Risk management program signup slated for change Wednesday, August 31, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFProducers can sign up for the Risk Management Program of their choice in 2011 and opt out in 2012, says Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture.Once they have paid premiums for the 2012 year, however, it’s not so easy. Sarah Petrevan, press secretary to Carol Mitchell, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, says the commodity groups asked for the option of flexibility in a “transition year.” Once they sign on for 2012, however, they are locked in.Petrevan lays out the rules as follows: “Once a farmer pays a premium for a commodity (or commodity category), they need to continue to enrol that commodity in subsequent years providing they have production of that commodity. If, they do not have production in a year, they simply have to notify Agricorp that the production is zero for that year - this maintains their eligibility. If they have production and do not enrol, they are deemed ineligible for that current year plus the next two years.”Mitchell announced the establishment of a market risk insurance program for grains and oilseeds, hogs, cattle, sheep, veal and fruits and vegetables producers in June. During the announcement, she noted that producers could enrol for free in the program in 2011. Beginning in 2012, farmers in most of the commodities covered will have to contribute a premium to the program. The program is administered by Agricorp. BF Sarnia plant lauded as new market for farm crops Province lifts licence of Kitchener cow killing plant
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, 2020, 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... Read this article online
Free Tools to Power Up Your Farm’s Digital Life in Canada Wednesday, October 22, 2025 For many Canadian farm families, the internet has become as vital as a tractor or combine. It is how producers manage precision planting, monitor commodity prices, check weather forecasts, pay bills and stay connected with suppliers and customers. However, fast and reliable broadband remains out... Read this article online
Precision Harvesting with HeadSight and TrueSight Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Modern harvesting relies heavily on precision and smart technology, and new systems for head height control and steering are making sure you are not leaving bushels in the field. These innovations ensure efficient crop collection, protect equipment, and reduce operator fatigue during... Read this article online
Remembering Ralph Winfield: Beloved Better Farming Columnist Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Ontario's farming community is mourning the loss of longtime agricultural writerRalph Gordon Winfieldof Glanworth, who passed away peacefully at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Ralph’s name has been closely tied to Better Farming since 1999. His... Read this article online