Published by www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca SEPTEMBER 2024 HARVEST PREP Leading up to harvest PREPARATION IS KEY SPECIAL REPORT: DON RESEARCH, P. 26-30
October 1st to 5th, 2024 at the Lindsay Fairgrounds Celebrate agriculture and rural living at the 2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. The Match offers 100s of vendors and exhibitors highlighting agriculture, food, lifestyles, and more. Experience the past while checking out the antique and historical displays. Daily plowing competitions showcase plowing techniques ranging from the antique to the modern. Relax and take in the fabulous variety of talent and entertainment that will take place on various stages throughout the Match. Join us at the 2024 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo For more information • www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2024 • 1-800-661-7569 The Match has something for the whole family! Presenting Partners: Platinum Partners: Hosting Partners:
24Managing stored grain Ontario Grain Farmer 26DON 101 Ontario Grain Farmer 31 The problem solvers Treena Hein 32Junior Farmers celebrate 80 years Mary Feldskov SEPTEMBER 2024 volume 16, number 9 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER is published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Creative Specialist: Nicole Koopstra; Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant: Joanne Tichborne 6 ON THE COVER Stormy skies ahead Treena Hein WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2024 From the CEO’s desk FEEDING THE WORLD 4 A year in review Laura Ferrier 10 Market review 2022 - 2023 Blair Andrews 12 Business side Conversations with business experts 9 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 16 What do Canadians think about food? Mary Feldskov 14 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists 23 European trade policies Ontario Grain Farmer 18 More winter barley acres Matt McIntosh 20 Grain contracts guide Mary Feldskov 22 Ontario Agricultural Conference 2024 Ontario Grain Farmer 24 Stronger leadership Rachel Telford 26 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign 30 Farming for world hunger Rebecca Hannam 28 172024 ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS CHECK HERE FOR DATES AND TIMES DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 volume 15, number 3 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERis published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Production Co-ordinator: Kim Ratz; Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant: Joanne Tichborne BIODEGRADABLE POLY 15-03 OGF DecemberJanuary 2023-24_OnGrainFarmer 2023-11-09 11:04 AM Page 3 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists ON THE COVER Leading up to harvest Ralph Pearce PREPARATION IS KEY 4From the CEO’s desk Summer fades to fall 18GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 34Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign Keep vigilant Barb Keith Modifications and repairs Matt McIntosh 16New roles, new faces Ontario Grain Farmer 20Critical ground Rebecca Hannam 22On tour with FFCO Farm & Food Care Ontario 9Business side Conversations with business experts 15Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists
IT’S GO-TIME FOR ONTARIO’S FARMERS – WE’RE NOW INTO THE HOME STRETCH OF THE 2024 CROP SEASON. As summer fades to fall – marked by kids back in school, shorter days, and cooler nights – farmers are readying their combines and wagons for the busy fall harvest season. This season has been challenging for Ontario’s farmers, with a cool, wet spring dragging the planting season later than many would have liked. Ongoing variable weather conditions have heightened the threat of disease and pests, with concerns about diseases like tar spot and Gibberella ear rot being on everyone’s minds. In this edition of the Ontario Grain Farmer, we’re publishing a special feature highlighting the outcomes of Grain Farmers of Ontario-supported, industry-wide research into mitigating the impact of DON in corn – accelerated following the 2018 DON crisis that cost Ontario grain farmers and estimated $200 million. Armed with more knowledge of hybrid selection and better testing protocols for DON-impacted grain, farmer-members are now better prepared to deal with DON and its impact. Read the report on pages 26 to 30. While we are headed into a busy fall season, looking back over the summer, there were a number of highlights. In early July, the Board of Directors met in District 4 (Middlesex) and enjoyed a tour of a number of local farms and agri-businesses. We were pleased to welcome the new Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Rob Flack, MPP for ElginMiddlesex-London, to our summer meeting BBQ, where we congratulated him on his appointment. We look forward to working with Minister Flack in his new role and to continuing our positive working relationship with Minister Lisa Thompson, who now heads up the Ministry of Rural Affairs. In mid-July, I took a road trip north to District 15 – an area I haven’t had much opportunity to visit in the summer. Taking in a tour of the New Liskeard Research Station and a summer bus tour hosted by the Temiskaming Crop Coalition, I was impressed with what I saw. In addition to the five crops we represent – barley, corn, soybeans, oats, and wheat – northern Ontario farmers are innovating by growing a wide variety of crops, including canola and peas. The research conducted at the New Liskeard Research Station – some of it funded by Grain Farmers of Ontario – helps to inform local growers about the best management practices for crops in an environment that differs greatly from that of southern or eastern Ontario. I also got to enjoy a bit of vacation time, exploring