Dairy in Ontario Talk (14)

RDAR Injects Over $600,000 Into Expanding Silage Crop Regional Variety Trials

Alberta farmers and ranchers will soon have access to expanded silage crop research, thanks to a $650,000 investment from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR). The funding, which includes $610,000 from the federal and provincial governments through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and an additional $40,000 from Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), will extend Silage Crop Regional Variety Trials (RVTs) across the province for the next three years. The trials, led by Alberta Seed Processors, aim to provide producers with critical data on the performance of silage and green feed crops. Following successful trials in 2023 and 2024, the initiative will expand to include additional test sites and new crops such as fall rye and corn. Researchers will also explore ways to present crop yield and nutrient stability data, helping farmers assess production risks associated with specific varieties. Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay said the initiative

USask industry chair to advance forage research

In a move to strengthen research into crucial livestock production systems, Dr. Flavia van Cleef (PhD) has been appointed as the new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization (IFMU) Chair at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). As the industry chair, van Cleef will bridge disciplinary boundaries, lead systems-based forage and pasture management, and utilization research to address the needs of all levels of the agricultural sector. “Working with researchers, industry and producers, Dr. van Cleef will develop innovative tools and resources to improve forage management and use,” said Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at USask. “We are excited to have Dr. van Cleef join the college to deliver the collaborative, interdisciplinary research needed to support a sustainable livestock and forage sector.” Forages are plant systems that act as high-quality livestock feed with potential benefits for soil health, carbon seques

Young Innovators: USask researchers ‘dig deep’ to address heavy metal contamination in Canada’s boreal forest

The open expanse of Saskatchewan’s Prairie landscape quietly recedes into a thick band of spruce, pine and fir trees only a few hours’ drive north of the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) campus. Stretching for more than 400,000 km2, the province’s boreal forest is just a snapshot of a large network of trees and hardy plants that reach across the entire country. Levi Lundell, soil science master student in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio), is getting to the root of a big issue impacting Canada’s boreal forest. Working with Drs. Derek Peak (PhD) and Katherine Stewart (PhD), Lundell is investigating how boreal plants interact with contaminants from metal mines to see if these plants can be used in remediation and restoration efforts of abandoned or actively managed metal mine tailings. “Metal mining is a huge part of the Canadian economy and there are sites scattered across our boreal forest,” said Lundell. “Over their lifespan, these mines produce a byproduct we

GGC Sounds the Alarm on U.S. Tariffs Threatening Family-Run Grain Farms

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is sounding the alarm on the United States’ decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian grain and grain products, a move that threatens the viability of family-run grain farms and drives up food costs for American consumers. "Tariffs of this magnitude will put family-run grain farms at risk by introducing widespread market uncertainty," said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “The U.S. is by far our largest trading partner, with over $17 billion CAD of Canadian grain and grain products exported to every year. These unjustified tariffs threaten that trade relationship—and farmers’ livelihoods." Canada exports over 70% of the grain it produces to over 150 countries around the world. The prices Canadian farmers receive for crops such as wheat, canola, oats, barley, and pulses are tied to international markets. Disruptions to trade networks drive down farmgate prices, making it harder for growers to stay afloat. “As price takers, grain farmers are at

Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet Unanimously Supports Strategic Investment in Canadian Cereals Market Diversification

The Gate Capital Campaign Cabinet, representing key stakeholders in Canada’s cereals industry, today announced its unanimous support for the development of the Gate facility, a critical initiative aimed at diversifying Canada’s cereal markets and securing long-term stability for the sector. Gate will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and market development. A state-of-the-art home for Cereals Canada, Gate will provide the specialized technical spaces and resources that will enable Canada to: conduct applied research and innovation to align Canadian cereals with global demands develop strategic marketing initiatives to strengthen international buyer loyalty and confidence provide technical expertise to foster long-term relationships with customers. “The recent volatility in trade relations underscores the urgent need for market diversification,” said JoAnne Buth, Gate capital campaign chair. “The Gate facility is a needed resource to help us with this challenge and continue to