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2012-2013 Agriwebinar® Series

Farmland values in Ontario increased an average of 11.9% in the second half of 2012, following gains of 16.3% and 7.2% in the previous two reporting periods. Farmland values in Ontario have risen for the past 20 years.

Some cash crop producers leveraged their current land holdings to purchase less expensive land in other locations, such as in Northern Ontario, yet the resulting impact on farmland values was relatively modest. The…

By Nathan Stevens

April 12, 2013

 

“Raising animals and livestock requires time, patience and a true commitment to the process, with an end result being our best quality product.”

That sums up the commitment Dana and Adam Thatcher, of Thatchers’ Farms in Rockwood have for their farm operation. The Thatchers received the top honour at the provincial awards ceremony held in Guelph on March 26. Winners of the award are chosen based on career progress; environmental and safety practices; crop and livestock production history;…

The slow pace of winter is starting to give way to a renewed urgency to get things ready for planting season.  The winter has stubbornly refused to let go, but as the sun climbs higher in the sky and the hours of daylight continue to increase, its days are numbered.  That doesn't stop the cold mornings from putting on a show.

These poor ducks couldn't get there feet…

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The recent trend toward restricting herbicide use has produced interest in alternative and integrated weed control strategies that include cultivation. As a result, newly developed implements are now available to vegetable growers from Northern Equipment Solutions, but the potential uses of these tools for numerous vegetable crops can be confusing. This describes some of these tools and their advantages and disadvantages.

Flex-tine harrows

Flex-tine harrows are…

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Transplanting has long been re­served for leafy crops, tomatoes, and bare root onions. Automated planting technology now provides a cost ef­fective way to transplant produce from plugs grown in greenhouses for up to 30 percent increased yields and up to 50 percent lower labor costs.

Benefits of automated…

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by Nathan Stevens

This week, the Provincial government introduced the Local Food Act, 2013. This act has the potential to be a positive opportunity for government to lead the way on local food. It also represents an opportunity for farmers in Ontario to supply Ontario’s public bodies with local food. 

The Act has three simple purposes. The first is to foster successful and resilient local food economies and systems throughout Ontario. The second is to increase awareness…

Do you have dancing shoes but hardly ever wear them? Did you get your first job or maybe your last job because you had 4-H on your resume? Did you show a calf at a local fair or maybe even at the Royal Winter Fair?  Do you still know how to make muffins without tunnels? Did you meet your husband, best friend or mentor at 4-H.?

Well 4-H Canada is looking for you. The organization is looking for all friends of 4-H to help celebrate its 100th anniversary. Celebrations will take place all…

I consider myself lucky to have grown up on a farm near Comber, Ontario. I am now an elementary school teacher at Jack Miner Public School in the town of Kingsville, Ontario. Although teaching is now my profession, I have many fond

memories of life on the farm. About five years ago, I wrote a poem about the old barn that is still standing on our family farm. I…