a part of Ontario that boasts beautiful landscapes Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario 4 From the CEO’s desk Summer fades to fall CROSBY DEVITT, RIGHT, VISITED WITH ISAAC AND CHUCK AMYOT, DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT 15 (NORTHERN ONTARIO) AND NEW LISKEARD RESEARCH STATION EMPLOYEES MELINDA DRUMMOND AND TAURA ROBERTS IN JULY. and unmatched opportunities for adventure. In July, we learned that Brendan Byrne, former Grain Farmers of Ontario chair and director of District 1 (Essex), was appointed to the Farm Products Marketing Commission. Brendan officially stepped down from his director position, opening the door for delegates in District 1 to elect an interim director, Grace Pearson. I want to thank Brendan for his ongoing dedication and hard work on behalf of farmer-members as director and chair, and I wish him well in his new role with the Commission. I also want to extend a warm welcome to Grace, and I look forward to working with her over the coming months. With summer behind us and harvest approaching, there are also lots of farm shows and events on the calendar. The Grain Farmers of Ontario AGM is quickly approaching on September 10, held in conjunction with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, followed by the International Plowing Match in Lindsay in October. These events are a great opportunity to meet with farmer-members and to hear from you directly. We are also looking forward to hearing your feedback in our farmer-member survey, which is distributed in this month’s Ontario Grain Farmer. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us – whether in person at events or in the survey. We want to hear from you!•
6 Cover story Leading up to harvest PREPARATION IS KEY Ralph Pearce THE MODERN-DAY REALITY IN AGRICULTURE ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS NO LONGER ONE TIME OF YEAR THAT IS BUSIER THAN ANOTHER. Even winter, long considered the “downtime” for growers, now carries the opportunity for upgrading and learning. Yet, fall harvest is when planting, spraying, and monitoring culminate in revenue earned, testing the lessons learned and incorporated during the other seasons. Arguably, it makes the fall harvest that much more important, which is why being ready for it takes on an added significance. To borrow a phrase that has become part of the industry’s jargon, growers need to “work smarter, not harder.” SIZE IS IRRELEVANT It’s easy to default to the notion that a larger farming operation – or one with grains and oilseeds and livestock or poultry – has a greater challenge than something smaller, but it comes down to managing and finding efficiencies. At least that’s the case for Eric Dietrich, whose family farms near Lucan. He is part of the third generation on their operation, along with his brothers Grant and Jake, who are partners with parents Krista and Hugh. They grow corn, IP soybeans, winter wheat, a small amount of winter barley, and some edible beans, and in recent years, they’ve been working with doublecrop buckwheat and soybeans. For Eric, preparing for harvest means determining the efficiencies on their farm and driving productivity. “We want to maximize our equipment capability and achieve our economies of scale,” he adds. “We run a lean team compared to most other (farm operations), and we run a lean equipment line for what we get across. It’s a matter of organization and a lot of preparation; every move we make, we’re trying to be productive.” When it comes to preparations, Eric says they try to stay three steps ahead of the current season, meaning they’re already working towards soybean and corn harvest as they are taking off their grain. “We try to put it away ready,” he notes. “There’ll always be a few things to finetune, but it comes down to the combine, the harvest equipment, and the elevator; we’re always thinking of our next move.” Each family member has a specific role on the farm, as well. Each is capable of doing any of the jobs, yet each has a specialty. For example, Eric drives the combine and the corn planter, which means he’s responsible for maintaining those two implements. Although there might be one or two other employees or one of his brothers who can help him blow-out or make repairs to the combine, he has to take the lead and ensure either of those is ready to go when needed. Also, there is no such thing as privilege with their farm; there are “good” jobs, and there are “dirty” jobs, but as Eric notes, family members and employees take their turns. It is that dedication and organization that enables them to get more accomplished. “We have certain individuals who are young and keen to put in the hours, and they take responsibility well,” says Eric. “They enjoy what they’re doing, and they’re excited, and they’re invested, time-wise.” COMPETING PRIORITIES Organizing and delegating tasks is also a hallmark with Ian and Scott Matheson, who farm an extensive operation near Lakeside, south of Stratford. Theirs is a complex blend of 1,600 to 1,700 acres of their own cropland, two 350- to 400-sow farrow-to-finish operations, and a 50-cow dairy farm. Their rotation is corn for one or two years, then soybeans, then either winter barley followed by double-crop soybeans or winter wheat and then back to corn. If all that isn’t challenging enough, they also provide custom work and have a crop input business. Defining “working smarter, not harder” isn’t easy for Ian, who says he and Scott try to stand back and look at things from a business perspective versus a traditional, “this is how we’ve always done it” or “this is what someone else says we should do.” “Sometimes, outside the box or against the grain is a better fit,” adds Ian. “And some days, it’s just an uphill battle no matter what.”
