Ontario Seed Growers’ Association Field Day

Crop Report for the Period September 2 to September 8, 2025

Producers were able to make significant harvest progress over the past week, although some areas experienced rain delays. Currently, 41 per cent of this year's crop is in the bin, up from 23 per cent reported last week. This is behind the five-year average of 58 per cent and the 10-year average of 49 per cent. Although the mostly dry weather has allowed harvest to progress, combine and equipment fires are a significant risk. Producers are also monitoring stored grain closely as there are concerns for bin heating given the high temperatures that occurred at the time of combining.   The southwest region remains the furthest advanced in harvest progress with 55 per cent complete. The southeast region is at the half-way point, with 50 per cent of harvest complete. The northwest region currently has 41 per cent harvested, the east-central region has 31 per cent harvested and the west-central and northeast regions are both at 27 per cent harvested.   Harvest is nearly complete across the p

CWRC launches review of Canadian wheat breeding innovation system

The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has engaged Synthesis Agri-Food Network to review Canada’s wheat breeding innovation system in an effort to safeguard its ability to serve the evolving needs of Canadian farmers. A review of the current wheat breeding landscape will help the CWRC identify and address potential risks and opportunities in the Canadian system while ensuring it continues to generate elite varieties for farmers across the country. “Canadian farmers need a wheat breeding innovation system that is globally competitive, prevents technology gaps and maintains choice and competition in the marketplace,” said Dean Hubbard, CWRC chair and a farmer near Claresholm, AB.  The CWRC engages in core breeding agreements (CBAs) with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre, the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta, investing over $9.5 million per year on behalf of western Canadian farmers. Since the introduction

York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program

The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start a food business

Temporary orders protect chinook salmon in Thompson Okanagan

As severe drought conditions continue to affect river levels in the Thompson Okanagan region, fish-population protection orders will protect endangered chinook salmon in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek by temporarily restricting water use for forage crops and identified industrial purposes. The Salmon River and Bessette Creek have seen persistent low streamflows that are threatening the survival of spawning chinook populations. The fish-population protection orders will help restore water-flow levels and protect the salmon run. Effective Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, 490 surface-water and groundwater licences and transitioning groundwater users in the Salmon River and Bessette Creek watersheds within the assessed curtailment area are affected by the orders to stop using water for forage crops, which include grass for hay, alfalfa and forage corn. Irrigation of forage crops is one of the most water-intensive agricultural water uses. Nineteen licences are also affected by the order for th

Tap Into Savings: Comparing Water Systems for Better Beef Herd Performance

Insufficient access to good quality water reduces beef cattle performance faster and more dramatically than any other nutrient deficiency. Consequences can be immediate and severe, especially in hot summer weather or during drought. Investment in a well-designed water system is critical, not only to maintain cattle productivity and health, but also to support pasture utilization and to conserve water during dry conditions. Results of the Farm Management Survey (Statistics Canada, 2021) showed 71% of beef cattle operations allowed their cattle unlimited access to surface water sources, while only 28% reported limited or no access. Among those operations that reported limited or no access, 57% used remote or off-site water systems. These systems can lead to increased weight gain, improved reproductive performance and health as well as enhanced longevity of a water source.  However, managing water systems can often be challenging, with various factors to consider such as the availability