New president for OFA Wednesday, November 26, 2008 by BETTER FARMING STAFFCashcropper Don McCabe, Inwood, and garlic grower Mark Wales, Aylmer, were elected as vice-presidents in a run off beating out Debra Pretty-Straathof, Arnprior, Wendy Omvlee, Haldimand, and Joe Vermunt, Huron County.In her acceptance speech, Crews warned that farmers face some tough times. Some farmers have benefited from a trend to consuming locally produced food. Farmers will potentially be hurt as the economy slides towards recession or worse. Processors and consumers will be looking for deals, she said. “That always comes back to bite the farmer.”Crews pledged to work with the new governance structure at the federation. Immediately following the convention, a board of 18 that meets monthly and an advisory council that meets periodically replace an old board model with approximately 100 members representing counties and commodities. Crews said the new structure offered many opportunities to develop policy that doesn’t disadvantage any commodity or any sector.”Farm groups are likely to find it challenging to work with the provincial government in tough economic times. Speaking to the convention floor, Agriculture Minister Leona Dombrowsky said "we will have to find ways to support the industry without direct payments." BF Release of grains and oilseeds merger vote on hold Storing biosolids in manure pits tanked - for now
Bushel Plus rebrands to BranValt for global harvest-tech growth Thursday, January 15, 2026 Bushel Plus Ltd., a well‑known name in harvest optimization tools and training, is preparing for a major brand transformation as it shifts to a new global identity: BranValt. The company recently announced that the transition will officially take effect in July 2026, marking a... Read this article online
Ag community wanted for cover crop survey Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Researchers from Manitoba and Ontario are looking for members of ag communities from Alberta to Ontario to participate in a questionnaire about cover crops. The confidential survey is open to any farm type and size whether the operation has ever grown cover crops. “We don’t just want... Read this article online
Loveland launches AQUA FORCE to boost water efficiency in pivot-irrigated fields Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Loveland Products, Inc. has introduced AQUA FORCE, a new water‑use‑efficiency product built specifically for center pivot irrigation systems and designed to help farmers get more value from every inch of applied water. Unlike traditional surfactants or wetting agents, is formulated to move water... Read this article online
New program supports Canadian farmers with succession planning Tuesday, January 13, 2026 A new program is available to help Canadian farm families on their succession plan journeys. Groundworks is a collaborative effort between the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing, AgriRisk Managers, and Loft32, along with support from AAFC. The program supports farmers with... Read this article online
Ontario Prairies Cover Crop Survey Launch Tuesday, January 13, 2026 As cover crop use continues to expand across Ontario and the Prairie provinces, a new survey has been launched to better understand how these practices arechanging onfarms. The survey aims to collect valuable information about how cover crops are being used, what benefits they provide, and... Read this article online