7 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 Unlike the Dietrich’s operation, the Mathesons don’t prepare for fall harvest during the summer; all the work is done after the fall harvest and during winter. Summer is their busiest time of year with barley and wheat harvest, cover crops and double-crop planting, sprayers running constantly, and the daily demands of their livestock. “By the time the fieldwork slows down in mid-August, everyone tries to get a bit of a breather before soybean harvest ramps up in September, although it’s still difficult to pull back,” says Ian. The demand for seamless operations is eased by the four full-time and five or six part-time workers they have. “We’re fortunate to have very qualified people who we’re able to delegate taking care of, not only a task but taking the lead amongst a group and are understanding of what the season can consist of.” As challenging as keeping machinery tuned and ready, there’s also the complement of precision ag machinery the brothers employ. They use a robotic milking system on the dairy farm, data-driven feed information on the pork side, plus yield monitors, variablerate applications, and satellite imagery, which makes for a very full plate, technology-wise. But Ian insists they’re still trying to maximize the data and information they can retrieve. As precision ag technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, if lost, altogether. And since they are not quite maximizing what they have in front of them – yet – they are not about to go looking for more. continued on p. 8
8 Cover story SMALL PLOTS, BIG CHALLENGES Size can be a misleading factor in assessing management and efficiency. Just ask Greg Wilson. In 2016, he and his wife, Jolene, started BlackCreek Research, an independent research farm near Plattsville. The complex nature of what they do has demanded a premium on organization, with roughly 200 acres featuring corn, soybeans, and wheat along with dry beans, dry peas, lentils, spring cereals, and almost any vegetable crop known to Ontario. In addition to Greg and Jolene and their four children, they have six full-time staff, seven university students, and one high school student working for them. Despite their farm’s smaller size, it’s how those 200 acres are used that makes things especially challenging between managing employees and maintaining research plots in a wet year like 2024. “Growing up, it was, ‘put your head down and get the job done,’ and there are days that I still have that mentality,” says Greg. “However, with research, you have to be patient and take the time to get things done correctly. That might mean taking two hours to plant an eighth of an acre for a corn or soybean trial or taking three hours to count Colorado potato beetle larva.” When he started BlackCreek Research, he had to make sure they had the right equipment to do the job correctly. That might mean using a 1940s beet lifter to harvest sugar beet trials, but it was better than digging them by hand. It may not be a typical grain operation, but there are many similarities. “We’re on the small but detailed side of things, looking for a 10 per cent difference in weed control between two rates of the same experimental product,” he says. “But regular [grain farming] is very similar with all the details of maximizing your yields, improving soil health, reducing the environmental impact, and reducing input costs while trying to make it home every night to see the family.” Preparing for harvest actually starts at the end of December when they have their research-designed combines checked over as early as possible. Greg knows he’s fortunate to have mechanics willing to work on small, older John Deere combines or research plot combines. For all machines, they try to have the most common belts, bearings or other parts that wear or break on the shelf, just in case. “For the plot combines, you can be waiting for months for a belt to come from Europe, so we try to have everything checked over and as field-ready as possible, long before winter wheat is ready to harvest,” he says. “The wheat crop is a good test to make sure everything is ready to roll for dry beans, soybeans, and corn.” Fall harvest can also present some intriguing challenges for the next growing season, as Greg found out last year when his sprayer broke down, with a month’s downtime. One site that had heavy chickweed pressure during winter wheat planting provided a herbicide trial for chickweed, but the rest became an eyesore, making residue management in the fall key to improving efficiency the following spring. • continued from page 7 THE DIETRICHS FUEL ON-THE-GO TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY. (PHOTO: SUPPLIED)
9 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 Have you ever considered a giving plan? BUSINESS SIDE WITH... (J.M.) WHAT IS A GIVING PLAN? (S.G.) Giving back to your community can look different for everyone. A planned approach is one way to incorporate financial, tax, and even estate planning into a person’s charitable giving. A giving plan maps out a person’s approach to charitable giving, putting it in writing for implementation today or in the future, perhaps combined with a business succession or sale or within a will or estate plan. Abundance Canada is a public foundation that works with people who have reached a stage where they want to create a giving plan. Each plan is customized to fit the individual’s personal circumstances to help them achieve their charitable goals. WHAT IS A PUBLIC FOUNDATION? As a public foundation, Abundance Canada is a registered charity that can provide grants to any qualified donee in Canada. We assist our clients in creating their unique giving plans. Most of our clients are in situations or stages of their lives where they have assets or income they want to share for the benefit of others. We offer donor-advised funds (DAFs), which allow our clients to develop a customized giving plan covering what they donate, when they donate, and which charities they want to support. Often, clients come to us when they are experiencing a significant tax event, such as the sale of a business or farm, and they want to make a significant donation to help offset some of the income tax implications. They want to match the donation receipt with the taxable event but might not know which charities they want to support or spread that support over several years. A donor-advised fund offers the perfect solution for this scenario. We work with our clients and anyone else who should be involved in developing and implementing the giving plan. This can include financial planners, accountants, lawyers, and farm succession specialists. Together, we develop a plan to help our clients achieve their charitable goals in the most tax-efficient manner. WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO MAKE A GIVING PLAN? While everyone’s circumstances are unique, there are three common scenarios in which a planned approach to charitable giving makes sense. Giving while living – for those in a position to share their existing wealth, a plan can be created to support their recommended charities over time or perhaps for a specific project. In this situation, a client can see the impact of their donation during their lifetime. End-of-life giving – donations can be made to a donor-advised fund as part of a will or estate plan. Abundance Canada will help clients develop the plan during their lifetime Sherri Grosz, Abundance Canada, Gift Planning Consultant abundance.ca Business side Jeanine Moyer and then work with their recommended advisors to implement the