Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP class takes NASA

Houston, we have landed. On day two of the North American study tour AALP class 17 stopped in at NASA Johnson Space Center. We had the chance to see the historic mission control center where they navigated the first man to the moon, in addition to many other missions to space.

The control center, which closed in 1992, still features the speaker where many historic words were said – including “Houston, we have landed” and “We are on our way, Houston” – the first and last words spoken from the moon.

The mission control center is currently under renovation in preparation for the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the moon.

We took a ride through rocket park en route to the training centre where the astronauts train for missions to the International Space Station. It was an incredibly high tech facility full of Iron Man-like looking space suits.

Good thing we got lost on the way to our next stop – the Port of Houston – because we got to drive by a number of ‘small’ -- by Texan standards -- oil refineries. We finally arrived at the Port of Houston and had an impressive tour of one of the largest ports in the United States. 

Our last stop of the day was at the El Real Tex Mex restaurant where we were privileged to meet and hear from Mr. Joel Cowley, the President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This show is the largest in the world, with over 2 million people attending during the 3 weeks it runs each March.

Next Stop – College Station!

Views: 180

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

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

North American Farm Groups Unite to Strengthen USMCA/CUSMA Ahead of 2026 Review

Farm organizations across North America are urging governments to reinforce CUSMA/USMCA, warning that stability in cross-border trade is essential to producers in all three countries.

US Cuts Tariffs on Agricultural Machinery to 15% - What It Means for Farmers

The U.S. is reducing tariffs on farm equipment imports, a move expected to ease cost pressures for farmers and support equipment investment.

Farmer wellness initiative offers support across Ontario

The mental health of Ontario farmers is receiving greater attention through the Farmer Wellness Initiative, a program designed to support the well-being of farmers, farm workers, and their families across the province. Operated through Agriculture Wellness Ontario, the initiative offers free and unlimited counselling services tailored specifically to the agricultural community. Farming is often described as more than just a career; it is a lifestyle that comes with long hours, financial uncertainty, unpredictable weather, and emotional stress. Recognizing these challenges, the Farmer Wellness Initiative provides access to trained mental health professionals who understand the realities of agricultural life. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through a confidential helpline. The program is open to Ontario farmers, farm employees, international agricultural workers, and family members over the age of 16. Youth between 12 and 15 years old may also access services wi

Ontario's pitch to expand northern farming sparks questions from farmers, food security experts

Ontario is pitching its plan to expand agriculture in the north and restrict foreign ownership of farmland as a way to strengthen food security and protect farmers. But some farmers, researchers and environmental advocates say the proposed legislation leaves unanswered questions about land ownership, affordability and whether more production would improve food access in the north. The province introduced the Protecting Ontario’s Food Independence Act, 2026 on April 22. The bill would limit foreign ownership of farmland and “unlock” agricultural potential in the Clay Belt — a region of fertile soil in northeastern Ontario and northwestern Quebec covering 180,000 square kilometres. In a statement to CBC News, the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth said expanding agricultural access in the Clay Belt would help farmers grow their businesses, create jobs, increase local production and strengthen domestic supply chains. Province says Clay Belt offers growth opportunity

Rapid seeding progress made in some areas of the province

Farmers are dealt with all kinds of weather conditions this spring. The mixed precipitation in late-April, subsequent rainfall, and the recent heat wave resulted in producers beginning seeding operations one week or more later than normal. Jeremy Welter farms in the Kerrobert area in west-central Saskatchewan and is also a Vice-President with the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS). He said while the warm weather allowed them to catch up, it did provide a challenge to equipment. "The high temperature did certainly help to dry land out so the guys could get on it. That being said, those really hot days, they add a lot of stress to your machinery," he said. "You really notice it when you get out of the tractor. Even on a cool day, the tractor's blowing a lot of warm air off of it, but on those plus 35 days that temperature is as hard on equipment as it is on people, so it definitely creates additional challenges." In the Kerrobert area, they're about a week to

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service