Published by www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca NOVEMBER 2024 TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Awarding innovation CANADA’S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW INNOVATIONS PROGRAM AWARDS
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24Small farm revival Treena Hein 26Join the 2025 YEN Ontario Grain Farmer 28Remembering the Farmerettes Mary Feldskov 23Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists 6 ON THE COVER Awarding innovation Mary Feldskov 4From the CEO’s desk Tradition meets innovation 16GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 30Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign 10LENS technology Ralph Pearce 12AI on the farm Barb Keith 14Avoid grain elevator hazards Jeanine Moyer 20Provincial energy development policy Matt McIntosh 22ASA Young Leader Rachel Telford 9Business side Conversations with business experts 18Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists NOVEMBER 2024 volume 16, number 2 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 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 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists 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 Stronger leadership Rachel Telford 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 Winners of the Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show Innovation Awards with Minister Rob Flack, right.
IN EARLY OCTOBER, GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO HOSTED A VIP RECEPTION on opening day following the parade at the International Plowing Match (IPM) held near Lindsay, Ontario. The IPM is one of those traditional activities that mark the fall season for Ontario’s farmers – for more than 100 years, attendees have gathered in the tented city and the fields surrounding it for the annual event that brings together farmers and the general public to celebrate rural Ontario. It’s also a tradition for Ontario’s MPPs – Queen’s Park shuts down on opening day so that MPPs, both rural and urban, can participate in the parade, opening ceremonies, and VIP plowing. Plowing, once a universal practice that farmers have honed over generations, has evolved as research advances agronomic knowledge and technology changes. Strip tillage, no-till, planting green, cover cropping, chemical herbicides, and biotechnology, among other technologies, are all tools in the farmers’ toolbox, and each has its place on the farm. The IPM and the Grain Farmers of Ontariohosted VIP events allow us to connect with MPPs, build relationships, and share our priorities for government action that will benefit farmers. It’s important that they understand that farmers need a policy environment that allows them to continue to grow safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible grains and oilseeds and that we need their support. In this issue of the Ontario Grain Farmer, we’re highlighting some of those innovations and technologies that are the future of the grain and oilseed industry. Whether the goal of new technology is increased yields, lower input costs, environmental sustainability, or increased labour efficiency, innovation is something that farmers are always seeking out, trialling, and adopting. On my own farm, we’ve started using precision soil mapping to help us maximize the efficiency of our nutrient applications. As I travel across the province, Canada, and around the world, I’m always on the lookout for new and novel ideas to help advance the industry. We’re fortunate to have a robust and innovative sector right here in Ontario, with lots of ongoing research and early adopters willing to share their experience and knowledge. As we wrap up Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario 4 From the CEO’s desk Tradition meets innovation the harvest season, it’s time to start thinking about the farm shows, winter meetings, and conferences that are on the calendar in the coming months. It’s your chance to learn from the wealth of experience of Ontario farmers who will speak or sit on grower panels. Among those winter meetings is Grain Farmers of Ontario’s annual March Classic, scheduled for March 18 in London, Ontario. As we approach Grain Farmers of Ontario’s 15th anniversary, we look forward to hosting you once again. Perhaps attending this event has become one of your annual winter traditions! Mark it on your calendars; I hope to see you there. MINISTER ROB FLACK (CENTRE) AND SENATOR ROB BLACK (SECOND LEFT) AT THE IPM
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6 Cover story Awarding innovation CANADA’S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW INNOVATION PROGRAM AWARDS Mary Feldskov INNOVATION HAS DRIVEN ADVANCES IN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY FOR CENTURIES – at the turn of the 20th century, a Canadian farmer could feed 10 people; today, that number tops 120. The constant turning of the wheels of change over the past century and a quarter has moved agriculture from an industry highly dependent on human – and animal – power to one that harnesses the power of mechanization, electronics, data, and artificial intelligence, allowing farmers to improve yields, reduce inputs, and maximize labour-saving efficiencies to meet the challenge of feeding the world’s projected 8.7 billion people in 2050. Highlighting the technologies that will advance the industry and help farmers get a competitive edge is the goal of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS), an annual event that, in 2024, brought more than 37,000 people to its Woodstock, Ontario site to see what is new and innovative in the agriculture industry – and what can help make their farms more streamlined, efficient, and profitable. The show, says Rob O’Connor, business development lead and show