Survey tackles ag labour needs Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by BRIAN CLEEVE and BETTER FARMING STAFFA pilot survey underway in Haldimand County is searching for grassroots feedback on the challenges and opportunities that affect jobs in agriculture.Studying labour-related agricultural problems at the local level marks a first for the county.Once the process is honed, it’s hoped to be replicated in Brant, Norfolk, Oxford, Elgin and Middlesex counties, says Clara Siisii a volunteer researcher with the project.Brantford-based Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie (formerly the Grand Erie Training and Adjustment Board) is spearheading the survey in response to a request from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The non-profit board is one of 21 in Ontario.Siisii says shortages of skilled trades have played a role in agriculture’s challenges over the past two years.She notes that the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council estimates a nine per cent vacancy rate for seasonal and non-seasonal work. And it estimates that employers of berry, vegetable, tree fruit and vine operations are projecting a need to increase their employees by 52 per cent over the next five years.Siisii says the survey results can be used to guide government policy and local economic development, develop effective training programs and inform community leaders about the challenges agriculture faces.It targets six interest groups: farmers; general farm organizations; industry suppliers such as fertilizer plants and truckers; food processors; ethanol plants and manufacturers that use bioproducts; and colleges and universities with agricultural programs.Siisii hopes most of the 212 surveys mailed last week will be returned by the end of the month.They will be analyzed to determine whether there are problems the agriculture sectors such as vegetables, grain and livestock share common problems. It’s also hoped growth opportunities for the industry will be identified. “We hope to identify present and future occupations so we can match those with the training needs of the industry,” she states in a January news release.The study’s costs are not yet known, says Siisii. The Haldimand County Economic Development and Tourism department is supporting the pilot project. BF Apple growers ponder fee hike Economic study shows hefty impact
New Holland Marks 50 Years of Twin Rotor Innovation Friday, October 10, 2025 New Holland is celebrating 50 years of leadership in twin rotor harvesting technology, a milestone that began with the introduction of the TR70 combine in 1975. This machine transformed agriculture by bringing the world the concept of twin rotor threshing and... Read this article online
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