Scientist says new alfalfa could succeed Sunday, October 16, 2016 A scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says a new variety of alfalfa developed in the Maritimes could help producers grow more for their cattle. Geneticist Yousef Papadopolous began looking for better alfalfa in 1988. After nearly 30 years of work and 2,000 plants, the variety known as CRS 1001 could be a huge help for farmers. "I think it has tremendous potential," Papadopolous told CBC. "I know it can tolerate our diverse environments across Canada. It’s got an advantage. It will have a market here (the Maritimes) and it will have a market elsewhere.” It’s developed with rhizomes, which produce creeping root stocks and can improve plant survival in the Maritimes where farmers are impacted by excessive moisture and poor soil quality. Farms in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec have grown the new variety, and other field tests have been conducted in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Beginning in February, seed companies will bid for the right to produce CRS 1001. Papadopolous said the companies should ensure Maritime farmers aren’t left out of the conversation. “We want to make sure the farmers who have been supporting us have access,” he told CBC. “Those farmers have been helping us in the real world.” View CBC News story: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/alfalfa-tremendous-potential-maritimes-agriculture-scientist-1.3805850 Better Farming's annual sewage and bypass report Oxford County on its way to the goal of 100% Renewal Energy
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 Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... 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
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online