Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Day 1: The journey begins

With blue skies and sun, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to start our North American Study Tour. The majority of the class gathered at the Rural Ontario Institute parking lot and we are thrilled to reunite with our classmates, and to see that our chariot is NOT a yellow school bus but in fact a coach bus. After Andy McTaggart confirms that all are present -- although it takes a couple of counts -- we start off on the first leg of our journey. Meghan Burke introduces us to our bus driver Nancy Watson, who comes from a dairy background, has four kids and has had 36 years of driving under her belt – we’re in good hands! The journey begins!

These buildings are situated right by Lake Ontario and there are plenty of rumours and stories associated with these historic structures and the people that resided within those walls. The historic homes along the lakeshore are stunning. We drive by Sir John A MacDonald’s home, Bellevue House, complete with red roof. Apparently his stay in Kingston was limited as his wife was unwell. Another stop worthy of noting is Queen’s University. The campus is relatively large but what is striking is the old limestone buildings that impart a similar feel to the University of Guelph. Blocks away are the Frontenac Courthouse, as well as the Sir John A MacDonald Park. After our tour, we search for a park to enjoy Colleen’s picnic lunch and find a historical waterfront park surrounded by modern conveniences and a diverse mix of Canadians all enjoying the picturesque sites. Lunch is delicious -- and who couldn’t turn down fresh strawberries and brownies!

With a couple of hours to kill, some of us venture down the city streets of Kingston. Many cafés and bistros in the area are located in old historic buildings which add to the ambiance of the city. There is no question that Kingston is a tourist draw with many taking in opportunities to experience a multitude of activities. With Canada celebrating 149 years as a country headed by countless leaders, some well known and others less so, all had the best of intentions of creating a better future. This is what has brought all of us together as AALP Class 16 and one can’t help but wonder what mark we will make on our respective journeys through life.

A tour of Kingston wouldn’t be complete without a boat tour of the Thousand Islands which is actually made up of about 1800 islands. Homes fronting onto the lake start at about $1,000,000, although we suspect these are hard to come by.This area is certainly not where you would find a starter home! Our boat tour takes us around a good portion of Wolfe Island. It boasts a strong agricultural sector. Wind turbines throughout the island capture the strong winds from the lake and provide renewable energy. Residents on the island no longer have to follow the Christmas tree lined path across Lake Ontario to get to the mainland, as a ferry service runs year round. With the sun still shining, today couldn’t be a better day to experience being out on the water. Time to head back onto the bus and make our way to Montreal!

The perfect end to our day involves the tastiest chicken and ribs at Bar-B-Barn, a local family run business. The day flew by but we are looking forward to more adventures!

-Class 16

Views: 445

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

Trade with China

China’s Anti-Discrimination Investigation On March 8, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced the outcome of its anti-discrimination investigation initiated in September 2024 as a result of the federal government’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum. In response to Canada, China’s State Council Tariff Commission will impose a 100 per cent tariff rate on Canadian canola oil and canola meal along with several other tariffs on other Canadian agricultural commodities as of March 20, 2025. Tariffs from the State Council Tariff Commission resulting from the anti-discrimination investigation are separate and distinct from China’s anti-dumping investigation into imports of Canadian canola seed which is ongoing. China’s Anti-Dumping Investigation On August 12, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced its preliminary ruling as part of its anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola seed imports. In its ruling, MOFCOM announce

Advocating for Trade and Market Diversification on The Hill

Canadian canola farmers are navigating major trade volatility. Ongoing tariffs have closed access to China, once a $4.9 billion market, while uncertainty around the upcoming Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review is putting Canada’s two largest export markets under pressure. At the same time, Canada’s growing biofuels sector offers a valuable opportunity for canola farmers. With strong policy support, biofuels can drive new domestic demand for canola and reduce farmers’ exposure to trade disruptions. Canada’s canola farmers rely on predictable market access. These shifts show how quickly geopolitical issues and national policies can ripple back to the farm gate.  As the national representative of Canada’s 40,000 canola farmers, Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) has been front and centre with the federal government, calling for a political solution to the China tariff dispute and for a canola-friendly biofuels policy.  Canola’s Annual Lobby Day Every year, the Board o

Revitalizing rural and agricultural infrastructure

Since 2023, Alberta’s government has taken action to support ag societies through the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program, strengthening the quality of life in rural communities. The program has delivered $7.5 million in total grants for 106 ag society projects over the past three years, including funds allocated this year. This funding has helped ag societies with improvements and repairs to commercial kitchens, roofs, horse riding arenas and heating and ventilation in ice rinks, and has increased accessibility and energy efficiency in rural facilities. Alberta’s rural communities need up-to-date facilities to promote community involvement and economic growth. These buildings are central hubs, offering residents the opportunity to gather, engage and connect with their neighbours. “Ag societies have an important role in the quality of life for Alberta villages, towns and rural communities. Throughout the year they welcome Albertans to community events, from l

Canada makes commitments to international ag

Canada will spend almost $400 million to support farmers around the world

Growth Promoters and the Environment Revisited

In October 2021, this column described a research project that examined how long residues from growth promoters persist in the feedlot environment. They learned that residues from trenbolone acetate (TBA; used in some growth implants to mimic testosterone) and melengestrol acetate (MGA; sometimes fed to heifers to suppress estrus) dissipate very quickly after they’re excreted. However, residues from ractopamine (a feed additive that improves feed efficiency, weight gain and leanness late in the feeding period) could be found on the pen floor for up to five months after it was last fed. Jon Challis and collaborators at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the University of Saskatchewan recently published a follow-up study to learn whether manure composting, stockpiling or soil incorporation help break down ractopamine residues and whether ractopamine residues can affect hormone levels in other organisms that may come in contact with them in the environment (“Chemical and bioassay-based

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service