director, is where “… farmers come every year to meet friends and neighbours, look at hundreds of products in one place, and see how farm and livestock equipment works in real situations.” THE NEXT ‘BIG THING’ Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, supported by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, hosts an annual Innovations Program to feature the latest ideas and products in farming and showcase innovative solutions for Canadian farmers. The Innovations Program recognizes companies and start-ups for creative solutions in five categories: agronomics, business solutions, environmental sustainability, equipment, and livestock. Jeremy Matuszewksi, president of Thunderstruck Ag Equipment in Manitoba, winner in the 2024 agronomics category, says innovation is at the heart of everything they do in his company. Matuszewksi – whose background is in the oil and gas industry – says that agriculture wasn’t even really on his radar when he started out as an entrepreneur. But he quickly saw how much innovation was coming out of the industry – often initiated by farmers themselves – and saw how he could help bring those innovations to market. “My first product was in oil and gas, and it was invented by a farmer,” he says. “It turns out that farmers are really innovative and brilliant. Farmer ingenuity is something that a lot of people don’t even understand how powerful it is.” The Thunderstruck product line includes a wide variety of products, including closing wheels, row cleaners, skid steer and loader attachments, and fertilizer and grain handling solutions. The company’s Innovations Program award-winning product is its TNT Cover Plates. Working with an Australian Farmer, Robert Ruwoldt, Thunderstruck aimed to fine-tune the efficiency of concaves used in combines. Combine concaves work together with the rotor to thresh and separate the crops automatically. The challenge, says Matuszewksi, is that “as that rotor spins right, it’ll typically overload one side of the combine separating area or the other because some rotors spin one way, some rotors spin the other way, but they all have the problem of overloading one side or the other.”
7 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 Thunderstruck’s innovation creates a funnel to control how that material is unloaded through that concave section into the separating area. “What we’re able to do is completely change the settings of that combine just by controlling how we drop the material into that separating area.” Matuszewksi says that Thunderstruck Ag continues to advance innovations that help farmers – and they appreciate the support from Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show’s Innovations Program to help get their products out in front of farmers. “One of the really unique things about being recognized for innovation is farmers are always looking for, you know, something that can help them,” he says. “One of the unique things about the award out of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is the judges were farmers. Having [farmers] recognize our product is awesome.” Find out more about Thunderstruck Ag’s products at www. thunderstruckag.com. continued on page 8 LEMKEN CANADA INC.’S SOLITAIR DT SEEDBED PREPPING SEEDER. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION To support farmers’ adoption of sustainable on-farm practices, the Innovations Program highlights companies working towards finding solutions that will help farmers achieve environmental sustainability on their farms. The 2024 winner of this category was LEMKEN Canada Inc.’s Solitair DT Seedbed Prepping Seeder. The seeder, used to plant small grains and cereals, incorporates shallow tillage to get rid of ruts, mechanically kill any weeds that had sprouted before seeding, or bury trash, says Ivor Bernatsky, LEMKEN Canada’s marketing specialist. The tilled area then gets tamped down with a set of packer wheels or roller wheels that just firm everything back down again before the seeding component goes through. Bernatsky says that preparing the seedbed at the time of planting – rather than weeks or months earlier with tillage or spraying off weeds — means that there is less opportunity for soil erosion and nutrient
IN-PERSON JANUARY 7 & 8, 2025 University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus IN-PERSON JANUARY 17, 2025 RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex, Waterloo IN-PERSON JANUARY 21, 2025 Kemptville Campus LIVESTREAMING AND RECORDED SESSIONS INCLUDED WITH ALL REGISTRATIONS REGISTRATION OPENS: NOVEMBER 1st, 2024 BRINGING RESEARCH TO THE FARM @OAgC25 | #OAgC25 8 loss; along with eliminating a pass over the field lined up with the Innovations Program environmental sustainability category. “Typically, that’s happening in two passes, and what we’ve done is designed it so we can do everything in one pass,” he says. “If you’re doing two tasks in the same pass, there should be a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.” “It’s an environmental savings,” he says, “but it’s a cost savings for sure. In addition to that, there certainly is the labour savings.” It can also save on wear and tear on machines. More information about LEMKEN’s products and services can be found at www.lemken.com. continued from page 7 Cover story FARMER’S CHOICE CATTLEytics Inc. “Moo To Do Farm Task Management System” was the winner in the category of Business Solutions, G.C. Duke Equipment Ltd.’s Altoz Switch won in the category of Equipment, and rounding out the categories, BioFerScience Inc.’s ProFlora Cattle Energy-Balance Capsule won in the category of Livestock. The winners in each category were then put forward for the “Farmer’s Choice Award.” In the week following Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, farmers voted for their favourite, with CATTLElytics taking home the award.•
