Sidebar 1: How solar panels work Thursday, April 2, 2009 The process of converting small particles of light into electricity is called the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV cells are usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits the PV cell, the photons "knock" electrons loose from their atoms, creating a current. Cells have metal contacts on the top and bottom to draw off the current to be used as electricity. Since solar cells are not very efficient, much of the sunlight being either being reflected or absorbed by the cell (like heat). Typically, a cell has an efficiency of about 15 per cent. However, Steven Novack of the Idaho National Laboratories has come up with an inexpensive, foldable solar panel which may turn out to be up to 80 per cent efficient, when and if it comes to market.The key measures of electricity are: • Kilowatt: 1000 watts.• Kilowatt hour: A unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power expended for one hour.• Megawatt: one million watts. BF Sidebar 2: OFA wants solar on buildings, not farmland Dairy farmers favour quota price cap
Farmland Values Climb Across the Prairies-Manitoba Leads, Ontario Holds Steady Friday, October 10, 2025 Canadian cultivated farmland values rose by an average of 6.0 per cent in the first half of 2025, according to the mid-year farmland values review by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). This marks a modest acceleration compared to the first half of 2024, which saw a 5.5 per cent increase. Over... Read this article online
Canada Post Strike Continues to Threatens Agri-Businesses and Rural Communities Thursday, October 9, 2025 The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling on the federal government to take swift action to end the ongoing Canada Post strike, warning that the disruption is causing serious harm to small businesses – including many in the agriculture sector. “The government’s... Read this article online
Gleaner T Series Combine Updates Thursday, October 9, 2025 Gleaner continues to advance harvest technology with its new T Series combine, delivering major improvements in power, reliability, and ease of operation. Designed with the farmer in mind, the T Series focuses on performance, accessibility, and cutting-edge precision tools for... Read this article online
Ontario Invests $41M to Boost Agri-Food Innovation Wednesday, October 8, 2025 The Ontario government has announced an investment of more than $41 million over the next four years to enhance and modernize infrastructure under Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO). This initiative, part of the province’s plan to safeguard Ontario’s agri-food sector,... Read this article online
Six Ontario Students Earn Hensall Co-op Scholarships Wednesday, October 8, 2025 Hensall Co-op, along with its Board of Directors and employees, has proudly announced the recipients of the fourth annual Bright Futures Scholarship. This year, six exceptional students from across Southwestern Ontario have been awarded a total of $15,000 to assist with their... Read this article online