The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) has hired Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton as OVC director of well-being programming. In this newly-created position, Jones-Bitton will provide well-being expertise founded on an understanding of current literature, focused training, and knowledge of emerging trends. “Andria brings a depth of knowledge and expertise in mental health and well-being research, particularly surrounding... Read More
Category: Farm Management
If there's one thing farmers want less of, it's paperwork. However, in the current climate of "don't just say you're doing the right thing — prove it," verification programs and the corresponding administration are on the rise. Verification and best management practice programs are not new for Canadian farmers, from the Environmental Farm Plan, to... Read More
Transition planning is multi-faceted. There's the business, the land, and the emotions to deal with; and figuring it out is contingent on the owners' willingness to start a hard conversation. For farm businesses, often rooted in a family ownership, this means the parents must first have the initial discussion says Merle Good of GRS Consulting,... Read More
While price plays a big role in committing to a grain contract, there are other factors to consider as well, from delivery terms to potential damages. In this video interview, Janelle Whitley, policy development manager, with the Canadian Canola Growers Association, discusses the top five things to know when considering a grain contract, and says,... Read More
We've all been there — trying to explain something to someone who just doesn't seem to get it. But keynote speaker and communication thought leader Gregor Jeffrey says figuring out communication isn't something you have to do on your own. Science and research can give us the techniques we need to make it work. Jeffrey... Read More
A new mental health project that will see rural and remote communities develop action plans for improvements is underway in Alberta. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division (CMHA AB), with $1.6 million in funding assistance from Alberta Health, is leading the Rural Mental Health Project with up to 150 rural and remote communities across... Read More
Five Prairie wheat and barley groups have "significant concerns" surrounding the Seed Variety Use Agreement pilot project recently announced by the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) and the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA). The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA), Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), and the Alberta... Read More
Although there are still talks happening behind closed doors, progress of the business risk management program (BRM) review feels as though it's slow-moving. At this year's CropConnect conference held at Winnipeg, Man., the topic was acknowledged by federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, but there was no mention of action — which is what most are... Read More
After years of discussions about how to fund the development of new crop varieties in Canada, two seed industry groups have announced they're moving ahead with a pilot program for the 2020 growing season. The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), along with the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), announced a Seed Variety Use Agreement (SVUA)... Read More
When farmers talk about succession, the conversation typically revolves around how the farm could be transitioned to the next generation of the family. But when Ravena, Ont., beef and grain farmers James and Joan McKinlay talk succession, the conversation is rarely about their family. Much of the focus is on a generation of non-farmers who... Read More