Straw sculptures a hit in Perth Monday, November 3, 2014 Cathy Biemen, general manager of the Perth County Visitors' Association, got the idea for Perth's first straw sculpture tour when she spied a straw RV at last year's International Plowing Match in Mitchell, Ont. She reasoned that a straw sculpture tour would be a great way to get people checking out the farms and businesses of Perth County.Five farms and six businesses created sculptures out of hay bales and put them on display from Sept. 5 to 19. Visitors voted on the best sculpture for a chance at prizes. Sculptures included a giant spider, a tractor, a giant farmer and a chicken, but in the end it was Smelski Pumpkin Farm and their sculpture of a Spider and Pumpkin who won the Judge's Choice award and Neubrand Country Produce winning People's Choice for Best Straw Sculpture with its Large Vegetable Basket.The real prize, however, was increased business and exposure for the participants. Biemen saw the tour as a way to "familiarize people with farm-gate sales" by having farmers sell their products to those who came to view and vote on the sculptures. "A lot of people are very hesitant to actually go to somebody's farm and buy food," Biemen said. "I'm hoping that this will break down those barriers a little bit."Biemen called the event "very successful . . . people are excited about it," and predicts that "next year will be bigger and better." BF Needed: financial protection for produce sellers in the Canadian market Arab farmer in udder shock as billy goat produces milk
Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start Monday, July 14, 2025 Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online
Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades Friday, July 11, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online