plan when the donation is realized. Significant income event – clients who find themselves in a situation where they will realize a significant amount of income in a certain year, such as the sale of a business or farm. Matching the donation receipt with this high-income event might generate significant tax savings. We can work alongside their professional advisors to develop and implement a customized plan to achieve their charitable goals. WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO MAKE A GIVING PLAN? Most of our clients have a good idea of which causes they want to support. If people are unsure where to give, we suggest they consider causes and organizations they understand and appreciate. There might be specific areas of interest, such as health and education. Perhaps they grew up or currently reside in a rural area. An agricultural association, youth organizations, or groups that address food insecurity might be considered. With over 85,000 registered charities in Canada, the options might seem endless, so focusing on areas of personal interest might be a good starting point. Volunteering and giving the gift of time can also make a significant difference. Giving plans are a great way to provide financial support, but everyone can give in their own way. •
10 Agronomy Keep vigilant SO EVERYONE COMES HOME SAFE Barb Keith WITH GRAIN HARVEST UNDERWAY ACROSS ONTARIO, NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO REMIND FARMERS TO THINK ABOUT SAFETY PRACTICES. Ryan Dick, health and safety consultant at Workplace Safety and Prevention Service (WSPS), and Andreas Jampen, president of the Dundas Farm Safety Association (DFSA), shared their tips to ensure fellow farmers, their families, and their employees stay safe at a very hectic time. Dick says to “take the time now, ahead of harvest, to create a plan for the season. Don’t take risks.” SAFETY STARTS WITH TRAINING Supervisors need proper health and safety training and be aware of their responsibilities in that role and the hazards staff may encounter. They can, and have been, found criminally responsible when accidents have occurred. Staff should have appropriate training for their duties and the type of equipment used; training courses are available in-person and online. BINS AND SILOS When considering safety around grain bins and silos, Dick says to treat them like confined spaces and follow the Confined Space Guidelines set out by the Ministry of Labour’s website. He recommends farmers: • Develop an emergency plan • Use a tie-off harness • Wear proper personal protective equipment, including respiratory and hearing protection • Work in pairs • Check for silo gas • Be aware of local, accessible entrapment cages (Jampen says he knows of at least four elevators in his area that have them on-site); encourage your local fire department to take training for safe entrapment rescues AUGERS • Do not step over them; walk around the equipment • Leave all guards in place • Wear tight-fitting clothes FIRE RISKS Combine and baler fires are not uncommon, so an appropriately sized fire extinguisher should be on board; the tank pressure and the hose should be checked regularly. Having a piece of tillage equipment hooked up and ready to use during harvest can help slow down or stop the spread of fire in a field by turning under the dry crop and creating a barrier for the fire. KEEP CONNECTED Cell phones or smartphones can be lifesaving on the farm. • Ensure everyone is aware of important phone numbers • Keep 911 numbers for all properties (owned, rented, and custom work) and phone numbers in the cab of all equipment • The ‘what3words’ app can help first responders find you in an emergency situation If you are working in fields that don’t have a 911 number, speak to your municipality about Farm 911: The Emily Project. This project was created to encourage municipalities to provide 911 signs for entrances to vacant rural properties. ROAD SAFETY When asked what he sees as one of the biggest safety issues at harvest time, Jampen says it’s road safety. With farms more spread out and increasing populations in rural areas, the reality is farmers are spending more time than ever sharing the road with other drivers. Jampen and Dick shared their road safety considerations: • Follow the Highway Traffic Act, including stop signs, traffic lights, turning, distracted, careless and impaired driving, etc. • Ensure all equipment has proper lighting and use them! Magnetic flashing lights are available for use on towed equipment • Ensure proper safety equipment is installed and used (i.e. safety chains, brakes) • Keep windows clean • Attach a slow-moving vehicle sign to all equipment that has a maximum speed of 40 kilometres/hour
11 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 • Drivers must be at least 16 years of age and not prohibited from operating a vehicle by the courts • Towing vehicle must be appropriately sized for the load • Secure loads • Be aware of what is behind you and avoid left-hand turns if possible. Road safety during harvest season is so concerning that the Government of Ontario passed the Harvest Season Road Safety Week Act, 2023. The Act was put into place to help prevent accidents and save lives. The Act states raising awareness of the fall harvest season for those travelling on Ontario’s rural roads is imperative. Jampen also recommends farmers keep a copy of the Farm Guide – Farm Equipment on Ontario’s Highways in their tractor, available for download from www.ontario.ca. CHILD SAFETY A farm is a great place to raise children but also extremely dangerous. Placing young children in daycare away from the farm is the best way to ensure their safety, but it is not always possible. The following are tips to keep children safer on the farm: • Make sure everyone working on or around the farm is aware children may be present and should use extreme caution while moving equipment • Assess the farm daily for potential risks – don’t just assume if everything was fine yesterday that it will be today • Dress them in high-visibility colours so they are easier to see • Do not leave children in a running piece of equipment; they can accidentally turn things on or put equipment into gear • Make sure they are aware of the dangers of PTO shafts and augers and to stay far back • Keep them out of gravity boxes and other areas where flowing grain can entrap them; check gravity boxes or carts before unloading • Tablets, phones, and handheld devices can be a great way to entertain children, but make sure they are aware of their surroundings while using them • NO means NO when it comes to safety around the farm – it’s a matter of life or death STAYING ALERT Dick reminds farmers that fatigue is a big issue, so get adequate rest. Jampen sums it up best – “Be vigilant and pay attention!” For more farm safety tips and training programs for employees, visit www.wsps.ca or https://casa-acsa.ca. • What3words was created to assist first responders in finding people in distress more easily. The developers have divided the world into three-metre squares and assigned three words to each square. While having a 911 number for a property can direct emergency personnel to an area, it doesn’t tell them where on the property you are located. The app works by using a satellite signal, so minimal phone service is needed. In Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police and many fire departments use this app. Check out what3words.com for more information. THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! The ‘what3words’ app can help first responders find you in an emergency situation.
