Ontario farmers to receive extended reprieve from bobolink and eastern meadowlark habitat protection terms Thursday, September 24, 2015 by SUSAN MANNThe Ontario government is proposing to extend agriculture’s exemption to the Endangered Species Act’s habitat and species protection provisions for the bobolink and eastern meadowlark for 10 years.The current exemption expires on Dec. 31. The government passed regulations in 2011, 2012 and 2014 that “collectively provided an exemption from the Endangered Species Act’s species and habitat protection requirements (for the bobolink and eastern meadowlark) for specific agricultural activities,” says the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry proposal posted on the Environmental Registry.Comments are due by Oct. 21. The notice was posted on the registry on Sept. 21.Don McCabe, Ontario Federation of Agriculture president, says the 10-year extension “will do until we have a permanent resolution of this particular initiative.”Asked if the agricultural industry would prefer a permanent exemption, McCabe says, “Permanency in agricultural policy is always preferred.”The bobolink and eastern meadowlark are listed as threatened species on the Species at Risk in Ontario list, the proposal says. The two bird species nest in high densities in agricultural fields. The breeding period for both species is May to July, which coincides with farmers harvesting hay and pasturing livestock in their fields.The exemption enables normal farming activities, such as crop rotation, hay harvesting and livestock pasturing, to continue in the birds’ habitat areas.Agricultural activities have provided and will continue to provide habitat for bobolink and eastern meadowlark, the proposal says.The ministry has also issued a Government Response Statement for the bobolink and eastern meadowlark that’s focused on establishing a province-wide grassland stewardship initiative to protect and maintain grassland habitat across Ontario. BF Ontario's conservation authorities are under review New program for Ontario chicken farmers growing for niche markets
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
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 September 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “From our Farm to your Table,” celebrating... 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