9 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 Farm insurance review BUSINESS SIDE WITH... (J.M.) WHAT DO GRAIN FARMERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REVIEWING INSURANCE POLICIES? (M.B.) Insurance is part of a good risk management plan, and as business owners, farmers should have a good understanding of their insurance policies and coverage. Working with someone who understands what it is like to live and work on a farm and find the best insurance coverage that reflects your farming livelihood is also important. That’s why working with an agricultural insurance specialist who can help you review your policy on at least an annual basis is so important. Your policy renewal should trigger a meeting and discussion with your broker or agent each year. Make the time to review and update your farm inventory and coverage limits and discuss any future plans, like new buildings, to ensure all your business activities are covered. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD FARMERS ASK THEIR INSURANCE ADVISER? Do I need business interruption insurance? Farm insurance is about protecting your income, not just your assets. Business interruption insurance depends on the type of farm and is especially beneficial to livestock producers who may be unable to operate and generate income if they lose their barn or livestock. In the case of grain farmers, machinery can be replaced in many cases, but what would happen if equipment were lost or damaged during planting or harvest? Or consider the impact of a mechanical breakdown at the elevator during harvest. Farmers should ask their insurance adviser how business interruption insurance could benefit their operation and weigh the risks of not having coverage to help during emergencies or stressful situations that could impact their bottom line. Do I have enough liability coverage? It’s important to ensure you have enough coverage to account for everything and everyone on your farm. This includes covering all parties involved in the farm business, like shareholders and individual family members. Ask your adviser for assistance to ensure your liability coverage is adequate. Do I have the correct outbuilding coverage? This is a good question when reviewing coverage of farm outbuildings. First, it’s important to understand the type of coverage – is the building replacement value the actual cost or the replacement cost? The appropriate coverage depends on what you would do if you lost that building. Would you replace it and rebuild it, or would you build something different in its place? Understanding how much it would take to replace the building with your future intended purpose will help determine how much coverage you need. When discussing coverage, clarify what is covered under the named perils coverage (perils covered are listed in the wording) and what is covered under a broadform policy (perils not covered are outlined in the policy wording). Also, check for items that have been missed or valued incorrectly, and be sure to update the policy. HOW CAN FARMERS SAVE MONEY ON INSURANCE? Deductibles are a good place to start if you want to save money on insurance policies. There’s no point in keeping deductibles lower Mike Brine, AgriBusiness Specialist, Trillium Mutual Insurance Company, trilliummutual.com Business side Jeanine Moyer than what you may claim in the event of a loss, so start by asking your insurance adviser if your deductibles are high enough and how much you could save if you increased those deductibles. You need to make sure you are balancing your risk tolerance, so be sure to understand what risks could put you out of business and carefully consider how much risk you are willing to take to save money. Everyone needs the right coverage at the right price, regardless of their farm situation. The cheapest option may not always be the one you need, but if you’re shopping around for a second opinion, work with a trusted insurance broker who can check the markets for price and coverage options for your farm. CAN YOU OFFER ANY OTHER ADVICE TO FARMERS? Keep everything in good repair and working order, and do anything you can to protect and prevent risk. This advice extends to machinery, buildings, equipment, electrical systems and farmyards. Do everything you can to avoid slips, trips, falls, fire hazards and breakdowns. Many insurance companies offer risk assessments and have access to thermal cameras that can be especially helpful when inspecting electrical panels for unseen issues. Remember that electrical panels need to be working on load for a thorough assessment. Several new electrical monitoring systems available for farms can help detect electrical anomalies or faults or even equipment malfunctions before they happen. The savings cost alone on maintenance compared to emergency electrical repairs is something all farmers should consider. •
10 Agronomy Ralph Pearce “WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF …?” That’s likely been the spark behind conversations leading to the creation of new technologies, from systems that plant seed with greater precision to designs that enhance grain handling and analysis. A new entry in tissue sampling is making waves, from an initial launch in potatoes in New Brunswick three years ago to its gradual spread across Canada and the U.S. The LeafEvaluated-Nutrient-System (LENS) unit from Picketa Systems is garnering more attention from agronomists, certified crop advisors (CCAs) and researchers. After launching the technology in their home province, the team that developed the LENS now have accounts in Ontario and 13 U.S. states, plus the U.K. and Chile. And they’ve accumulated sufficient data to enable the system’s use in corn, which has been a big step. LENS technology NEW NUTRIENT