GFO Newsletter for November 2017

GRAINS IN ACTION

Grain Farmers of Ontario is looking for young farmers to participate in the 2018 Grains in Action program, January 29 – February 1.

Grains in Action is a three-day program featuring tours at Ontario end-use facilities and presentations from agricultural researchers and Grain Farmers of Ontario staff. The program is designed to create a peer network among young agricultural leaders, introduce them to the broader grain industry, and help them learn more about Grain Farmers of Ontario. Our goal is to encourage young farmers to become more actively involved in our organization.

If you are interested in attending the 2018 Grains in Action program, or would like to recommend a young agriculture leader for the program, contact Steve McCabe at smccabe@gfo.ca or 226-979-5581. •

OPEN CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS

Grain Farmers of Ontario has released its call for research proposals for funding in 2018. Investment in research is a long-term strategic initiative of Grain Farmers of Ontario.

The 2018 call for research proposals will target projects addressing four priority research areas: Agronomy and Production; Weed, Disease & Insect Pests; Breeding & Genetics; and Crop Utilization & Quality. There is an emphasis this year on pesticide resistance management and coping with the breakdown of resistance, and the management of grain corn ear mould incidence and reducing the occurrence of vomitoxin (DON).

Interested researchers must submit the application form found at gfo.ca/research.

Applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. EST on November 24, 2017. Should researchers have any questions, they are encouraged to contact Grain Farmers of Ontario to discuss their research proposals — contact Natalie DiMeo at ndimeo@gfo.ca or 519-767-4138. •

ONTARIO RMP SECURE FOR 2018

The risk management program (RMP) for Ontario farmers will remain intact for 2018.

In a letter from the Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Grain Farmers of Ontario was notified in September that the ministry will not proceed with interim changes to RMP. For 2018, this program will remain unchanged as the federal suite of business risk management programs is under review.

With the federal review of business risk management underway, it makes sense that the ministry delays the update to the provincial program at this time. Ontario’s RMP should complement the federal suite, ensuring both programs work together. The Minister, in his letter, confirmed that the ministry will maintain the funding of $100 million throughout the evaluation of the RMP program and any resulting changes.

The comprehensive review of the federal suite of programs was announced in July at the federal-provincial-territorial meeting with support from all agriculture ministers. The first draft of the federal program revisions is expected in 2018. •

MARKET COMMENTARY

by Philip Shaw
The September 12 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop report pegged U.S. corn production at 14.184 billion bushels, with an average yield of 169.9 bushels per acre. This was a surprise as traders were expecting lower yield estimates. The USDA estimates for soybeans came in at 4.431 billion bushels, which will be a record. The USDA actually bumped yield up half a bushel from their August forecast at 49.9 bushels per acre. In the September 29 stocks report, USDA decreased 2017/18 corn ending stocks to 2.295 billion bushels. The soybean number came in at 301 million bushels, both crops below expectations.

Soybean harvest is in full swing across the province. Some corn has also been harvested. The Canadian dollar has dipped back under 80 cents U.S., giving hope for basis improvement post harvest. •