31-33% moisture: that's when corn reaches physiological maturity, or black layering, according to Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). But, harvesting corn above 28% can result in damage to the grain, difficult marketing and the burdens of attempting to dry in storage. This late in the season, stalk quality may make the... Read More
Category: Eastern Canada
Several incredibly important and effective crop fungicides, including those that suppress fusarium in cereals, could be banned from use in the European Union soon. While this is an immediate concern for European farmers who could lose access to certain insecticide and fungicide classes, the ramifications for Canada could translate to over a billion dollars in... Read More
Bill C-18 — the proposed legislation that includes changes to plant breeders' rights — continues to move through Parliament, despite the New Democrats saying they'll vote against it. During the Report Stage in the House of Commons on Monday, Opposition Agriculture Critic Malcolm Allen introduced 51 motions to delete all 51 clauses of the bill... Read More
If you happen to pass the TRCW-24, you’ll need a second glance — it’s huge. A standard disc blade is an overwhelming 36? in diameter, and somehow, there’s an even bigger option: the 1,100 lb, 42? disc. The implement is designed for deep plowing, mixing, aerating and plowing through heavy trash. Indeed, the machine can... Read More
Finding people to work on farms is a major challenge in much of rural Canada. To understand the labour issues facing the ag sector, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is asking producers to complete a survey outlining their farms' labour requirements. The Conference Board of Canada is conducting the survey on behalf of the... Read More
The trucks and trailers of several sheep and beef producers were vandalized this week, even as the vehicles were parked in a monitored parking lot. Exhibitors were attending the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ont. No one has taken responsibility for the vandalism, though sheep and beef producers at the show believe they were... Read More
As farmers shut the door on the 2014 production season (save for those in Ontario still slogging through corn harvest), so too do we wind down the last of the Spray Tips series. In this post-harvest down-time, it's important to take a much needed breather, then, before you know it'll be time to start the... Read More
Ontario and Quebec ag ministers met recently to discuss opportunities to create an action plan for growing domestic and export markets in cooperation, including focusing on the SIAL international food trade show held annually in Toronto and Montreal. According to a department press release, Jeff Leal, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and... Read More
This just in — it's winter. Snow is starting to fall across most areas around and above the 49th parallel, which will limit the ability to take off the remaining U.S. corn and soybean fields (some might have to wait until spring!). The cold could also have a negative effect on the winter wheat which... Read More
Your farm is your business and your career, and just like any other line of work, professional development is important. How do you make sure your farm is running at its most profitable? How do you get up-to-speed on rules and regulations? How to do you keep track of where your farm is at? The... Read More