Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: Seminar Series to Focus on Improving the Farm Regulatory Process

By John Clement
February 25, 2011

Ontario’s farmers are fed up with the heavily regulated business environment in which they operate their businesses. At the same time, society and government have become overly cautious, trying to out-smart common sense by putting more and more costly rules and regulations in place that are burdening our farming community.

This year’s CFFO Seminar Series is entitled Enough is Enough and examines the case for an improved regulatory process. An annual event for 16 years, the organization’s seminar series aims at facilitating grassroots participation in policy development. This year’s edition will explore the reasons for the over-regulated farm business situation and will look towards alternative approaches to regulations that can be proposed to elected leaders, other organizations and the consuming public.

Long-time CFFO friend, Bill van Geest, will be the principal facilitator for the series. He is a trained facilitator, executive coach and strategic planner and enjoys helping organizations and their leaders move forward with clarity and purpose. Nathan Stevens, the CFFO’s Research and Policy Advisor, will also be on hand at selected locations to work alongside those in attendance.

Bob Seguin and Al Mussell, from the George Morris Centre, will draw on their experiences as members of “Canada’s Independent Agri-Food Think Tank” to help attendees explore the rationale and complexities behind legislation and regulations. Seguin has first-hand knowledge in understanding regulations, having served as a senior manager in several government departments.

Join us as we explore and critique the frustrating and complex world of legislation and regulations. The CFFO Seminar Series is open to all who wish to attend. Log on to the CFFO’s website at www.christianfarmers.org for details on how to register and where our individual seminars are being held. We encourage you to attend a seminar in your local community for information, provocative facilitation, fellowship and a good lunch. We welcome the contribution of your time and thoughts.

John Clement is the General Manager of the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, Ontario and is archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 42

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

Equipment Technician Demand Reaches New Highs

A new report warns Canada will need thousands of equipment technicians in the next decade, with labor shortages affecting dealer growth, customer service, and industry revenue.

Canada Could Add $5.4 Billion by Food Processing in the Country

Shifting 10 per cent of Canada’s raw crop exports to domestic processing could boost the economy by $5.4 billion and create 34,000 jobs, according to a new report from EY.

New herbicide for soybean producers

Growers can implement Zidua Prime into their operations for the 2027 season

Canfax Weekly Article | Report for the week of September 21, 2026

The Canfax average fed steer and heifer price closed around $292/cwt live, $2.50/cwt lower than the previous week. Fed cattle prices are at the lowest point since December 2025. Light trade was reported last week with dressed sales ranging from $486.50–$489.50/cwt FOB the feedlot. Cattle that traded were scheduled anywhere from early October to early November delivery. Western Canadian steer carcass weights have steadily increased this summer and are 2 pounds shy of their highs set back in January. Ontario was the bright spot for the Canadian fed market as their prices strengthened last week. Last week, the Canfax feeder steer and heifer price closed the week $8–$11/cwt higher. Despite higher prices, all classes of cattle are trading below last year. With good grass conditions across much of the Prairies, the yearling run has been slow to develop. Over the past week, there was a bigger offering of forward delivery calves with over 50,000 head marketed for fall delivery. In some cases,

U.S. August cattle placements fall to record low

U.S. feedlots placed fewer cattle in August than in any other August since the data series began in 1996, according to the latest Cattle on Feed report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Despite the decline, cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more totalled 11.2 million head as of September 1, up one per cent from a year earlier. August placements totalled 1.62 million head, down nine per cent from the previous year. Net placements were reported at 1.57 million head. USDA data shows it was the lowest August placement total since the series began in 1996. The report was largely in line with pre-report trade expectations, which anticipated lower placements and marketings alongside slightly higher on-feed inventories. Marketings during August totaled 1.52 million head, down three per cent from the same month last year. It was also the lowest August marketing total since 1996. Other disappearance totaled

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service