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
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online