The end of the family tobacco farm Friday, May 1, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by GEOFF DALEWhile she has yet to read the full report, the chair of the Ontario tobacco board says there is merit in a George Morris Centre criticism of the new Tobacco Transition Program, particularly in the prohibition of succession.The report by George Morris senior research fellow Larry Martin, says transition program rules affect succession planning, diversification by both participants and families and the “very structure of the family enterprise.”“One of the biggest concerns which could have implications for those involved in any farming operation is the prohibition of succession,” Martin adds, noting “it is the nature of Canadian agriculture for one generation to help the next by loaning funds, making loan guarantees and renting the land.”Tobacco board chair Linda Vandendriessche admits the deal has caused some grief because family opportunities could be lost. Ottawa’s $286-million buyout package included an offer of $1.05 per pound of quota.The board has raised its concerns with the federal government, she adds, and awaits a response from to a letter sent recently to Ottawa.Martin, also a director with Lake Erie Farms, is calling on immediate action from Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz to deal with the tobacco issue, noting, “If the minister does not act quickly, there will be almost no crop this year.”Vandendriessche says while there will no longer be a quota system, there are about 100 eligible applicants that are seeking licenses to grow tobacco.Media and public relations representative Linda Lietaer notes the vast majority of tobacco farmers opted for federal compensation.Vandendriessche says the majority of producers will use the money to pay down significant debt, leaving some with “nothing in hand.”“I know the $286-million is a big pot of money that farmers are grateful for but it’s not going to allow total transition in this area,” adds Lietaer.Noting the current state of the economy, the board chair says she is deeply concerned about the five county area in southwestern Ontario. Individuals working in factory farms used to have the farm to fall back to. “Well they don’t even have that now, so these are difficult times here,” she says. BF Green Energy Act won't protect prime farmland from solar farms Pesticide import program lacks farmer appeal
Free Tools to Power Up Your Farm’s Digital Life in Canada Wednesday, October 22, 2025 For many Canadian farm families, the internet has become as vital as a tractor or combine. It is how producers manage precision planting, monitor commodity prices, check weather forecasts, pay bills and stay connected with suppliers and customers. However, fast and reliable broadband remains out... Read this article online
Precision Harvesting with HeadSight and TrueSight Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Modern harvesting relies heavily on precision and smart technology, and new systems for head height control and steering are making sure you are not leaving bushels in the field. These innovations ensure efficient crop collection, protect equipment, and reduce operator fatigue during... Read this article online
Remembering Ralph Winfield: Beloved Better Farming Columnist Tuesday, October 21, 2025 Ontario's farming community is mourning the loss of longtime agricultural writerRalph Gordon Winfieldof Glanworth, who passed away peacefully at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Oct. 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Ralph’s name has been closely tied to Better Farming since 1999. His... Read this article online
Case IH FieldOps Brings Smart Connectivity to Modern Farming Friday, October 17, 2025 Lance Meyer, region precision manager at Case IH, told Farms.com that FieldOps operates on desktops through a web interface and on mobile devices through an app compatible with iPhone, Android, or iPad. This flexibility allows farmers to access critical machine and field information anytime,... Read this article online
New Holland Marks 50 Years of Twin Rotor Innovation Friday, October 17, 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