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
Ontario Farmer Wins YEN Highest Winter Wheat Yield Monday, October 12, 2026 The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) has announced its winners for the 2025-26 season, recognizing farmers in Ontario and Michigan for their outstanding winter wheat yields and ability to achieve their crops' yield potential. The program is supported by the Michigan Wheat... Read this article online
Canadian Ethanol Industry Pushes Ottawa to Act as U.S. Imports Gain Market Share Saturday, October 10, 2026 Canada's ethanol industry is renewing pressure on the federal government to finalize long-promised changes to the Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR), arguing that delays are allowing imported U.S. ethanol to capture a growing share of Canada's expanding market. The call comes from the Farms... Read this article online
Farmland Demand Strong in Alberta, Not so for the Rest of Canada Friday, October 9, 2026 Canadian farmland values continued their upward trend during the first half of 2026, although growth has moderated compared to the rapid gains seen in recent years. According to Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) mid-year farmland values review, cultivated farmland increased by an average of... Read this article online
Small Plane Crashes Near Fergus Into a Corn Field Friday, October 9, 2026 A small aircraft crashed into a corn field north of Fergus on Friday morning, sparking a fire and prompting a major emergency response in rural Wellington County. Witnesses reported hearing unusual noises from the aircraft before the collision, while police and aviation authorities... Read this article online
Meat industry leaders honoured at MPO awards gala Friday, October 9, 2026 Leaders from Ontario’s meat and poultry sector were recognized during the 2026 Meat & Poultry Ontario Awards Gala, which brought together industry members to celebrate achievements, community involvement and long-term commitment to the sector. Held October 3, 2026, at The Westin Toronto... Read this article online