, 2026 It’s a sure sign of Spring, several swine events will be taking place over the next few months. Between April and June 2026, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will all host significant swine-focused events, ranging from producer AGMs and pork quality competitions to large-scale... Read this article online
Boosting Wheat Production with Better Nitrogen Use Monday, March 30, 2026 A University of Guelph research team is pioneering new ways to grow wheat more sustainably by improving nitrogen efficiency and supporting soil health. Dr. Kari Dunfield, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the Ontario Agricultural College, received $3.92 million from the... Read this article online