Guelph scientists figuring out how to grow crops in space Saturday, January 9, 2016 Scientists in Guelph are setting the groundwork for extraterrestrial farming, the Hamilton News reports.Sponsored by both the Canadian and European Space Agencies, scientists at the University of Guelph's Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF) are discovering how people might grow crops in space. Using 14 hypobaric chambers CESRF scientists are able to test how plants react to many factors – such as changes in atmospheric pressure, light and availability of carbon dioxide – that would be considerations in space. According to the CBC, CESRF's research can also be adapted for use on Earth, notably for farming in harsher climates like Kuwait or the Canadian North.Professor and CESRF director Mike Dixon thinks that farming on Mars is not that far off. According to the Hamilton News, in his talks to schools, "I tell them that the Canadian horticultural mission specialist on the first trip to Mars is in Grade 3 today." BF Chipotle's problems continue Behind the Lines - January 2016
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online