12 Industry News Modifications and repairs ‘RIGHT TO REPAIR’ RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES. Matt McIntosh THE RIGHT TO REPAIR MACHINERY LADEN WITH SENSORS AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS HAS BEEN A CONTENTIOUS ISSUE FOR SOME TIME. While advocates say it’s important for farmers to be able to fix their equipment quickly and in the way they deem appropriate, detractors argue full in-field repair capability can generate safety risks. In a June panel discussion hosted by the Canadian Agriculture Safety Association (CASA), three industry experts – Howard Maines from the Canadian Public Policy Advisory Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Karl Klotzbach, owner of LH2K Technology and veteran of the machinery development industry, and Dion McGrath, executive director of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan – discussed the difference between repairing and modifying, the importance of arming oneself with the right technical information, warranty limitations, and safety risks relevant to the right to repair discussion. BACKGROUND Right-to-repair refers to the right of individuals to make changes or fix technologies such as smartphones and farm machinery. In some cases, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have restricted access to key components or aspects of a technology. In the agriculture sector, the issue revolves around an individual’s ability to fix equipment when breakdowns occur – self-repair or by a person not certified by the OEM. There are two main considerations – whether repairs or changes made violate the warranty on a particular machine and whether those same repairs or changes increase safety risks. The latter question is particularly pertinent in cases where operators have argued for the right to modify equipment, not just repair. In October 2023, Canada’s House of Commons passed Bill C-244, supporting the right to repair. This bill changes the Copyright Act, allowing people to work around technological protections built into machinery. GETTING THE RIGHT INFORMATION The CASA webinar panellists expressed similar but somewhat divergent interpretations of the right to repair. For Maines, it means being able to repair machinery quickly and efficiently. McGrath prioritized operator empowerment, freedom, and safety while not ignoring intellectual property rights. Klotzbach highlights the need to consider who is responsible for diagnosing problems and warranty considerations of taking action should the repair have unanticipated impacts. With modern farm machinery now featuring millions of coding lines, however, all three referenced the importance of having the right knowledge to make those repairs safely. With that knowledge, machinery owners and operators should have the freedom to either make repairs themselves or seek assistance from those who do. “Folks who want to repair their own stuff need to have the right tools, the right information, the means to access original manufacturing parts, the repair manuals, the right equipment, and the proper guidelines to do all that stuff. Having access to the information is absolutely essential to making sure the machinery is kept safe, in working order and any repairs that are made are at the same high standard that the manufacturer set out,” says McGrath. “The right to repair for farmers is really about making sure they maintain their choice and keep an active repair market available to them so they’re not stuck with one repair provider.” “We do believe manufacturers do have a huge role to play in education and training environment, so whether it is farmers or independent technicians, they have the knowledge to reduce the risk associated with repairs…Innovation should not be making repairs harder or more inaccessible.” According to Maines, farmers can access the information they need to make repairs through company websites, mobile apps, and technicians – the latter being a profession in dire need of more people. Klotzbach says that, while YouTube (and the internet more broadly) does mean the information required to fix farm machinery is more readily available, training is still important in many cases. This is part of the reason equipment manufacturers include warranty caveats for some parts. “If it’s something more complex, take it to your dealer. Use genuine parts that the manufacturer supports,” says Klotzbach.
