Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

In the fields of Texas

Friday morning saw the group continue its NAST with an early morning visit to the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB). Located on a 70-acre campus outside of Waco, the Texas Farm Bureau advocates for the agricultural needs of all Texas farmers at the local, state and national level. With over 500,000 member families, the TFB prides itself as being the “Voice of Agriculture”.

The pride and professionalism of the organization was clear from the moment the AALP class entered the campus. Mr. Si Cook, Chief Executive Officer, and his colleagues provided an overview of the organization and its role in analyzing the problems of farm and ranch families and in formulating actions to address these challenges. Discussion on trade, tariffs, and advocacy were centre stage during our visit. 

Afterwards, we enjoyed the (HOT!!) weather of Texas with tours of cotton, grain sorghum and corn trails conducted by local extension experts.

Mr. Shane McLellan, the local county extension officer, provided a fascinating overview of the disease, pest and weather challenges facing local farmers. The impact of the current drought was clearly evident by the state of the corn fields (IMAGE 4), some of which were expecting to yield 60 bu/acre or less. That said, the spirit and optimism of the farmers we met was unshakeable. Truly inspiring.

Following a fantastic lunch at the farm shop of Mr. Greg Westerfield (tip: wear pants with an elastic waistband when you come to Texas; the food is delicious and the plates are huge!), the AALP class said an emotional goodbye to Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz. Dr. Jim had to depart to prepare for the Texas Advanced Lifetime Leadership program which he will lead next week. Dr. Jim was a wealth of information and epitome of the perfect host. Thanks Jim and see you in Poland (wink, wink)!!!

The day ended with a trip to the historic Old Stockyards of Fort Worth for an incredible dinner at Los Vaqueros followed by country music and line dancing. To protect the innocent, no pictures were taken :).

Views: 208

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

Minister MacDonald sets the stage ahead of NPF meetings

Ministers and other stakeholders are in Halifax this week

Farm Management Canada launches Canada’s Young Farmers

The platform is designed to support and amplify the next generation of Canadian ag leaders

Watch for the development of Sclerotinia stem rot in canola

Information is OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, and their employees assume no liability from the use of this information.   June surface soil moisture conditions indicate that much of the Prairie canola growing region currently has sufficient soil moisture to support germination of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum sclerotia (Fig. 1). Cumulative rainfall from May 30 – June 28 was the highest in the Edmonton, Lethbridge, Winnipeg areas, and lowest in northern Saskatchewan and the Peace River area of Alberta (Fig. 2). When rainfall over the whole growing season (April 1 – June 28) was considered, the Edmonton area was much higher than average (Fig. 3). Recent heavy rains across the Prairies have significantly increased these amounts. Temperature over the May 30 – June 28 period was highest in southern Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan and lowest in western Alberta (Fig. 4). For the whole growing season temperatures have

Table Beet Harvest has Begun

Ontario's 2026 fresh beet harvest is underway with a positive outlook and steady supply, reinforcing the province's position as Canada's leading producer of this resilient crop.

Cereal rust risk report April 1 to June 29 2026 stripe rust reported in Alberta and eastern Canada along with leaf and stem rust in eastern Canada

Stripe rust development in Alberta There are reports of stripe rust developing in Alberta, though at low levels to date. The wheat crop is maturing in the Pacific Northwest and will decline as a source of inoculum as it is harvested. The spread and development of stripe rust in Alberta now depends more on weather and crop conditions within the province going forward. No rust reports to date in Saskatchewan and Manitoba Cereal crops in the southern US states have nearly been harvested and were affected severely by drought this crop season. Spring cereals in the northern states are still developing but there are no reports to date of rust infection in these northern states. Crop development in many parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba is delayed relative to normal, and frequent and heavy rains raise the risk of disease development in all crops. To date though there have been no reports of rust development in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Cereal rusts reported in eastern Canada Colleagues

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service