Farmers bet on Bitcoin Monday, February 3, 2014 At press time, the value of volatile digital currency Bitcoin was skyrocketing. CNBC reports that the five-year-old open-source currency went up 8,000 per cent over the course of 2013, and on Nov. 29th, Coindesk.com reported that one Bitcoin was (briefly) worth more than an ounce of gold. Most companies are reluctant to accept this new currency, but some small businesses are getting on board. And according to a recent story on NPR blog The Salt, this includes some small farmers. Bitcoin means no credit card transaction fees and more physical security at the farmer's market. Clinton Felsted of Utah farm La Nay Ferme tells The Salt, "Taking money with you is a real risk . . . a real security problem. With Bitcoin you can take it anywhere with no risk." Transactions pass from smartphone to smartphone. And if Bitcoin's value continues to rise, Bitfarms.com argues it may provide unsubsidized small farms with an industry advantage. Campbellford's Carlen Farm is hoping to cash in on Bitcoin's promise. The small honey and maple syrup farm has been accepting Bitcoin since opening in the spring of 2013, but has yet to make their first Bitcoin sale. The problem, owner Mark Carlen says via text (a true modern farmer!), is a "lack of people knowing what (Bitcoin) is." However, he still sees the value in Bitcoin as a means "to increase exposure and possibly be a part of an alternative medium of exchange due to (the) underlying fragility of our current system." BF B.C. land speculation edges out young farmers The Heinz/Kellogg's plant closures A body blow to Ontario food processing
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