Lucan farm family's creative efforts generate public interest Wednesday, March 7, 2012 photo: Left to right - Paul DIetrich, Dianne Dietrich, Frank Dietrich, and Steve Unverferth. by SUSAN MANN The Dietrich family of Lucan never expected to win a video contest showcasing their use of a recently purchased grain cart. But the only Canadian entry to be named one of the top five finalists won the contest by a landslide. The Dietrichs were the only Ontario farmers but not the only ones from Canada to enter the contest, sponsored by United States-based farm equipment manufacturer Unverferth Manufacturing Co. Inc. Frank Dietrich says their video captured more than half of the 11,000 votes cast by the public who could vote on the winning entries on the Brent Grain Cart product website. Set to a song called, Farm Boy written by a local Lucan-area band, River Junction Band, the Dietrichs’ video features all four family members, Frank, Dianne, and their two sons, Scott and Paul, explaining why they bought the Brent Grain Cart and the family’s use of the cart from when it first arrived in January 2011 on their cash crop farm, through wheat and corn harvest to cleanup and storage. Frank says they were surprised they won because “we’re from Canada and it’s an American contest.” Dan Fanger, vice president of sales and marketing for Unverferth, says in a press release the Dietrich video like all the entries “clearly showed their pride in their family farm and the Brent Grain Cart.” Frank says their sons did most of the filming for their video, which also featured still photographs. As the grand prize winners, the Dietrichs won a 60-inch flat screen LCD television valued at $2,500. The “Why Do You Choose Brent?” video contest was open last year to all North Americans who bought the cart. The idea was for farmers to capture and share video footage of Brent Grain Carts in use and depict how they make harvest go smoother. The Dietrichs and four other finalists’ videos can be viewed on the Unverferth website at: www.unverferth.com. BF Ontario adapting to climate change Specialty foods have different regulatory needs from mainstream products: report
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