Sidebar 1: Carmina Halstead, 25, Norfolk County Monday, May 4, 2009 Halstead and her brother Bill are partners in Norfolk Organics and Nightingale Farms. Nightingale Farms grows more than 1,000 acres of conventional vegetables and contracts another 400 acres. Norfolk Organics grows 200 acres of organic vegetables and contracts another 100 acres. They raise all plants from seed and grade, pack and ship directly to chains such as Loblaws, Sobeys, A&P and Costco, as well as smaller chains and independents. Over the past year, they have also introduced value-added initiatives such as bagging different-coloured peppers. Greatest success. Starting the organic company and adapting to consumer demand.Greatest challenge. Becoming involved in farming and gaining recognition "that you know what's going on."Words of advice. "Women can learn anything, but there will be hurdles. As long as you push through and you love what you're doing, keep going. Things will change; people will change; and it will all work out." Sidebar 2: Alice Uher, 52, north of Blenheim (Municipality of Chatham-Kent) Cover Story - May 2009: Women's Changing Role on the Farm - from helpmate to full-time manager
Colouring a Safer Future for Farm Kids Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Teaching children about farm safety is an essential part of protecting the future of Canadian agriculture. With that goal in mind, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has launched the Kids FarmSafe Colouring Contest, a creative initiative designed to help young people learn... Read this article online
Spring Economic Update Sets the Stage for a Challenging Year on the Farm Tuesday, April 28, 2026 The Federal Government released its 2026 Spring Economic Update on April 28, outlining the country’s current economic position and federal priorities for the months ahead. While the update does not contain new direct funding announcements for agriculture, it offers important signals for... Read this article online
Bluetooth Meets Bumblebees in Groundbreaking Guelph Study Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Queen bumblebees at the University of Guelph Arboretum will be carrying some of the smallest tracking devices ever used in pollinator research this summer. Fifty queens are being fitted with ultra-lightweight Bluetooth radiotransmitters as part of a study aimed at better understanding... Read this article online
Ontario Plans New Law to Protect Farmland Friday, April 24, 2026 Ontario is taking new steps to protect its farmland and strengthen the agri-food sector. The provincial government plans to introduce legislation that would limit the foreign acquisition of Ontario farmland. The goal is to keep farms in domestic hands and protect local food production for... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Friday, April 24, 2026 Canadians are set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on gasoline, diesel,... Read this article online