Good news for solar project Thursday, March 3, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFDave Fadden got some good news from Hydro One on Friday followed by more good news from the Ontario Ministry of Energy.Hydro One called to say they are sending him a package that includes an offer to connect. An Energy Ministry spokesperson later told him he would be allowed to hook up even though he has only 40 per cent Ontario content in his solar system, which was the 2010 requirement. The 2011 requirement is for 60 per cent.Fadden built a house on a farm property near Melbourne in 2010 and added a $50,000, 10 kilowatt solar array to his roof believing he would be able to start earning right away via the Ontario Government's 80.2 cent per kilowatt hour microFIT (micro feed-in tariff) program.Fadden, like many others who have come forward recently, later learned the Ontario Power Authority approval for the system was meaningless without an offer to connect from Hydro One. Because he didn't get that offer in 2010, he wasn't able to hook up by Dec. 31, the deadline for projects with 40 per cent Ontario content.Now, however, with an offer to connect in the mail and the content issue cleared up, Fadden should be ready to go after he fills out the Hydro One paperwork and pays for the connection.Mark Hogans, distribution generation coordinator for Hydro One Networks Inc., said Fadden is getting an offer to connect because Hydro One has found capacity on Fadden's line."Since this thing started," Hogans said, "we've been going through our records trying to find capacity." He said capacity is found when projects for which capacity was being held are not built or their permits expire. That capacity, which was being held, then becomes available for new projects.Fadden's reaction to all the good news: "I just hope others can be so lucky," he said. BF Anti-turbine activist stands firm Beef Improvement Ontario sells lab
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online