Weed watch | Several new weeds are creeping up to Ontario’s border
RIDGETOWN, Ont. — Producers are encouraged to hone up on their weed identification skills, and with good reason. “If you misidentify something, you may not be able to control it, and some of the weeds are a huge problem outside of the Ontario because of herbicide resistance,” Dave Bilyea, a research technician at the University […] Read moreStories by Jeffrey Carter
Farmers must do homework when putting pollinators to work
The squash bee specifically pollinates pumpkins and squash; using the all-purpose honeybee for these fields may not be useful
RIDGETOWN, Ont. — Farmers often view honeybees as all-purpose pollinators, but in some situations they’re not particularly useful. Entomologist Jim Chaput says some uninformed growers bring commercial hives to their pumpkin and squash fields, but this practice provides only a minimal benefit. The species they really need is peponapis pruinosa, the squash bee. “Their only […] Read more
Ontario plans to limit neonic seed treatments
RIDGETOWN, Ont. — Ontario could become the first jurisdiction in North America to limit neonicotinoid seed treatment use if the province’s agriculture minister holds to a statement issued last week. “Our intention is to move away from the widespread, indiscriminate use of neonicotinoid-based pesticides,” Jeff Leal said. “It is my intention that we will consult […] Read more
Restrictions could spark better neonic management
Beneficial organisms | Neonicotinoids are useful, says researcher, but have been overused by farmers
RIDGETOWN, Ont. — The proposal to limit the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments in Ontario may be a positive development for the farmers using them, according to a Purdue University entomologist. Based on the studies he has seen, Christian Krupke said the yield advantage from neonicotinoid seed treatments is inconsistent at best. Another important consideration […] Read moreTemporary Foreign Worker Program seen as flawed from start
The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program is seen as a model by other countries, says program president
DRESDEN, Ont. — Ontario farmers had misgivings about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for low-skilled workers even before it was introduced as a pilot program in 2002. Ken Forth, president of the organization that oversees the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program, said the federal government initially wanted to eliminate SAWP in favour of the low-skilled program. […] Read moreFunds must follow ministry name change, says OFA
Ontario Throne Speech | Government ministry to include ‘climate change’ in its name
DRESDEN, Ontario — Farm organizations say a recent commitment made by the Ontario Liberal government to addressing climate change is a good first step. In its recent Throne Speech, the provincial government announced that its environmental ministry will now be known as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. “You have to accept what the […] Read more
Mexican ambassador prefers seasonal ag workers program
WINDSOR, Ont. — The Canadian government’s approach to temporary foreign workers provides an avenue for illegal immigration, according to Mexico’s ambassador to Canada. Franciso Suárez Dávila said the long-standing Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program is better. Unlike the “low-skilled” stream of the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, SAWP is an arrangement between two governments that provides protections […] Read more
Researchers test pig virus protein to produce vaccine
LONDON, Ont. — Saskatchewan and Ontario researchers have begun testing potential new vaccines they hope will counter the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. In Saskatoon, the associate director of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization said the evaluation will use intentionally infected piglets housed in the Level 3 containment facilities at the International Vaccine Centre (Intervac). […] Read more
Maple syrup season late, quality good
Producers in Quebec and Ontario see yields dip but the cold gives syrup a velvety texture
DRESDEN, Ont. — There are two ways to differentiate the maple syrup industries in Quebec and Ontario: climate and the way producers in the two provinces have organized themselves. Quebec enjoyed the best of both worlds this year: a good overall crop and the means to efficiently move it throughout Canada and the world. “We […] Read moreOntario farmers annoyed by sludge storage odours
FLORENCE, Ont. — A controversy over municipal sewage sludge has been heating up near this rural community in southwestern Ontario. Farmers Harry Lawson and Bev Bodkin and other area residents have complained about a foul odour originating from tonnes of pelletized material piled on a neighbouring farm field. They’re also concerned about the potential of […] Read more
