Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Covering agriculture has meant I've been to a pile of meetings. Meetings on getting more profit on your farm, meetings on government regulations, meetings on just about anything you can think of in order to help you be a better farmer. One of the topics that comes up a lot for livestock producers is developing a consistent product. While this usually is directed towards beef producers today, at one time it applied to everyone. Processors and retailers say if you want a better price - they need that consistent quality. They say without it, shoppers just won't look at your product, won't even give it a chance. Well, the reality is, as farmers we do need to improve consistency of our product, but it isn't just on our shoulders. Here's why... I do a lot of my shopping at Loblaw's branded stores. There isn't any real reason for it - other than they are the closest to my house. That means there is a lot of President's Choice product available. I don't buy a lot of meat from the grocery store, but now and again I will buy chicken. This time it was boneless skinless chicken breasts for a pasta dish I was trying out. When I got to opening that chicken I found it was far from boneless. (I've attached the picture of what I found underneath the breast) Needless to say I wasn't happy about having an extra step in my meal preparation. It did get me thinking though. If I was a consumer with no experience in cutting meat, and came across this unsightly scene - would I buy chicken more or less? I'm honestly worried about what their response is - because if they decide to eat less chicken, the poultry industry has lost a bit of their market - and it was completely out of their control. I'm not writing this to bash one particular brand. This is merely to point out that when retailers and processors say it's up to farmers to produce a better product, ask them what they are doing to bring in new customers and keep the ones they've got. In the words of Red Green - 'we're all in this together'.

Views: 39

Comment

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

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by Wayne Black on September 7, 2009 at 1:10pm
A similar situation is when we buy milk and it is soured long before the expiry (two days in our fridge). The first question from the brand manufacturer was "is your fridge the correct temperature?" So they mail some fridge thermometers. No power outage, using the same fridge since it was new (I think it was two or three years old at the time), and never had milk sour before its expiry before or since - uhm - did the retailer check their fridge?
I run across this usually at a restaurant when buying the 250 or 500 mL cartons. It is pretty sick when sludge pours out of your milk carton. If I was not involved in a dairy farm - probably would not buy milk again from that processor (funny how it is the same processor each time?!)
Wayne

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

Winter Wheat Variety Yield and Market Share Data – 2025

Winter wheat data from the 2024-2025 Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Trials (MCVET) is in! This data provides farmers with unbiased information regarding regional variety performance, allowing for variety comparison. Data was derived from small plot replicated trails from locations across Manitoba. Fungicides were not applied to these plots; thus, true genetic potential can be evaluated. Although considerable data is collected from MCVET, the disease ratings are from variety registration data. Table 2 below summarizes the yield results from the 2025 MCVET data by trial location. The yield results represent 2025 data only; therefore long-term trends should be considered when making variety selection decisions. Previous yield data can be found in past editions of Seed Manitoba. As well, apart from yield, there are other variety characteristics to consider when making variety selection decisions, these include disease, insect, and lodging resistance. Check out this Manitoba Crop Allianc

Connecting the Farm Gate to Parliament Hill

The parliamentary summer recess left many questions unresolved as issues of trade, taxation and economic competitiveness took centre stage. While Ottawa was quiet, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) was active in the field, using the summer months to connect directly with producers and show policymakers the real-world impact of federal decisions on grain farming. In August, we travelled from Manitoba through Saskatchewan and into Alberta on the annual GGC Summer Tour. Over five days and over 2,000 kilometres, the tour provided an opportunity to walk fields, see crop conditions firsthand and visit the operations of directors and members. Each stop highlighted both the diversity and the shared challenges of grain farming, from crop rotations and new varieties to high input costs, weather extremes and market volatility. The tour also created a platform to connect with local Members of Parliament and the media. MP Colin Reynolds joined us near Steinbach. MB, for a tour of Manitoba Crop Allian

Harvest Surges Ahead — But is Quality Holding Up?

Warm and dry conditions have been pushing harvest along across Alberta, with 42% of all crops now in the bin, according to the new crop report. That’s ahead of both the 5-year (40%) and 10-year (32%) averages. Most regions are running above their long-term pace, though the South is slightly behind its average despite being furthest along overall. Regional Progress South: 52% complete — still leading the province, though below the usual 65% average. Rye, winter wheat, and peas are nearly finished. Grasshoppers, gophers, flea beetles, and ergot have been spotted in some fields. Central: 31% complete versus a 42% average. Dry peas are nearly done at 89%, with canola swathing in full swing. North East: 41% complete — well above the usual 22%. Rye and winter wheat are already finished. North West: 41% complete, ahead of its 24% average. Cereals are nearly wrapped up, and canola harvest is just starting. Gopher numbers are running high. Peace: 38% complete, ahead of the 21% average. Peas a

Jaylor launches advanced 6000 Series TMR mixers

Jaylor unveils its 6000 Series TMR Mixers featuring quicker mixing, lower horsepower needs, and enhanced durability, helping farmers cut costs and improve feeding efficiency starting October 1, 2025.

From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara

The 2025 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is coming to West Lincoln in the heart of Niagara. With the theme “From our Farm to your Table,” this year’s IPM promises a vibrant celebration of agriculture, local heritage, and rural life.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service