Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP Class 13 North American Study Tour Day 8


July 12, 2010 – The eighth day of our tour took Class 13 to Chesapeake Bay to learn about the opportunities and challenges in this area. The Chesapeake Bay area is the 2nd largest watershed footprint after the Mississippi.

We started the day touring a cucumber harvesting operation and had a great tour by a young and ambitious farmer named Hannah (who was also a member of the Maryland Lead program). After a ride around the field on the cucumber puller we drove over to tour the grading plant. It was a great stop and thankfully our driver Paul was able to get our bus unstuck (they had 5 inches of rain the day before).

From there we visited the Wye Research Station for an update on the Maryland Lead Program. Then on to the Wye Black Angus farm where we met 40 year Virgin, Forester and Briar.

A visit to a local winery and a large dairy were next on the list. Each stop provided a great look into the opportunities and challenges that are faced in the Maryland Delaware area. Plus we are bringing a taste of Maryland home to our loved ones (which is only 4 days away).

The day wrapped up with a good home cooked dinner with the Iowa Lead group. It was a great day of tours and speakers that provided a better understanding of the local environment. Many similarities were noted throughout the day with the struggles and challenges faced by farmers in both the Chesapeake Bay region and Ontario.

There is a resilience to defend the different agriculture industries with the environmental challenges that are being placed on the shoulders of the agriculture industry.

Tomorrow promises to be another great day – stay tuned!

Neil Hemingway, Nathan Klages, Christa Royce – AALP Class 13

Views: 45

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Update on AAFC Staffing Reductions and Canola Research

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)’s decision to close multiple research stations and reduce staff across the country is alarming. Consultation is urgently needed so research funders understand the impacts of the cuts, explore alternatives where needed, and identify paths forward. AAFC researchers and facilities are world-class, and they have played a crucial role in advancing canola production for Canadian farmers. Alberta Canola, Manitoba Canola Growers and SaskOilseeds expresses our heartfelt gratitude to the AAFC researchers, technicians, and other supporting staff who have contributed to growth and profitability of the canola sector in Canada. Canadian farmers have earned Canada’s place as a leading oilseed supplier, with canola contributing billions to the Canadian economy; these government cuts raise serious questions about the support needed to sustain that success. Canola growers invest millions of dollars per year in research projects, many of which are being led and

Joint Letter on the Closure of Federal Agricultural Research Centres

We are writing to express our deep disappointment with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s recent decision to close three federal research and development centres and four satellite research farms across Canada, including the research and development centre in Lacombe, Alberta. Research and development are critical to advancing industries and economies by addressing current challenges and building resilience for the future and has played a vital role in growing agricultural exports to $100.3 billion in 2024 (AAFC, 2025). In the context of today’s global environment and declining productivity for Canadian agriculture, it is more important than ever to support domestic research capacity to ensure Canada remains a leader in agriculture for years to come. Public investment in agricultural research has historically delivered some of the highest economic returns of any government expenditure. Independent studies consistently demonstrate that agricultural research and development generates st

Alberta Canola Announces Board Leadership After 36th AGM

Alberta Canola Producers Commission held its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, during the CrossRoads Crop Conference in Edmonton. Following the AGM, the Board re-elected Andre Harpe of Valhalla Centre, as Chair and elected Christine McKee of Stirling as Vice Chair. Harpe also recognized and thanked outgoing directors Christi Friesen and Paula Law for their dedicated service. Friesen represented growers in Region 1, bringing energy, thoughtful perspective, and a strong commitment to collaboration. Law served growers in Region 7 and was a respected voice on the Board, known for her leadership, vision, and steady focus on the best interests of Alberta’s canola growers. The Board also welcomed Chris Kamphuis of Worsley as the new director for Region 1 and Jason Lenz of Bentley as the new director for Region 7.

Canadian Olympic ties to ag

From athletes to officials, Canada’s ag sector will be represented in Italy

Nutrien Names Chris Reynolds Global Sales Leader

Nutrien has named Chris Reynolds as EVP Global Sales to unite sales teams worldwide improve efficiency and strengthen customer value as part of a planned leadership transition.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service