Risk management program signup slated for change Wednesday, August 31, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFFProducers can sign up for the Risk Management Program of their choice in 2011 and opt out in 2012, says Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture.Once they have paid premiums for the 2012 year, however, it’s not so easy. Sarah Petrevan, press secretary to Carol Mitchell, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, says the commodity groups asked for the option of flexibility in a “transition year.” Once they sign on for 2012, however, they are locked in.Petrevan lays out the rules as follows: “Once a farmer pays a premium for a commodity (or commodity category), they need to continue to enrol that commodity in subsequent years providing they have production of that commodity. If, they do not have production in a year, they simply have to notify Agricorp that the production is zero for that year - this maintains their eligibility. If they have production and do not enrol, they are deemed ineligible for that current year plus the next two years.”Mitchell announced the establishment of a market risk insurance program for grains and oilseeds, hogs, cattle, sheep, veal and fruits and vegetables producers in June. During the announcement, she noted that producers could enrol for free in the program in 2011. Beginning in 2012, farmers in most of the commodities covered will have to contribute a premium to the program. The program is administered by Agricorp. BF Sarnia plant lauded as new market for farm crops Province lifts licence of Kitchener cow killing plant
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
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online
Cattle Stress Tool May Boost Fertility Friday, June 27, 2025 Kansas State University researchers have developed a cool tool that may help reduce cattle stress and improve artificial insemination (AI) results. The idea came from animal science experts Nicholas Wege Dias and Sandy Johnson, who observed that cattle accustomed to their environment... Read this article online
Ontario pasture lands get $5M boost Friday, June 27, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $5 million to strengthen shared community grazing pastures. This funding supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario’s agriculture sector and help cattle farmers improve pasture quality, ensuring long-term sustainability and... Read this article online