Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Wars, small town revitalization and checkers!

On day seven of our North American Study Tour, we visited Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to see the site of one of North America's greatest battles.It was overwhelming to see the exhibit at the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Cyclorama, which was painted in the late 1800's by Paul Philippoteaux brought the experience to life. Then, a walk through the onsite museum was thought provoking, inspirational and saddening: these people were willing to give their lives to protect their families and beliefs. More men fell in the battle of Gettysburg than in any other battle on American soil before or since the civil war.

After a quick lunch at Cracker Barrel and a 'gloves off' checker match between Brady and Rob, we were off to Lockhaven, PA. Mayor Rick Villetto lead us up a hill to a pavilion that overlooked a public swimming area in town, one of the main watercourses that dissects the mountains and surrounds the 2.3 square mile community. Mr Villetto was a member of the Pennsylvania Rural Leadership Program and became Mayor in 1999. Under his leadership and working with other concerned citizens, they have taken their community of 10,000 people from an unemployment rate of 23% to 6% by sourcing new industry and embracing change. Rick stated, "You CAN say yes." The community of Lockhaven is using the natural beauty of the area to its fullest to attract tourists and renew the love locals have for their home town.  The shale oil industry is also credited for the change. Like anywhere, there will always be challenges with infrastructure and community, but with such activities as the concerts on the river and river races,  the future seems bright.

A few energizing "take home" messages:

  1. Have a list of projects and a vision to work toward
  2. Say yes
  3. To facilitate change, start with something small. Others will follow.

 

Views: 92

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

Genomics and AI Programs to strengthen Canada’s agrifood sector

Protein Industries Canada announced an additional $15 million in funding to advance genomics and AI technologies bringing new tools to plant-breeders, farmers, ingredient processors and food manufacturers. Projects that will be considered could involve the development of tools that accelerate seed genetic work; supply chain optimization; on-farm information gathering; quality assurance and food safety protocols; and ingredient and food formulation. CEO of Protein Industries Canada Robert Hunter said this will enhance genetics that provide farmers with more resilient, high-performing options. “At the same time, our investment into artificial intelligence will support the development of tools that boost on-farm productivity and sustainability,” he said. “Together, these advancements—combined with our full value-chain approach—will strengthen Canada’s position as a global supplier of nutritious, functional plant-based food, feed and ingredients, while contributing to our goal of buildi

Cereals Canada provides updates on the Prairie crop

Cereals Canada has launched its Growing Season Progress Report. Cereals Canada works with provincial departments of agriculture in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba throughout the growing season to gather information on seeding, crop conditions and quality, and harvest progress for spring wheat. The information is compiled and presented in an interactive, user-friendly format with maps, provincial highlights, and links to crop reports. Historical data for the past five years is also available for comparison purposes. Global buyers use the interactive report to stay informed, according to Leif Carlson, Cereals Canada director of market intelligence and trade policy. “With most wheat acres located in the Prairies, the report provides global buyers with a glimpse into how the Canadian wheat crop is progressing, from seeding to harvest,” Carlson said. “Global customers want to be kept informed about how the Canadian wheat crop is progressing over the growing season. We make it easy f

Applications Are Now Being Accepted for the 2025 Regional Knowledge Mobilization Initiatives Funding Program

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is pleased to announce that the funding program for regional knowledge mobilization initiatives has been renewed, and applications are now being accepted. The application deadline is June 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT.  Funding is available for, but not limited to, events. The knowledge mobilization events eligible for funding must involve beef producers and be aligned with the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy. While recurring event sponsorship is not eligible, innovative knowledge mobilization activities held independently or in conjunction with existing events will be considered.  Preference will be given to: New and innovative engagement ideas such as presenting information in a new format or demonstrating a new technology Workshops and tours related to water quality, water management and winter and summer water system choices and maintenance Demonstrations and workshops on biosecurity practices for improved calf health

Cereals Canada Launches its 2025 Growing Season Progress Report

With Canada's 2025 spring wheat crop underway, Cereals Canada has resumed regular updates to its interactive Growing Season Progress Report. The report will continue to be updated until harvest is complete across all three Prairie provinces.

WWF-Canada scaling up seed orchard program to address seed shortage across Canada

This spring, WWF-Canada is scaling up an initiative to help restore ecosystems across Canada by increasing the native plant seed supply. The organization awarded grants to 13 First Nations, organizations and businesses in five provinces to support the establishment and expansion of seed orchards — native plant growing operations that produce the locally-sourced seed needed for habitat restoration projects.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service