Reinstated program helps Ontario apple and tender fruit growers deal with tough weather Thursday, October 15, 2015 by SUSAN MANNApple and tender fruit growers can get government funding to help pay for weather mitigation equipment as part of a reinstated government program announced this week.Funding for the program comes from Growing Forward 2, the national federal/provincial/territorial agricultural framework. Ontario Apple Growers general manager Kelly Ciceran says the apple and tender fruit growers’ organizations asked for the governments to reinstate the weather mitigation program in Growing Forward 2 after funding for it was removed in April. The program was part of Growing Forward 2 since the national framework came into effect in 2013.“We’ve been working with the government to have it (the weather mitigation program) reinstated,” she says. “We’re thrilled they (the governments) have responded so positively.”The governments will pay up to 35 per cent of the costs for mitigation equipment, such as portable or fixed wind machines, heating and air movement devices, overhead irrigation systems and crop covers. Growers pay the remaining costs.The maximum amount of funding per project is $31,500, according to an Ontario government Oct. 13 press release. The first intake is Oct. 22 to Nov. 5. There will be other opportunities during the next two years to submit applications, the release says.The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association is administering the program and farmers can apply through that organization. Ciceran says there’s a large interest among apple growers in weather mitigation technology. Some growers already have wind machines in their orchards. “Certainly, we need more machines to protect the crop as is evident by the 50 per cent crop loss this year.”In a Sept. 30 Ontario Apple Growers press release, the organization notes a frost May 22 to 23 affected “many of the province’s apple growing regions” and is responsible for the decline in this year’s crop. Ciceran says the organization doesn’t know how many growers will apply for the program but “we hope as many (farmers) as possible take advantage of it.” BF World conditions affect milk prices for Ontario's dairy producers Meeting organic market demand drives establishment of new entrant program for chicken processors
The Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Meat Council want an ASF trade recovery program in place Tuesday, November 5, 2024 The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) representatives raised concerns about the plan for African Swine Fever (ASF), improved trade access, and ongoing access to labour and immigration programs for the pork industry as they discussed the industry issues with... Read this article online
Four new inductees to the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Tuesday, November 5, 2024 The welcomed four accomplished Canadians for their contributions to advancing Canadian agriculture. Dr. Bruce Coulman, Dr. Michael Eskin, Paul Larmer, and Dr. Charles Vincent were formally inducted at a ceremony on November 2, 2024. “We are so proud to shine a bright spotlight... Read this article online
Navigating Financial Literacy for Women in Ag Monday, November 4, 2024 By Deanna Ciaccia In today’s evolving agricultural landscape, financial literacy is crucial for success, particularly for women who are increasingly taking leadership roles in the agriculture sector. According to a recent article from FNBO (First National Bank of Omaha),... Read this article online
Ontario Pork Congress Annual Meeting report Friday, November 1, 2024 The Ontario Pork Congress was held on October 22, 2024, at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, with over 35 people attending. At the event, the association revealed the winner of its —Tara Terpstra, a Huron County pork producer who is currently Chair of Ontario Pork. The... Read this article online
Massey Ferguson introduces six new tractors Friday, November 1, 2024 Massey Ferguson has debuted its new of tractors, what the company calls a line-up of versatile and powerful machines designed to meet the needs of modern farmers. This series includes six new models, each tailored to different farming requirements and preferences. MF... Read this article online