TESTING SYSTEM CONTINUES EVOLVING PUTTING IT TO THE TEST It’s an accepted drawback that nearly half of nitrogen-based fertilizer applied to crops is effectively used by plants, with the rest lost to the environment. Over-application of fertilizer has been common over the past few decades to ensure crops achieve optimum yields. However, that thought process has been challenged by fertilizer prices that have been higher than five or six years ago, ongoing increases in land and equipment prices, and the impact of the carbon tax. The LENS technology offers cost-effective nutrient testing that leads to improved efficiency in fertilizer applications, translating into improved performance and higher yields. The system uses reflectance of plant tissue across a wide spectral range – known as “chemometrics” – and feeds the data through machine-learning algorithms. An agronomist or certified crop advisor gathers 10 to 15 samples from a field – with leaves free of visible damage or disease – and scans each leaf with a probe, then clicks a button to submit the sample and retrieve almostinstantaneous results. “From the initial reports, folks seemed to be impressed with the timeliness of the data, enabling quicker decision-making on nutrient applications,” says Xavier Hébert-Couturier, co-founder and chief executive officer with Picketa Systems. “Our team has been working closely with users to ensure they get the most out of the platform. Overall, we’re hearing a lot of excitement about the potential to use this data to improve long-term nutrient management strategies.” From a time- and cost-efficiency perspective, LENS eliminates the need to send samples for lab analysis, delivering quick results in the field. In tests with pairs of identical potato samples, the unit consistently returned results with less than five per cent variation for key
11 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium between pairs. In contrast, lab tests can show more than 20 per cent variation for the same samples. The LENS system was first tested in potatoes in New Brunswick in 2021, and after three years of working with agronomists and researchers, engineers with Picketa Systems were ready to start with other crops. They worked to calibrate and test the unit in corn for two years, setting up accounts in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, and nine others. Based on reactions among their new customers for 2024, the decision to evolve into corn was the right one. “The things we thought would make corn a challenging crop to go into were actually a real positive,” says Hébert-Couturier. “For potatoes, the technology improved an existing process, as most agronomists already send scouts out weekly to take samples. In contrast, corn growers traditionally only performed tissue tests due to specific research needs or yield challenges. With early adopters of the technology, we’re seeing corn growers change their approach, now monitoring their crops more frequently, as with potatoes. The only reason they hadn’t done it before was the lack of a tool that made it feasible.” Hébert-Couturier and the Picketa Systems team are expanding the unit for canola, which is likely the next major crop added to the platform – with Western Canadian production in mind. They’re still completing field trials and refining the nutrient thresholds for optimal management, but the early feedback and results are promising. Picketa Systems has also added customers in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. In Ontario, they’ve been working with the University of Guelph on research and with CanGrow Crop Solutions, based near Watford, on sampling for farmers. Staff with CanGrow What they liked most was the speed of results, with many growers pleasantly surprised by how quickly they received corn analysis compared to traditional methods. have gathered more than 600 samples during the 2024 growing season, putting them in the year’s Top 10 most active samplers. “What they liked most was the speed of results, with many growers pleasantly surprised by how quickly they received corn analysis compared to traditional methods,” says Hébert-Couturier. He added that many wanted to see more of their crops supported on the platform. Haggerty AgRobotics, near Bothwell, is using the unit at the University of Guelph to test wheat. A “SUITE” ADDITION Something new for the LENS unit is the Custom Critical Levels feature, which provides agronomists greater control over nutrient management. Traditionally, critical levels, used to assess whether plants have adequate nutrients or are experiencing deficiencies, have been static, broad, and often based on outdated values. Now, the LENS engineers have digitized the process, allowing agronomists to customize nutrient thresholds based on unique field conditions - including soil conditions and weather patterns - as well as crop hybrids or varieties and growth stages. “For instance, if crops like corn emerge earlier than expected, users can adjust critical levels to align with the actual growth stage, ensuring accurate and timely nutrient management throughout the season,” says Hébert-Couturier. “The designed outcome is to provide more precise and real-time adjustments to fertilizer strategies, improving crop health and optimizing yields.” Although the LENS platform is simple to use, the economics are unlikely to suit an individual grower; it’s more efficient for agronomists, retailers and researchers to purchase one since they’re scouting and assessing crop health and timing for applications. According to Hébert-Couturier, the break-even for samples is about 250 per season, based on service to 20 different farms. The 1,500-sample mark in 2023 is the highest they’ve seen. For more information on the LENS technology, go to www.picketa.com/contact.• PHOTOS SUPPLIED.
