Irrigating precious crops equals jobs Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Almond, stone fruit, grape and citrus owners once paid $70 an acre foot to irrigate their orchards in Kern County in California's central valley. Now they are paying as much as $1,300 an acre foot, more than 18 times as much, with very little retail increase in their products, says the December newsletter of the national crop insurance program. Yet California agriculture is surviving only because of "massive but unsustainable over pumping" according to a study published by the Pacific Institute, which describes itself as an independent global water think tank.Farm revenue remains strong even though acreage is down by 640,000 acres. The Pacific Institute says some losses have been offset as farmers fallowed their land and sold water rights to growers of high-value crops. The study is available at http://pacinst.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2015/08/ImpactsOnCaliforniaDrought-Ag.pdfAccording to the study, a California acre of fresh tomatoes, melons, squash or cucumbers supports more than 160 jobs. BF Appeal lost for obstructionist farmers Grow-ops cause Pacific power blowouts
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