Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Are Robot Farmers Going To Take Over? See The Latest Robotic Technology "Prospero and Aquarius" At The CFVTX Event July 12-13, 2012

 



 

Farmers ready to rally and support the annual, horticulture trade show.

Simcoe, ON

(June 17, 2012) – Norfolk County, the predominant fruit and vegetable community, is home to the annual fruit & veg trade show – Canada’s Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change. Farmers from near and far, are eager to rally and support both the show, and the horticulture industry. Not only will they attend, but bring the entire farm family unit, as there is something for everyone engaged in the hort sector.

In addition to the free brunch for farmers on opening day, the 250 exhibitor trade show boasts specialized equipment, a two-day speaker program, the global launch of the ‘robot farmers’, equipment innovation contest, live demos, and a Farm Family XPO. David Chilton, Canadian author of The Wealthy Barber, will speak at 12pm on the Saturday of the show; discussing smart financial planning as it relates to agriculture.

Norfolk County is not the only vibrant horticulture ‘hot bed’. Essex County is home to a massive greenhouse vegetable sector, a world-class leader in food production. The Tech X-Change has been targeting this area and offering complimentary chartered bus rides to and from the show, courtesy of Vanden Bussche Irrigation.

"With Essex County and the greenhouse growers concerned more than ever with environmental impact and water recirculation, these growers are motivated to attend the X-Change with their families, to see such things as irrigation field days and the new greenhouse farmer robot launch" states Jillian McCallum, from Essex County Growers Association. "Our greenhouse operations have significant impact in the horticulture sector; they are serious about technology and educating the next generation, they know they will see it all in one place at the X-Change this July".

R&D Dorout, out of Iowa, are the inventors of the intriguing robot farmers. One designed for row crop "Prospero" and one designed for greenhouse "Aquarius". Aquarius is crafted to aid greenhouse operators with dispensing water, fertilizing and plant harvest. Astonishingly enough, this robot will be ready for pre-order at the X-Change.

Norfolk County asparagus grower, Chris Koteles, says "Canada’s Fruit and Veg Tech X-Change recognizes the need for growers to see specialized hort equipment in operation, and all in one spot for performance comparisons. There are a lot of great farm shows out there, but the reality is, most have very little to offer today’s progressive fruit and veg producer," says Koteles. "The Tech X-Change is a real plus for the Ontario’s hort industry."

If you are an OFA member make sure you check out the new OFA Proud to Farm Building onsite, that will play host to OFA, NFA and various member benefit partners.

This year’s dates are July 12th – 14th 2012, taking place at the hort shows permanent site, 1195 Front Rd in St Williams, ON.

For more information on Fruit & Veg Tech X-Change, please visit www.FruitVeg.ca or call the shows communication manager, Donna Powell at 226-381-0282 Ext. 2. X-Change hours are 10am-6pm Thursday and Friday and 10am – 4pm on Saturday

Views: 240

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

CFIA Proposes Changes to Expand Interprovincial Meat Movement

Canada is proposing temporary regulatory changes to support interprovincial meat trade, improve food security, reduce costs for producers, and strengthen rural and remote communities.

American Lentil, Pea Acres Slide from March, Last Year

U.S. farmers planted fewer lentils and dry peas than they indicated in March, with both crops also posting declines from last year, according to the USDA’s June Acreage report released Tuesday. American lentil area was estimated at 747,000 acres, down 85,000 acres from March intentions of 832,000 acres and down 30% from 1.072 million in 2025. Area expected to be harvested was forecast at 701,000 acres, down from 949,000 last year. Montana, the largest lentil-producing state, accounted for most of the decline. Farmers planted 560,000 acres, below the March projection of 620,000 acres and down 270,000 acres from 2025. North Dakota acreage fell to 130,000 acres, compared with the March estimate of 155,000 acres and 185,000 acres last year. Washington acreage was unchanged at 57,000 acres. Dry pea plantings were estimated at 1.047 million acres, down from the March projection of 1.17 million and down 11% from last year. Harvested area was forecast at 1.001 million acres, compared wit

ICE Close: Canola Higher on Return from Canada Day Holiday

Canola futures finished slightly higher on Thursday as the market returned from the Canada Day holiday a day earlier. Modest gains in crude oil provided some support for vegetable oils and helped lift canola, while mixed movement in Chicago soybeans and soyoil kept the advance restrained. Crude oil settled marginally higher Thursday on short covering ahead of the U.S. holiday weekend. Trading was relatively cautious, however, as market participants adjusted positions ahead of another holiday interruption. U.S. markets will be closed Friday for the Independence Day holiday, reducing direction from Chicago until trading resumes next week. Prairie weather also remained a background influence, with excessive moisture in some areas supporting crop concerns, although generally favourable conditions elsewhere and Canada’s larger projected canola acreage limited the upside. November was up 41.20 at $736.50, and January added $1.50 to $745.40.

Manitoba Crops Holding Up Amid Wet Conditions

Manitoba crops remain in generally good condition, even as isolated thunderstorms brought hail, strong winds, intense rain to portions of the province this past week. According to Tuesday’s weekly crop report, weekly rainfall totals ranged from just 2 mm to more than 123 mm, with the heaviest amounts reported near San Clara, Roblin, Waskada, Minnedosa, Manitou and the southern Interlake. Parts of the Northwest have now received more than 150% of normal precipitation since May 1, while the Stonewall area is approaching 250% of normal. Even so, winter wheat and fall rye are flowering and showing strong yield potential, the report said, while spring cereals range from tillering to the flag-leaf stage. Canola development varies widely from the two-leaf stage to early flowering, and soybeans are mostly between the first and fourth trifoliate stages. Excess moisture remains the main concern, particularly in the Northwest, Interlake and low-lying parts of the Southwest. Standing water,

Fireworks, Flavor, and a 250th Birthday: How to Keep Cookout Favorites Food Safe All Holiday Weekend

In preparation for America’s 250th Anniversary on the Fourth of July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides tips for practicing safe food handling when grilling and hosting outdoor gatherings. “The summer heat increases food safety risks, but simple steps can prevent foodborne illness from outdoor gatherings,” advises Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears. “Keeping perishables in coolers or insulated containers, following a two-hour rule (or one hour when temperatures are above 90 F), and grilling meats to safe internal temperatures are easy ways to protect friends and family from harmful bacteria as we all celebrate America’s 250th birthday.” Here are some recommendations for safe outdoor food preparation and serving: Marinating Always marinate meat in the refrigerator, never on the counter or at room temperature. Marinade used on raw meat or poultry must be boiled for a few minutes to destroy any harmful bacte

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service