12 Agronomy Artificial intelligence on the farm CAN DATA POWER WEED CONTROL? Barb Keith AS FARMERS CONTINUE TO ENCOUNTER NEW OR RESISTANT WEEDS in their fields, they are looking for alternative ways to win the battle against these unwanted plants. A new company on the scene believes they have a solution. Through agronomic models and artificial intelligence (AI), Geco Strategic Weed Management has created predictive weed control technology to help farmers identify areas of their fields that may be susceptible to increased weed pressure before the weeds even push through the soil in the spring. This mapping technology can be used with current equipment, such as sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, or planters on the farm and has the potential to reduce herbicide application by up to two-thirds by allowing multi-rate application in-field, spraying only where necessary or even increasing plant populations in these specific areas to thwart weed growth. When asked what led the company to create this technology, founder and CEO Greg Stewart says he was “fascinated by what goes into growing crops, and he wondered how farmers could leverage the data available to them to deal with weeds.” Before starting Geco, Stewart had worked in the greenhouse industry, using data management to support growers by using analytical tools to determine when pest infestations would occur. He saw an opportunity to transfer that knowledge to the grain industry. HOW DOES IT WORK? By analyzing data such as satellite imagery from the previous five growing seasons, soil test results and information from the farm (i.e. seeding and spraying records, personal knowledge of prior weed issues, etc.), Geco can create a standard prescription map to predict where weed infestation will be the heaviest, often with a 24 hour turn-around time. While the map can be used with GPS systems, Stewart says almost half of the farmers using this technology are not using it with GPS. When asked about limits on field size, Stewart said the technology can be used in fields as small as 10-20 acres. Starting costs are approximately $5 per acre, with farmers usually trialling the technology in a couple of fields, expanding annually. As more acreage is added, the price decreases. Geco’s goal is to have farms running on an annual subscription rather than per acre fees. AWARD-WINNING TECH As the winner of the Innovative Farmers of Ontario (IFAO) and Foresight Sustainable AgTech for Profitability Innovative Challenge, Geco’s technology had to meet a variety of criteria, including demonstrating it could be profitable within the first year of use, had been tested on farms, was environmentally beneficial, and could be used across a variety of farming conditions. By reducing the need for blanket application of herbicides, cost savings are immediately realized, and the impact on the environment is lessened. ““Winning the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability: IFAO Challenge is a thrilling achievement for Geco, and it underscores our dedication to transforming control of weeds in field crop farming,” says Stewart.
13 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 AI can help identify areas of fields susceptible to weed pressure before the weeds even push through the soil in the spring. Prograin® Discover the benefits at myprograinbenefits.ca “With agriculture playing a vital role in growing Canada’s economy and reaching our net zero targets, the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability Challenge was a crucial endeavour for the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario. We are thrilled to collaborate with Geco, who are bringing new solutions to agriculture that are better for the environment and for farmers’ bottom line,” says Tori Waugh, executive director, IFAO. Sponsored by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the innovation award, launched in March 2024, seeks to find agtech solutions that improve decision-making and analysis of field crop farmers’ operations, enabling optimized soil health, biodiversity, profitability, and overall sustainability management. “FCC is proud to support Foresight and the Sustainable Agtech for Profitability challenge. Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, and by collaborating with forwardthinking groups like Foresight and the Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario, we are committed to driving advancements in nutrient management, soil health, and productivity, ensuring a resilient future for Canada’s agricultural community,” says Graeme Millen, vice-president, FCC. The technology has been tested in wheat, canola, soybeans, corn, and barley crops. Initially, Geco worked with three farms and now supports 58 farms across the Canadian prairies, northern U.S., and Quebec. Geco is actively looking to expand into Ontario to work with farmers for future growing seasons. Find out more at www.geco-ag.com •