13 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 If it’s something more complex, take it to your dealer. Use genuine parts that the manufacturer supports. “There are a lot of knock-offs and parts available on the internet that, certainly price is an important consideration, but are you actually getting the right part? Is it going to perform?” Making safe repairs, in short, requires competency. When asked what a “competent” farmer might look like, McGrath described someone who knows what information they require, keeps good records, understands warranty limitations, and other factors. “If I’m not competent to repair my own computer at home, I’m probably not competent enough to repair the computer in my tractor or combine either,” he says. Similarly, Klotzbach adds that a competent farmer is also someone who knows what their limitations are, who is willing to outsource repairs if needed, or seek training to further their own capabilities. continued on p. 14
14 Industry News INTEROPERABILITY CONCERNS The lack of interoperability between different equipment brands has long been a source of frustration for some farmers. Allowing consumers the right to bypass some digital locks – such as that proposed in Bill C-244 – could change this. However, Klotzbach reiterates that manufacturers will “draw the line” at actions that circumvent safety features. McGrath says “timing is everything” when it comes to resolving equipment problems and that timing of repairs factors into many safety issues. “A repair that happens to your combine at harvest – clearly, there’s a huge sense of urgency and anxiety that goes along with getting that piece of equipment back up and running…The sense of urgency, the economic necessity and livelihoods are at stake, and the right to repair helps encourage a diverse repair market to get these things done quickly, affordably, and in a means that works for any particular producer at any particular time.” REPAIR – OR MODIFICATION? The difference between repair and modification is critical. Maines says while manufacturers support repairs, they often do not support modifications. Increasing the horsepower of a tractor, for example, can be dangerous. It can also be unfair to any subsequent buyers of the machine, who may not realize the modification has been made. “About 33 per cent of the equipment that comes in on trade now has either been [modified] or had delete systems installed to disable the diesel emission fluid requirements of the engines. Those are modifications to the operating system. That’s not a repair.” Klotzbach says modifications – often called “chipping” – have often been associated continued from page 13 with operators trying to bypass emission sensors. The consequences of doing so are often a failure to meet engine emissions rates designed by the manufacturer while also incurring reduced performance and greater fuel consumption. “The other part of chipping is trying to get enhanced performance, getting more power out of that engine,” says Klotzbach. “You’re putting more power to those drives. And those drives are more susceptible to failure, possible catastrophic failure because they’re not designed to handle that kind of power. The outcome of that is more broken parts, and sooner, and maybe it creates an unsafe situation. It’s all a very delicate balance in the design.”•
Figure 1. Later season ECB feeding injury includes frass and stalk tunnelling at the leaf axils, broken tassels, and bent or broken stalks (J. Smith, UGRC). SOME EUROPEAN CORN BORER (ECB) POPULATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA ARE BECOMING LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO BT CORN. This means we need to go back to past practices, including scouting Bt fields for ECB injury and shredding stalks during or shortly after harvest to slow the spread of resistant ECB populations. Since 2018, Cry1F resistant populations of ECB have spread across Nova Scotia and found in fields near Carman, Manitoba and Montreal, Quebec. In addition, in 2023, feeding injury on plants containing both Cry1Ab and Cry1A.105 was found near Truro, Nova Scotia and on plants containing Cry1Ab, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab2 near Sussex, New Brunswick and New Haven, Connecticut. These reports suggest that ECB populations are becoming less susceptible to all four Bt proteins used in Bt hybrids for ECB management. These warning signs stress the need to scout and report any ECB injury found on Bt corn. SCOUTING Anyone using ECB Bt hybrids in North America is recommended to scout their Bt fields at least once before harvest (preferably weekly) while plants are still green. Eastern Ontario needs to be extra vigilant as it neighbours provinces with known resistant populations, but all growers in Ontario should start this practice. Scout between 10 to 20 areas of the field after the V6 stage, looking for signs of ECB injury, including leaf or whorl feeding, frass, and stalk 15 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 European Corn Borer Damage in Bt Corn CROP SIDE WITH... Tracey Baute Crop side Tracey Baute, Entomologist - Field Crops, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness tunnelling in the midrib or at the leaf axils, bent or broken stalks and the tell-tale sign broken tassels (Figure 1). Report any signs of this type of feeding injury to your seed provider and Tracey Baute, OMAFA (tracey. baute@ontario.ca; 519-360-7817). Do not assume that the injury found is only on the non-Bt integrated refuge plants, especially if the injury is found on several plants in the same area. Gene checks on green plant tissue can confirm that the injured plants are expressing Bt proteins, and ECB collections can be tested for resistance at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus. PREVENTION To reduce the risk of resistance developing, do not plant Bt corn hybrids that contain only one Bt protein against ECB, and avoid planting ECB Bt hybrids that contain the same combination of Bt proteins each year. To help reduce the spread of resistance, consider shredding stalks during or shortly after harvest. ECB overwinter in corn stubble left after harvest and pupate in the spring, emerging as adult moths that fly to nearby corn fields. By shredding stalks during or shortly after harvest, ECB populations are killed, eliminating the spread of any resistant populations. Tilling corn stubble under without shredding them first is not as effective. More information on ECB biology can be found on Ontario CropIPM (https://cropipm. omafra.gov.on.ca/) and the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition website (www.cornpest.ca).
