Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Healthy Land, Healthy People, Healthy Profits

A winter day full of food, friendship and inspiration – it’s Eco Farm Day 2015 and it’s a highlight of the season for organic (and organic-curious) farmers and gardeners in eastern Ontario and western Quebec. As a matter of fact, Eco Farm Day is on of the largest agricultural conferences in the region, save the Ottawa Valley Farm Show!

Eco Farm Day takes place on Saturday, February 28, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall. This is the 31st annual conference presented by the Ottawa-St Lawrence-Outaouais chapter of Canadian Organic Growers (COG-OSO), this year with the cooperation of Organic Meadow and the Bauta Initiative on Seed Security.

Keynoter Tony McQuail presents Healthy Land, Healthy People, Healthy Profits: Holistic Management for Sustainable Agriculture. A farmer since 1970, Tony has extensive experience with agricultural and government programs, and is an educator with the Holistic Management Institute. Holistic Management is a planning methodology used by farm families to help make short term and long term decisions on the farm that are ecologically, economically and socially sustainable.

After the keynote presentation, conference attendees have a number of interactive workshops to choose from, a buffet feast of organic foods (many also local) to enjoy for lunch, and plenty of opportunity to visit with old friends and new, as well as investigate the products and services of the exhibitors and sponsors.

Workshops focus on practical techniques and management skills that work in our area and emphasize sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre.  Most presenters are producers, most from Ontario and Quebec, with knowledge and passion to share. Topics include:

  • Scaling up the market farm - increasing profits and sustainability
  • Organic certification - proposed alternative models for small-scale farmers
  • Crop rotations, cover crops and weed management in organic field crops
  • Organic pasture management optimizing animal health AND farm profits
  • Root cellars - modern profits from traditional root cellaring
  • Organic pastured pork - adding breeding stock to your organic farm
  • Open pollinated corn - growing and adapting varieties for organic farms
  • Don't sell the sprayer - Things you can do with a sprayer on organic farms
  • Growing and marketing organic medicinal herbs in the Outaouais region
  • Pasturing laying hens and ducks - balancing ecological, economical and animal welfare issues
  • Organic beehive management techniques

 

There is simultaneous translation from English to French of the keynote presentation and three workshops.

 

Registration, including lunch, is $60 (before Feb 14) or $75 at the door, with a $10 discount for COG and Organic Meadows members. A sliding scale down to $25 is available for limited-income individuals. Register online at ecofarmday.ca

 

Eco Farm Day is your best opportunity all year to learn from the experiences of other farmers in the region. Join us in Cornwall on February 28th!

 

More information and updates at: 

internet: ecofarmday.ca

facebook: facebook.com/cogosochapter 

twitter: @EcoFarmDay

email: ecofarmday@cog.ca

phone: 613-244-4000 ext.4 

Views: 169

Reply to This

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

Maizex Seeds is Making a Bold Move into Canola with a 2026 Hybrid Launch

In a move that signals its growing ambitions in Western Canada, Maizex Seeds has announced the launch of its first canola hybrids under the Maizex brand, starting with the 2026 growing season. The Canadian farmer-owned seed brand, already known for its strong presence in seed corn, is aiming to bring that same level of performance and service to hybrid canola. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” says Blake Ashton, general manager for Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton confirms that the company will leverage its existing dealer network to roll out the new hybrids, while also looking to expand into regions not currently served. “We are very excited about th

A New Option for Canola Performance: Maizex Seeds Entering Hybrid Canola Seed Market in Western Canada

Maizex Seeds, a Canadian farmer-owned national seed brand focused on the needs of Canadian farmers, has announced the launch of Maizexbrand canola hybrids for farmers across Western Canada. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager with Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton notes that Maizex will be working with their current dealer network to position Maizex canola hybrids and will also be looking to add dealers in areas not serviced by the company today. “We are very excited about the potential our initial hybrid offering provides farmers,”notes Jeremy Visser, Oilseed Product Manager with Maizex Seeds. “They combine outstanding

Canadian Pork Council rejoins Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council rejoined the CFA after more than 10 years

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Woods CRW and Merlo Announce Northeast Strategic Dealer Partnership

Merlo America has announced its newest partnership with Woods CRW, officially welcoming the dealership into its growing U.S. network.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service