14 Agronomy Avoid grain elevator hazards INNOVATIVE ELECTRICAL MONITORING SYSTEM Jeanine Moyer KEEPING CRITICAL EQUIPMENT LIKE GRAIN DRYERS AND FANS operating during peak harvest season is essential to maintaining optimal grain quality and yield. So, how can you prevent breakdowns, or worse, a fire that could lead to considerable downtime, workplace safety issues or lost revenue? A new electrical monitoring system is now available to detect potential faults, overheating, or irregular equipment performance early to prevent equipment failures and fire hazards. The PrevTech Solution (prevtech.ca) protects grain operations with real-time electrical monitoring and proactive alerts that can be sent straight to a smartphone, along with expert technical support to troubleshoot identified hazards before they cause damage to equipment or the overall operation. “Grain dryers are an essential piece of equipment for farmers and facility operators, but while they are necessary to help generate quality products and profits, they also pose serious electrical malfunction and fire risks,” says Pierre-André Meunier, president and founder of PrevTech Innovations Inc., a Quebec-based company that specializes in monitoring and preventing electrical fire and business interruptions. Already proven in livestock barns throughout North America, the PrevTech Solution ensures optimal performance and early detection of electrical issues impacting safety and efficiency and is now available for grain elevators and mills. Meunier explains that “our system not only detects electrical issues but also helps prevent potential hazards before they cause damage, focusing on farm-specific needs.” And in the case of grain dryers and elevators, keeping equipment running smoothly, safely and at peak performance ensures worker safety and grain quality and peace of mind for growers and operators working against variable fall weather to harvest, dry, and store crops. EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT OPERATIONS PrevTech’s solution can integrate seamlessly into a farm’s risk management plan by proactively detecting electrical issues that could lead to fires, equipment failures, or costly downtime, especially at harvest. This system can be easily installed by a licensed electrician and allows growers to manage their assets and reduce potential risks to their operations. Meunier points out that something as simple as losing ventilation to a bin can lead to moisture buildup and mould, which can easily jeopardize the quality and value of the grain. “We understand that during the harvest season, loading and unloading operations are crucial aspects to running at optimal performance,” says Meunier, who shares a recent customer experience, saying, “we were recently able to help a grain operator client quickly by identifying a faulty component. This allowed him to service and replace the component between loads without losing any operating time.” Not only can the PrevTech Solution help identify electrical or equipment faults in realtime that may need to be addressed right away, but using the system, growers and operators can also detect problems before they occur, like a motor that is increasingly running hot or a breaker that regularly trips. In such cases, electrical maintenance can be scheduled and performed, preventing unwanted downtime during peak periods, and a call to an electrician during off hours. “There’s nothing more important than keeping your grain dryer and bins running smoothly and safely when you need them most,” notes Meunier.
15 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 PLANT ANYWHERE. THRIVE EVERYWHERE. Contact your local dealer today! PROACTIVE PREVENTION While a robust electrical monitoring system like PrevTech is the ideal solution to minimizing the risk of electrical issues and equipment failure, Meunier reminds growers and grain facility operators that maintenance is still the first step to keeping grain facilities and equipment running safely at peak performance. Here are Meunier’s top maintenance and fire prevention tips for grain dryers and fans: • Regularly inspect all electrical systems and connections, especially in high-demand areas like grain dryers and fans. • Keep electrical panels and outlets clean and free from dust accumulation. • Install surge protection to safeguard equipment during power fluctuations. • Monitor equipment for unusual sounds or performance issues that could indicate an electrical fault. • Clean your grain dryer regularly to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials. According to Meunier, the most common causes of fires and operational interruptions in grain elevators and mills are dust and debris buildup, wear and tear on equipment, heat (enclosures and circuit breakers can operate at higher temperatures that can cause arching and overheating), and the general environment of a grain facility that often includes highly motorized environments with complex and mechanically demanding electrical loads. Meunier says he’s proud to provide an innovative solution to help enhance the safety of Ontario grain operations. “Our grain customers report increased peace of mind, noting fewer unplanned downtimes and reduced risks of equipment failures. Farmers appreciate our preventative approach that helps them manage their operations more efficiently and safely,” he says. •
