Developing an Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy for Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is developing an Agricultural Soil Health and Conservation Strategy. Specifically, OMAFRA is seeking feedback on a Discussion Document that outlines a draft vision, goals and objectives for the strategy. Healthy agricultural soils are essential in order to ensure ongoing productivity and competitiveness in Ontario’s agri-food sector […]

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Do you want to increase your crop yields by 10-15%? Plant a windbreak!

Did you know that windbreaks: increase crop yield, improve soil moisture distribution over fields and reduce soil loss? provide shade and shelter for livestock? minimize spray drift and odours? decrease the amount of snow drift onto driveways and roads? enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitat can generate alternative income? Windbreaks have many benefits for farmers and […]

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Software Program Helps Ontario Farmers Prevent Soil Erosion

The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) is a software program designed to help farmers estimate the potential for soil erosion under different land management and cropping practices. The software overcomes many of the limitations of the previous USLE equation. The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has adapted the RUSLE2 for […]

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Avian Influenza: Manure Application and Crop Production BMPs

Diseases and pathogens are always a risk, but with Avian Influenza and PEDv outbreaks in Ontario extra vigilance is required.  The poultry and swine industry are doing their part to prevent spread of the diseases.  However, as farmers, custom work operators and agronomists begin spring field work, including manure application, it is extremely important that […]

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PEDv and Manure Application – What Crop Producers Need to Know

Porcine Epicemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) will result in additional challenges for everyone involved in agricultural custom work.  Awareness, communication and precautionary measures will go a long way in reducing the risk of spreading the virus.  Going into spring planting season requires everyone involved in agricultural operations – including custom manure application, but also custom tillage, […]

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