Sidebar 2: Standardized turbine testing on the way Tuesday, June 2, 2009 There is no standardized testing for small wind turbines, says Sean Whittaker, vice-president of policy for the Canadian Wind Energy Association. But there soon will be. Starting in 2010, buyers of "small" turbines, under 300 kW in capacity, are likely to see new labels on the devices. They will be tested for sound, performance and durability by the Small Wind Certification Council. Whittaker says that standards are being approved now and testing will begin soon. Labels with a rating on them, just like the energy rating on a dishwasher or refrigerator, will be on machines starting in 2010. The program will be voluntary.Whittaker says the Council will be a neutral body "North American in scope and not for profit." Turbines will be tested against a very strict set of rules and a jury will inspect the results. Testing will be expensive. A manufacturer will have to expect to sell many units to go to the bother of testing, Whittaker says.Turbines aren't like a tractor or a combine, Whittaker says. "There are few of them out there and less expertise available on how to deal with them." BF Sidebar 3: Doing the maintenance is important Sidebar 1: Wind energy - 'a work in progress'
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online