USDA report mostly upbeat Sunday, February 10, 2013 by BETTER FARMING STAFFThe United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 10-year forecast, issued today, predicts prices for major crops will decline in 2014 to 2015 and then increase from 2015 to 2022.“High commodity prices are projected to lead to record values of U.S. agricultural exports and U.S. net farm income in 2013,” the report says. “Grain and oilseed prices along with export values and farm cash receipts are then projected to decline in 2014 to 2015, but grow over the rest of the projection period as a return to steady domestic and international economic growth, a weaker dollar, and continuing production of biofuels support longer term demand for U.S. agricultural products.”The 10-year forecast, issued annually, is similar to Agriculture Canada’s medium-term, 10-year outlook. That forecast is expected by the end of the month. While the USDA report goes on for 56 pages, AgCanada’s report last year ran to three pages. The Canadian report acknowledges “short-term price forecasts” use USDA projections.Predictions for the livestock sector are variable. Feed costs are expected to fall and demand for meat to strengthen. Beef cattle prices are expected to strengthen through 2015 and then decline as production picks up. “Hog prices rise in the near term but then decline for several years as red meat production rises.” Milk prices are also expected to decline from 2012 to 2015 and then increase, due primarily to “efficiency gains in production.”David Sparling, chair in agri-food innovation at the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, says farmers shouldn’t hang production plans on 10-year projections.“Anything out that far is unlikely to be accurate,” he says, adding the projections could “provide some information on big trends to consider in your planning.”The full report's projections are based “on specific assumptions about macroeconomic conditions, policy, weather and international developments with no domestic or external shocks to global agriculture markets.” BF Provincial federation applauds new Ontario premier's commitment to agriculture Chicken Farmers of Ontario adjusts on-farm audit cycle
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
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online