16 Member Relations New roles, new faces BYRNE MOVES ON; PEARSON STEPS UP Ontario Grain Farmer IN A MARCH 2024 INTERVIEW WITH ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER, BRENDAN BYRNE, GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT 1 (ESSEX), spoke about wrapping up his three-year term as chair of the organization and was asked, “What’s next?” for him as a leader in Ontario agriculture. “I see myself continuing in some aspect of amplifying the voices of farmers,” he said at the time. In July 2024, the opportunity to do just that arose when the Honourable Rob Flack, minister of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, appointed him as a member of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission (FPMC). “This opportunity came about pretty quickly,” says Byrne. He has since resigned as director of District 1 (Essex), a job he has held for 9 1/2 years. “I’m going to miss all my colleagues on the Board and the staff,” says Byrne. “The board meetings, the staff, the camaraderie … it’s been a fantastic organization to be a part of.” His new role with the FPMC means he’ll keep the organization close, however; the Commission oversees 22 agriculture organizations regulated by the Farm Products Marketing Act, including Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Brendan’s impact as director and chair has made a big difference for Ontario grain farmers,” says Crosby Devitt, CEO. “While we will miss his contributions around the Board table, we are excited for him and his new role on the Commission, and we look forward to working with him as he moves on in this new chapter.” NEW FACES Byrne’s departure left a vacancy on the Grain Farmers of Ontario Board, which was filled in mid-July when the District’s delegates met to MOE CHAUVIN, CHAIR, DISTRICT 1 (ESSEX), GRACE PEARSON, DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 1, BRENDAN BYRNE, FORMER DISTRICT 1 DIRECTOR AND PAST GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO CHAIR AND CROSBY DEVITT, CEO. elect Grace Pearson to the role on an interim basis. The role will be filled for a two-year term at the 2025 January District Meeting. Pearson has been a District 1 (Essex) delegate for four years and farms near Comber, Ontario, with her husband Grant, parents, and in-laws. She also works for RBC as a manager of business markets, overseeing a team of 10 relationship managers. Pearson brings a wealth of experience to the role; she has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Food and Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph, is the current second vice president of Comber Fair, and second vice president of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. In 2021, she was recognized by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions as one of their Top 10 under 40 volunteers. Pearson is passionate about promoting the industry; in 2022, she participated in a Grain Farmers of Ontario Good in Every Grain
17 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 campaign to help bring awareness to Ontario grains and grain farming. She was featured in YouTube videos, on social media, and on billboards in the GTA. As she settles into her new role, she looks forward to learning more about the various committees and work the Board does, with interest in the Resolutions, Communications, and March Classic committees. “I’m especially interested in being involved with the farmer wellness committee,” she says. “That’s a concern for a lot of farmers – we are at Mother Nature’s mercy. Many farmers are struggling silently.” Pearson says she hopes to bring a different perspective to the Board – that of the young farmer just getting started in the industry. While she grew up on her family farm, doing everything from planting to spraying to combining, and now works closely with family, she is an ambitious entrepreneur; she bought her first farm in 2019 and a second in 2020. “Representation is important,” she says. “Young farmers are facing different things. I want to advocate for that generation of farmers.” OVERWHELMING SUPPORT “Brendan has been an exceptional advocate for District 1 and Essex County,” she says. “I wish him all the best in his new position.” Byrne says that the delegates in District 1 (Essex) enthusiastically threw their support behind Pearson. “Grace has my full support in this role,” he says. “She has consistently shown up for the District, and she’s an up-andcoming leader. I think she’ll do a tremendous job.” • Pearson appreciates the support she has received from delegates and from Byrne, who encouraged her to take on the new role.
YOUR GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO TEAM Here is our next installment of profiles of your Grain Farmers of Ontario staff to help introduce you to the team. Jack McMillan joined the Grain Farmers of Ontario Market Development department in May as market development and sustainability assistant for an 8-month coop placement as a co-op student. McMillan is currently a third-year University of Waterloo Student, completing a Co-op Honours bachelor’s degree in political science, specializing in international relations, with minors in international trade, geography, and environmental management. During his co-op work term, he is excited to continue growing his knowledge of Ontario agriculture, politics, economics, and trade. Rachel Zimic joined the Grain Farmers of Ontario in April 2024 as the market development coordinator. Zimic has an M.Sc. degree from the University of Guelph and has built professional experience in project management, business development, and communications from past roles. 18 An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events Most recently, Zimic worked at Bioenterprise Canada, a national food and agri-tech accelerator focused on commercializing emerging food and agricultural technologies. During her almost four-year tenure at Bioenterprise, she worked on a variety of projects, including supporting the creation of Bioenterprise’s Sustainable Innovation sponsor program, a national sustainability challenge with the Dairy Farmers of Canada, and creating the programming for the Grow Ontario Accelerator Hub alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Through this work, Zimic became fascinated with Canadian agriculture’s challenges and opportunities and wanted to get involved with an organization closer to the farm gate, leading her to the Grain Farmers of Ontario. Outside of work, Zimic likes to experiment with cooking, especially using fresh and simple ingredients right from her garden. When she’s not cooking and gardening, she can be found playing soccer, walking her dogs, practicing guitar or managing soccer teams in the local Guelph league. 