Ontario Agriculture

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December 2009 Blog Posts (4)

You Can't Eat Energy--Peaker Plant in the Holland Marsh

PEAKER PLANT IN THE HOLLAND MARSH





My name is Avia Eek. My husband, Bill, and I farm in the Holland Marsh. My husband, and many of the farmers in the Holland Marsh are descendants of the first pioneers who broke this land in 1934. Although, it should be noted the first industry here was the harvesting of the marsh grass for mattresses. This business took place from 1880 to approx. 1915, when it peaked.



The soil in the Holland Marsh is organic based, the result of… Continue

Added by Avia Eek on December 19, 2009 at 6:03am — 1 Comment

Lessons In Farming

I'm a young farmer. I can say that now - especially since just a couple of weeks ago we moved out to one of our family farms. This is a house my great-grandfather built in the early 1900's, and is the farm where the dry cows and heifers are kept. My mom and dad are a few kilometres away at the farm I grew up in - where the milking cows are.



As I get settled on the farm, I thought I'd share some of my experiences. Along the way I'd invite any and all pieces of advice I can get - as I… Continue

Added by Andrew Campbell on December 17, 2009 at 7:24am — 6 Comments

The Future of Pork

We all know about the struggles facing the pork industry -- the big question though is how do we fix it.



Here are a couple of videos with some involved in the sector discussing how to move forward. Take a look a add your thoughts below.…



Continue

Added by Andrew Campbell on December 16, 2009 at 4:30am — No Comments

Ontario food processors: access SODP before Dec 22, 2009

Strong Ontario food and beverage processors – particularly those located in communities that have been hardhit by the recent economic downturn – are encouraged to apply to the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP). SODP’s food and beverage initiative includes a $20 million fund of federal interest-free loans for upgrades, expansions, or modernization of commercial food and beverage production facilities, or fund a strategy to access new markets.



Ontario Food and Beverage… Continue

Added by Lisa McLean on December 15, 2009 at 4:18am — No Comments

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

From the Middle East to Alberta: How Oil Tensions Are Raising Farm Costs

Even without supply shortages, risk premiums on diesel and fertilizer are cutting into farm profitability ahead of spring. A global oil chokepoint disruption is rippling into Alberta farms, raising input costs and adding uncertainty just ahead of seeding. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East — particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — are once again sending shockwaves through global energy markets. While the disruption is thousands of kilometres away, Alberta farmers and seed growers are already feeling the effects through higher diesel and fertilizer costs, tightening margins ahead of the 2026 growing season. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global petroleum liquids passing through it each day. Any perceived threat to shipping in the region tends to trigger immediate price volatility, as markets price in risk even before physical supply is disrupted. That’s exactly what Alberta producers saw following the

Building Without a Permit Could Cost You More Than You Think

The National Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is seeing a concerning trend: unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations has increased significantly. Complaints have increased by approximately 32 per cent from 2024, and enforcement actions have jumped by about 125 per cent. Under Alberta’s Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), it is illegal to begin construction of a confined feeding operation, manure storage facility (such as an earthen manure storage or manure lagoon), or a manure collection area (such as a barn floor, feedlot pen, or catch basin) without first obtaining the required NRCB permits. Constructing before your permit application has been approved or building something different than stated in your permit are both also considered unauthorized construction. Consequences can include: Enforcement orders Prosecution Additional costs, such as depopulating livestock from unpermitted facilities Financial institutions are also asking for NRCB documentati

4-H Alberta programs and scholarships offer new opportunities for youth this spring

Alberta youth involved in 4-H will have a range of opportunities to build skills, gain experience, and plan for the future this spring, with new provincial programs and scholarships now open for 2026. As outlined in its latest Scoops newsletter, 4-H Alberta continues to emphasize hands-on learning and leadership development through its “learn to do by doing” approach, with upcoming programs designed to help members strengthen practical and life skills. Upcoming provincial programs Several provincial programs are scheduled in the coming months, including: Spring Senior Symposium The 4-H Alberta Spring Senior Symposium and Trip Selection, taking place April 30 to May 3 at Lakeland College. The program brings together senior members from across the province for leadership development, networking, and national and international travel selection opportunities. Ultimate Bullfighting and Equus Experience Another popular event returning this spring is the Ultimate Bullfighting and Equus

Serious concern with planned cuts to N.B. public vet services

Farmers and veterinarians worry these cuts will do more harm than good

Start early, talk openly: why transition planning matters more than ever

For many business owners, planning to transition what we’ve spent our lives building to the next generation of owners is something we know we need to do, but it’s also something we tend to put off.

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