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Better Farming June 2018

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Tehkummah, Ont. farm family wins BMO award

August 17, 2018

An Algoma County, Ont. farm family is one of a select few that will be honoured next month. The McNaughton family are among the recipients of the BMO Ontario Farm Family Award. They will officially receive it during the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Chatham-Kent in September. Ten other Ontario farm families will also receive the award. The prize recognizes dedication to Ontario’s ag sector and rural way of life. Winning the award this year is extra special for the family, as they were nominated last year but were not among the winners. “It’s very much a... read more

Campaigning to protect seasonal worker program

August 17, 2018

Ontario producers have started a movement to protect the future of their farms. A team of horticultural industry groups launched a campaign in May to emphasize the importance of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) for Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers. Many members of the horticultural sector fear that the federal government may implement changes that could harm the integrity of the program, a release said on Tuesday. Some people worry that the feds may scrap the program altogether. Under new regulations, farmers may struggle to access enough workers to operate their... read more

Celebrating a record-breaking tractor parade

August 16, 2018

An Ontario community is organizing a parade to celebrate a milestone it reached a decade ago. Stirling, Ont., will host the tenth anniversary of the World’s Greatest Tractor Parade on Aug. 25. In 2008, 601 tractors drove through the community during its 150th anniversary celebrations to set the Guinness world record for the largest parade of tractors. A flat tire on one tractor prevented the number from being 602. The anniversary parade serves different purposes. The event helps the community get to know the local farmers who contribute to every meal, said Darrin Heasman, a farmer,... read more

Farmer-turned-writer shares Ontario’s soil history

August 16, 2018

Growing up on a family farm in Waterloo County, Harold Rudy did not expect to become an author. However, Rudy will soon publish a book that could get the industry talking. In , Rudy, who recently retired from his position as executive officer of research and business development with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), documents the efforts of Ontario producers to improve soil health over the past thirty years. He also discusses the evolution and importance of OSCIA programs, such as the annual Forage Masters’ Competition. “The book raises the importance... read more

Protecting yourself from West Nile on the farm

August 9, 2018

While working outdoors, farmers likely come into contact with a variety of insects, including mosquitos. Since these pests can transfer West Nile Virus to humans, producers can take a few precautions to protect themselves from becoming infected with the disease. For example, between dawn and dusk, they can wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, the Ontario government website states. Individuals can also tuck their pants into their socks. In addition, when possible, people may want to remove standing water on their farms, as mosquitos lay eggs in these locations. As these insects... read more