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Grain Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting will be held on September 10, 2024, at the Craigowan Golf Club, 595838 Highway 59 N, Woodstock, from 8 a.m. – noon. A buffet breakfast and lunch will be served. The meeting will also be live-streamed. All farmer-members are invited to attend. The meeting is being held in conjunction with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show at the Discovery Farm in Woodstock, Ontario. Attendees of the AGM will receive a complimentary ticket to the show. For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/agm. A Q&A with Jeff Harrison, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Q. How has Grain Farmers of Ontario helped farmer-members in the 2024 growing season as we head into harvest? A. This has been a tough year for many farmers across the province, with heavy rainfalls, hotter-than-normal weather, and increased costs for equipment, seed, and inputs. One of the most important things we do as directors is be the voice for our districts to the Board and the organization. This year, delegates and directors from western Ontario were pivotal in making sure the Board and the team knew about the terrible impacts of the wet weather on the region and its farmers. This allowed Grain Farmers of Ontario to work with government, giving real world examples, to help get the crop insurance deadlines adjusted. We have also continued to work diligently on the Ontario Risk Management Program. The program paid out to farmers earlier this year, but that is no guarantee for the future and we are in talks with government to ensure the program is properly funded for future need. Again, I want to reiterate that this has been a tough year. As farmers, we know there will be weather issues, we know there could be financial pressures, and we know there are people who just do not understand farming and share misinformation. Through all of that, your Board and team are here working for you, and we want to make sure you have access to the resources you need, especially if you need some help and don’t know how to ask. Mental health is a tough issue, but we have resources for you. Check in on each other and share these resources so we can keep our communities well and safe. Do you have a question for the chair? Email GrainTALK@gfo.ca. FROM THE CHAIR JACK MCMILLAN, MARKET DEVELOPMENT CO-OP RACHEL ZIMIC, MARKET DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
19 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 Discover other ways to join the GrainTALK conversations; E-News, Webinars, Podcasts, Radio, Research Days, and events. Visit www.gfo.ca/GrainTalk. ASA CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM Applications are now being accepted for the 20242025 American Soybean Association (ASA) Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program. One farmer or farming couple will be selected to represent Grain Farmers of Ontario in the program. There is no upper age limit for participation; however, farmers must be 21 years or older to apply and be selected. Applicants should be interested in pursuing leadership roles within the soybean industry. The program focuses on leadership, communications, and issuesbased training and builds a strong peer network. Phase I of the 2024-25 Young Leader program will take place December 2-5 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It continues February 28-March 4, 2025, in Denver in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. Soybean farmers interested in this opportunity can complete the application form found on the ASA website, www.soygrowers.com. For more information, contact Rachel Telford, manager of member relations, at rtelford@gfo.ca. Grain Farmers of Ontario is an affiliate member of the American Soybean Association. WOMEN’S GRAIN SYMPOSIUM The Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Women’s Grain Symposium returns to the Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre November 25-26, 2024. The Women’s Grain Symposium is open to women who are grain farmers, active members of their family grain operation, or working within the grain sector of agriculture business with a direct connection to farmers. Registration is now open. The cost to attend is $125 and includes one-night accommodation at the Delta. The symposium features an opportunity for women in the grain industry to network and hear from industry-leading speakers, including Kendra Dauer, risk management specialist from Stone-X, Bethany Parkinson from the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Amber Mac, president of Amber Mac Media, and more. For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/ about/womens-symposium/ or contact Rachel Telford, manager of member relations at rtelford@gfo.ca. FIELD OBSERVATIONS Grain Farmers of Ontario’s agronomist, Laura Ferrier, publishes a weekly field observations report on the Ontario Grain Farmer website and in the weekly GrainTALK e-newsletter. Find out more at www. OntarioGrainFarmer.ca. GRAINS IN ACTION 2025 – REGISTER NOW! Grain Farmers of Ontario is heading east with the 2025 Grains in Action program, February 10 – 13, 2025! An exciting new agenda is being developed with stops to include the Port of Johnstown, Kawartha Ethanol, and the Canadian Senate, among others. Participants will meet in Belleville for the start of the four-day bus tour. Young grain farmers aged 19 – 35 are invited to attend. Full details and registration are now available at www. gfo.ca/about/grains-in-action/. Space is limited to 30 participants. A waitlist will be in effect once capacity is reached. For more information contact Rachel Telford, manager of member relations, 226-979-5581, or rtelford@gfo.ca. MARKET COMMENTARY by Philip Shaw Crop prices slumped as we went into the end of July and the beginning of August after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed a huge crop being produced in the United States. On July 12, the USDA boosted U.S. corn production to 15.1 billion bushels, an increase of 240 million bushels from June. This was based on an increase in corn planted acres by 1.5 million acres to 91.5 million acres. U.S. yield was held at 181 bushels per acre. The USDA soybean estimate was down from June by 15 million bushels, set at 4.435 billion bushels. This was based on a 52 bushel per acre trendline yield. In Ontario, wheat harvest was early and eventful as constant wet weather made life difficult for wheat producers. With futures values slumping, the Canadian dollar was at .7220 cents U.S. as of July 30 and continues to add stimulus to Ontario cash grain prices.
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