As farmers’ attentions turn to the prospect of spring planting, a report released in late March has a long-term perspective on something near and dear to every farmer in Ontario, if not the world: the soil. The report, “Investing in soils for a sustainable future,” released by Ontario’s environmental commissioner, Gord Miller, is an attempt […] Read more
Pearce: Round table yields positive recommendations on soil health
Pearce: Soybean, wheat markets shifting to South America
“There’s no cure for high prices like high prices.” That’s a frequent observation provided by Cal Whewell, a risk management consultant with FC Stone in Perrysburg, Ohio, and he made it several times during a recent presentation to the Grain Farmers of Ontario. Whewell was one of the keynote speakers here during the organization’s recent […] Read more
Pearce: Level of on-farm investment favours large Canadian farms
The large keep getting larger, and they keep investing more, as well. That’s the one-sentence summary from a new study from the Ivey School of Business Agri-food Innovation Centre. The study, Investment and Growth on Canadian Farms 2001-2009, has determined that Canadian farms saw total investments increase by more than $3 billion during the height […] Read more
Pearce: New dynamic forming in global corn production
Every year for at least the past decade, Cal Whewell has provided his unique insights into the grain markets at the Grain Farmers of Ontario annual meeting. It’s unique because Whewell offers both U.S. and world perspectives on the commodity markets. And despite the occasional homespun quip that draws a laugh or two, it’s a […] Read more
Pearce: New autonomous tractor designs turn heads
More equipment manufacturers are introducing their latest offerings to the autonomous tractor system that Deere introduced (in Canada) in 2011, with Kinze and the Spirit the latest to join the trend. Specifically, Kinze Manufacturing introduced its new system in an experimental exhibition at its headquarters in Iowa, in 2011 while the makers of the Spirit […] Read more
Drought tolerance a ‘hot’ topic for 2012 and 2013
In years to come, 2012 in Ontario will be remembered as a drought year along with 2001 and 1988. Despite the cheery prospect of a winter with little ground cover and uncommonly warm temperatures, many farmers spent the early part of the year bracing themselves for a drier-than-normal growing season. At the same time, several […] Read more
Pearce: Webinar to answer questions on feeding livestock in drought
During this excessively dry growing season, an increasing number of Ontario producers are asking questions about the viability of their forages, including their corn silage crops. The topic has been addressed on an ongoing basis in the U.S. and through various farm publications and e-newsletters. To address those and other concerns, DuPont Pioneer is sponsoring […] Read more
Storage and drying: build more, or leave to the pros?
Watch for a full version of this story in the August-September issue of Country Guide East. Is storage and drying part of doing business in this modern era of farming? Or is it a type of on-farm management that growers should leave to the professionals? It all depends on who’s answering those questions. Across much […] Read more
Pearce: New front-boom sprayers offer several benefits
Until now, there are those in the sprayer business who’d say the industry can be something of a pain in the neck. But that notion is set to change with the launch of the Guardian self-propelled front boom sprayer from New Holland. Technicians, specialists and sales staff from the Great Lakes New Holland dealerships at […] Read more
Pearce: Salford planting seeds for expansion
In a sector dominated by U.S. name brands in farm equipment, and an increasing number of European players coming to the market, Salford Tillage and Seeding Systems is practically in a class by itself. Easily one of the most successful Canadian farm equipment manufacturers, the company recently cut the ribbon on its latest plant expansion, […] Read more
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