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
Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week veterinary prize awarded Saturday, June 14, 2025 has been a mainstay for the agricultural industry in Grey and Bruce Counties since 1966. While things have evolved over the years, the mandate to provide information to producers and agribusiness has remained firm. Seventeen years ago, the event committee created an annual $1,000 ... Read this article online
Canada Grows Hope Abroad Friday, June 13, 2025 Toronto-based indoor farming company transforms food access in Moldova with first-of-its-kind humanitarian hydroponic project A new Canadian-led indoor farming project is changing lives in Moldova. Built by Just Vertical in partnership with GlobalMedic, the hydroponic farm is the first... Read this article online
Ontario Bean Growers are having a day and you are invited Friday, June 13, 2025 The Ontario Bean Growers have announced it will be holding its annual on August 20, 2025. The day begins with research presentations at 1 pm. Details of the research presentations will be published as they become available. At 4 pm, Chris Gillard will lead attendees on a tour... Read this article online
Ottawa Police looking for farm equipment accident witnesses Thursday, June 12, 2025 The Ottawa Police Service is looking for witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward regarding an accident involving farm equipment. A vehicle struck farm equipment on June 6 at Twin Elm Road and Brophy Drive around 6 p.m. The accident resulted in two people requiring... Read this article online
Canada Not Fully Using its Agriculture Potential and Not Competitive Thursday, June 12, 2025 Canada is known for its natural wealth — including minerals, energy, forestry, and agriculture. Among these, the agriculture and agri-food sector stands out with enormous global export potential. This according to Senator Mary Robinson on her Senate of Canada weppage. Senator Robinson... Read this article online