16 An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 2025 MARCH CLASSIC Save the date! The 2025 March Classic, Leading the Way, will be held Tuesday, March 18, at RBC in London, Ontario. Join us as Grain Farmers of Ontario celebrates 15 years of leading the way in Ontario agriculture. Visit www.gfo.ca/marchclassic for more information. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Grain Farmers of Ontario launched its farmermember survey in September. We want to know what you think about the work we do on your behalf. The survey and a postage-paid return envelope were distributed with the September issue of the Ontario Grain Farmer, or you can complete your survey online by visiting www.gfo.ca/survey. Everyone who completes the survey is entered for a chance to win a BBQ prize pack valued at $500. Farmer-members who fill out the survey online will be entered into a monthly draw for a $50 gift card of their choice. The online survey requires an access code to complete. Find the code on your printed copy of the survey, or email Rachel Telford, manager of member relations, rtelford@gfo.ca. GRAINS IN ACTION 2025 Grains in Action 2025 is heading east! Grain Farmers of Ontario has created a new tour for its popular young farmer program that showcases the grain value chain. Tour stops in 2025 include Port of Johnstown, Ingredion, the Canadian Senate, Ottawa Valley Grains, Sevita, Kawartha Ethanol, and Maizeing Acres, among others. Registration is open and is limited to 30 participants. A waitlist will be implemented once capacity is reached. Grains in Action is a four-day program for young farmers to gain knowledge about the end uses of the grains they grow. Participants also learn about the role of Grain Farmers of Ontario within the grain industry and how they can become active members of the organization. Young farmers or college/university students aged 19-35 are eligible to participate. 2024 IPM VIP EVENT Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted MPPs and special guests at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo on October 1 in Lindsay, Ontario. Premier Doug Ford, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, NDP leader Marit Stiles, and Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie tried their hand at plowing, coached by Grain Farmers of Ontario directors Jeff Harrison, District 12 (Durham, Northumberland, Kawartha, Peterborough, Hastings), Gus Ternoey, District 2 (Kent), Julie Maw, District 3 (Lambton), and Josh Boersen, District 9 (Perth). MARKET COMMENTARY by Philip Shaw Harvest is in full swing across the great North American corn belt as of October 9. Will the big crop get bigger? It’s hard to say, but we’ve had quite a rally off August market lows. The United States Department of Agriculture released its quarterly stocks on September 30. Corn stocks were up 23 per cent from September 2023, soybean stocks up 29 per cent and all wheat stocks up 12 per cent. In short, despite recent price gains, there is still a lot of grain everywhere. Brazil farmers are also busy planting what is projected to be another record crop. In Ontario, wide open, sunny weather helped push soybean harvest progress through early to mid-October. Winter wheat planting aggressively advanced as producers had good opportunities to plant. The Canadian dollar continues to flutter at the 73 cent U.S. level, adding stimulus to Ontario’s cash grain prices.
17 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 Discover other ways to join the GrainTALK conversations; E-News, Webinars, Podcasts, Radio, Research Days, and events. Visit www.gfo.ca/GrainTalk. 2025 ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS The date and time of your district meeting has been confirmed and is listed below. Please go to www.gfo.ca for additional meeting details as they become available. Information is subject to change. NOTICE OF 2025 ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS DISTRICT DATE TIME LOCATION/DISTRICT DIRECTOR District 1 Essex Jan 16 9 a.m. St. John’s Parish Hall, County Road 46, Woodslee, Ont. District 2 Kent Jan 15 3 p.m. Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club, 25393 St. Clair Road, Dover Centre, Ont. District 3 Lambton Jan 13 4 p.m. Wyoming Fair Grounds, 595 Main Street, Wyoming, Ont. District 4 Middlesex Jan 16 9 a.m. Ilderton Community Centre, 13168 Ilderton Rd, Ilderton, Ont. District 5 Elgin, Norfolk Jan 7 9 a.m. Malahide Community Place, 12105 Whittaker Road, Springfield, Ont. District 6 Haldimand, Brant, Hamilton, Niagara Jan 13 9 a.m. Mutual Room, Riverside Exhibition Centre (Caledonia Fairgrounds), 151 Caithness Street E, Caledonia, Ont. District 7 Oxford, Waterloo Jan 17 9 a.m. Innerkip Community Centre, 695566 17th Line, Innerkip, Ont. District 8 Huron Jan 14 9 a.m. Holmesville Community Centre, 180 Community Centre Road, Clinton, Ont. District 9 Perth Jan 15 5:30 p.m. Mitchell Golf and Country Club, 81 Frances Street, Mitchell, Ont. District 