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
Some Challenges Related to the 2026 Raspberry Season in Ontario Monday, July 20, 2026 Only400 acresof raspberries are grown in Ontario each year,producing1,237,000lbsof raspberries, but what a delicious crop it is. The prized summer fruit is a favorite among consumers for its bright flavor, versatility, and nutritional benefits, making it one of Ontario's most recognized... Read this article online
Fresh Ontario Broccoli Arrives as Harvest Season Starts Monday, July 20, 2026 July marks the beginning of Ontario's peak broccoli harvest season, as growers across the province begin supplying fresh broccoli to grocery stores, wholesalers, food-service operators, and local markets. Long recognized as one of Ontario's leading vegetable crops, broccoli is an... Read this article online
Ontario Plum Season Begins in July Across Niagara Orchards Sunday, July 19, 2026 Ontario Plum Season Begins as Niagara Growers Prepare for Summer Harvest Ontario is Canada's leading plum-producing province, with most production concentrated in the Niagara Peninsula.In 2025, 775 harvest acres of plums,producedg7,130,000poundsof fruit. Plums are one of Ontario's key... Read this article online
EMILI Celebrates 10 Years of Connecting Farmers, Innovators, and Industry Partners Saturday, July 18, 2026 The Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) has received $3.5 million in funding from the Government of Canada to strengthen agricultural innovation and technology adoption in Manitoba. The announcement was made earlier this week during EMILI’s Field Day event... Read this article online
Minnesota Wildfires Threaten Agriculture as Governor Walz Mobilizes National Guard Friday, July 17, 2026 Farmers across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario and Manitoba are closely monitoring a growing wildfire situation in northern Minnesota after Governor Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to assist firefighting efforts. The decision... Read this article online