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: 236

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

Steady Pork Exports in September: An Encouraging Sign for Trade

USDA’s red meat export data for September, delayed by the recent government shutdown, showed a fairly steady performance for U.S. pork exports, matching year-ago value while down slightly in volume. Pork exports totaled 233,816 metric tons (mt) in September, down 2% from a year ago, reports the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Export value held steady at $683.9 million, highlighted by the highest value on record for Mexico (nearly $260 million). The value of pork muscle cut exports trended higher in September ($586.2 million, up 1%), but pork variety meat exports declined, due in part to China’s retaliatory tariffs. Excluding China, September pork and pork variety meat exports were 4% above last year. “We are encouraged by the robust and resilient global demand for U.S. pork – especially in Mexico, but also in a broad range of international markets,” says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. Through the first three quarters of the year, pork exports were 3% below the record pac

Mexico Opens Trade Investigations Into Some U.S. Pork Imports

Mexico has opened an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probe into U.S. pork leg and shoulder imports after domestic producers alleged unfair pricing and government support, the government said on Monday. The investigation will examine 2024 imports and their impact on Mexico’s pork industry from 2022 to 2024, Mexico’s Economy Ministry said in a publication in Mexico’s government bulletin. The probe, opened after petitions from five Mexican pork companies, covers U.S.-origin pork even if shipped via third countries and could lead to duties despite current tariff exemptions. The companies argue that imports from the U.S. rose steadily in recent years and that imports were sold at unfairly low prices and/or supported by subsidies, the economy ministry said.

U.S. Pork Outlook Shifts

The December WASDE report brings key changes for U.S. pork markets: lower production and exports for 2025, but stronger demand expected in 2026. Lean hog futures are rebounding with a V-shaped bottom

Ag in the House: Dec. 8 – 11

The House won’t sit again until Jan. 26

Record Corn Exports Highlight USDA December Grain Outlook

The USDA's December report showed support for corn exports, a neutral outlook for soybeans, and continued pressure on wheat prices, while global trade remains volatile.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service