PC ag critic promotes party's jobs bill as way to grow Ontario's agri-food industry Wednesday, February 19, 2014 by SUSAN MANN Progressive Conservative agriculture critic Ernie Hardeman has asked the provincial government to support his party’s million jobs bill to help grow Ontario’s food manufacturing industry again. In a Feb. 14 letter to Premier and Agriculture Minister Kathleen Wynne, Hardeman says his party’s proposed legislation is forecasted to create 125,000 jobs a year for the next eight years. “I believe this would result in significant growth in both the agri-food and agriculture industries,’ he says, noting it would also help Wynne meet her challenge issued to the agricultural and food processing industry last fall to double its growth by 2020 and create 120,000 new jobs. Since the agriculture minister issued this challenge, Ontario has lost 1,260 jobs after Heinz in Leamington and Kellogg’s in London both announced last fall they are closing, says Hardeman, noting there are reports of processors and abattoirs closing in small towns across Ontario. But Wynne says in an email supplied by agriculture ministry staff person Amber Anderson that her jobs plan is to build a strong and growing economy in every part of Ontario “while making sure we take care of our people. That’s why we’re working with the agri-food sector to grow business, attract new investment and develop new markets both at home and around the world.” Wynne also says she has “challenged the sector to set its course for growth precisely because this is a vital sector for our economy.” But Hardeman says high hydro rates and a mountain of government regulations and red tape are choking provincial farmers and food processors. Wynne says the Conservatives “want to cut services and drive jobs away from our province.” In response to Hardeman’s statement about job losses in Ontario’s food manufacturing sector, Wynne points out that there have also been investments, including Dr. Oetker and Natra in London, Royal Canin in Puslinch, along with Ferrero and Aryzla in Brantford. BF Beef Farmers awards recognize farmers in Grey and Bruce Counties Blood plasma feed ingredient still suspect in deadly pig virus
Updates to Case IH RB566 Round Baler Wednesday, October 29, 2025 The Case IH RB566 round baler has been redesigned with a strong focus on serviceability, dependability, and efficiency, offering farmers a more advanced and reliable baling experience. According to Brian Williams, livestock product specialist with Case IH, the latest improvements... Read this article online
22 young leaders graduate from Rural Ontario Institute’s Change Makers Program Tuesday, October 28, 2025 The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has marked a milestone in rural leadership development with the graduation of 22 participants from its Rural Change Makers (RCM) program. The private ceremony, held this October, celebrated a year of learning, collaboration, and community impact. “We are... Read this article online
Demco-Welker Farms Collab Delivers Big Buddy Tuesday, October 28, 2025 Demco recently introduced the Big Buddy grain cart, a product of collaboration with Big Equipment, the makers of Big Bud tractors, Titan Tires, and the well-known Montana-based Welker Farms. The project began when the Welker family decided to rebuild and modify their iconic Big Bud... Read this article online
New MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header Monday, October 27, 2025 Case IH continues to expand its innovative harvest equipment lineup with the launch of the MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header, a new series designed to provide farmers with smoother, cleaner, and more efficient harvesting. Available in multiple widths — 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 61... Read this article online
Lots of news from the Ontario Pork Congress Monday, October 27, 2025 The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) took place on October 20, 2025, at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, with over 50 attendees. At the event, Arnold Drung, President of Conestoga Meats, was honoured with the . Drung has been a dedicated supporter of the OPC for over 23 years. This award... Read this article online