MNR explores long term exemption for agriculture from habitat protection provisions Wednesday, May 7, 2014 by SUSAN MANN The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is seeking comments on a plan to continue agriculture’s exemption to the Endangered Species Act’s habitat protection provisions for the bobolink and eastern meadowlark for 14 more months. The current exemption is due to expire in October but under the ministry’s proposal, it would be extended until December 2015. That will give the ministry time to consult the public and stakeholders on the development of a protection and recovery plan for the two ground nesting bird species. It will also give the ministry time to evaluate the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark Round Table’s recommendations. Among the recommendations of that advisory group, made up of farmers, conservation group representatives, along with the industrial and development sectors, is an “integrated solution package’ that includes a 10-year extension of the current exemption for agriculture, it says in the ministry’s notice on the Environmental Registry. The ministry is actively considering the recommendations in the round table’s report, the notice says. Mark Wales, Ontario Federation of Agriculture president, says “they’re trying to figure out how to implement the 10-year exemption so the 14 months is just buying them some time to finish that process.” The 14-month extension “gives them (the ministry) plenty of time to then put in the 10-year exemption for agriculture,” he says, noting the 10-year exemption for agriculture is the only viable solution. “There is no other option.” The ministry’s notice says hay and pasture lands provide the greatest percentage of bobolink and eastern meadowlark habitat in Ontario. In two previous regulations, the Ontario government gave an exemption period of about three years. The exemption means the protection provisions of the Endangered Species Act do not apply to agricultural operations for bobolink and meadowlark habitats. Comments are due by June 2. BF Quality Meats creditors meeting scheduled for later this month University receives first donation towards new beneficial insect health centre
Ontario beekeepers get 1.7M boost support Monday, August 4, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested over $1.7 million in the Honeybee Health Initiative to help beekeepers across Ontario grow and protect their colonies from diseases, pests, and harsh weather. This strategic funding supports 206 local beekeeping businesses and 334... Read this article online
Nitrogen protection is getting a leg up with new CENTURO™ A-PRO nitrogen stabilizer Monday, August 4, 2025 The next generation of nitrification inhibitors is here, and just in time for fall applications of anhydrous ammonia. New for fall 2025 applications is CENTURO™ A-PRO from Koch Agronomic Services (KAS), a highly concentrated formulation of its industry-leading CENTURO™ nitrification... Read this article online
Documentary Sheds Light on Farmerettes who Helped Feed a Nation Saturday, August 2, 2025 During World War II, food shortages became a serious issue for Canada and its allies. With many men away at war, the government formed the Ontario Farm Service Force, sending 40,000 teenage girls from Ontario and Quebec —known as the Farmerettes—to help farms in Southwestern... Read this article online
Sowing the Seeds of the Future -- A Fresh Look at Farm Succession in Canada Friday, August 1, 2025 “You’ve worked the land for decades—through changing seasons, shifting markets, and long days that begin before sunrise," says Jason Castellan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Skyline when he spoke with Farms.com. “You know every acre, every decision, every responsibility that... Read this article online
Do you have a grain bin that needs repair? Friday, August 1, 2025 Maintaining grain bins in optimal condition is a constant challenge for farmers. However, with the cool tools InstaGRIP Tile and GlassSTEEL, this task becomes significantly easier and more efficient. These cutting-edge solutions offer quick and durable repairs, ensuring your grain bins... Read this article online