10 Grey, Bruce, Wellington Jan 17 9:30 a.m. Clifford Community Hall, 2 William St., Clifford, Ont. District 11 Dufferin, Simcoe, Halton, Peel, York Jan 16 10 a.m. Faith Community Presbyterian Church, 206 Murphy Rd., Baxter Ont. District 12 Durham, Northumberland, Kawartha, Peterborough, Hastings Jan 9 9:30 a.m. The Best Western Plus, 930 Burnham Street, Cobourg, Ont. District 13 Prince Edward, Lennox, Addington, Frontenac, Lanark, Leeds, Grenville, Renfrew, Ottawa Jan 8 10 a.m. Elgin Lions Club, 19 Pineview Drive, Elgin, Ont. District 14 Prescott, Russell, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry Jan 7 9 a.m. North Stormont Place, 16299 Fairview Drive, Avonmore, Ont. District 15 Northern Ontario Jan 9 9 a.m. Dymond Hall, 181 Drive-In Theatre Rd, Temiskaming, Ontario. * new location for 2025
18 Tar spot: field report CROP SIDE WITH... Albert Tenuta 1. DETECTION Since 2021, the first signs of tar spot stroma (black spots) have been observed during the first two weeks of July in southwestern Ontario. The warm, humid conditions (relative humidity < 75 per cent) were conducive to tar spot infection throughout the growing season. In addition to the traditional tar spot areas along the north shore of Lake Erie (from Essex to Niagara), the disease was detected earlier in Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth counties, extending west toward Toronto (see Figure 1). 2. SPREADING For the first time, tar spot was identified in central Ontario later in the season (September/October) at low levels. While the timing and low disease levels are unlikely to impact yield significantly, growers should remain vigilant and prepare for potential establishment in the region. This spread aligns with increased tar spot occurrences in New York, Pennsylvania, and, for the first time, Quebec (see Figure 1). 3. DISEASE DEVELOPMENT The development of tar spot symptoms can vary significantly based on environmental conditions, particularly humidity and temperature. It typically takes two to four weeks for symptoms to appear from spore release from infected corn debris. New stromata can form within seven to 21 days post-infection. Favourable conditions can lead to multiple spore-release events and infection cycles throughout the growing season. In severe cases, complete plant blighting can occur within weeks. Scouting, disease forecasting models (like Sporecaster), and real-time disease monitoring are essential for identifying field risk. 4. WEATHER DRIVES THE DISEASE Tar spot thrives in moderate temperatures with relative humidity above 75 per cent and at least seven hours of moisture on corn leaves. Early development and higher severity increase the likelihood of multiple disease cycles, potentially leading to plant shutdown under stress, such as moisture stress. This can negatively impact yield and test weight if the corn cannot reach physiological maturity, reducing grain fill. 5. DIFFERENCES IN HYBRIDS Most commercial hybrids are susceptible to tar spot, though some exhibit greater tolerance; however, none are completely resistant. Grain Farmers of Ontario and Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Programsupported research is exploring potential novel sources of resistance through the Agriculture and Agri Food Canada Ottawa corn breeding program. Consult your local seed provider for tar spot hybrid ratings and other characteristics, such as standability and stalk rot tolerance. 6. FUNGICIDES When it comes to fungicide applications, two key decisions for farmers are the choice of product and timing. In Canada, Veltyma DLX and Delaro Complete are registered for tar spot control in corn, while Miravis Neo offers suppression. Field performance will depend on disease severity, hybrid susceptibility, environmental conditions, application timing, and other factors. 7. FUNGICIDE APPLICATION TIMING Research indicates that the most significant yield benefits arise from fungicide applications at the VT-R1 growth stages (tassel to silking). This timing is also most effective for managing Gibberella ear rot and DON mycotoxin. Applications made at R3 and later may show visual differences but have not consistently demonstrated a positive ROI based on Ontario and other research data. We look forward to seeing what the 2024 results reveal! Ensuring good coverage is crucial to maximizing fungicide efficacy. 8. OTHER DISEASES When selecting hybrids and fungicides, consider other diseases such as Northern Corn Leaf Blight, common rust, gray leaf spot, and Gibberella ear rot. Albert Tenuta, Field Crop Pathologist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Figure 1 - Tar spot distribution as of October 9, 2024 (https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot)
19 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER OCTOBER 2024
20 Industry news Provincial energy development policy SAFEGUARDS FOR PRIME FARMLAND Matt McIntosh IN AUGUST 2024, THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO ANNOUNCED a wide-reaching plan to significantly expand Ontario’s energy production capacity. From refurbishing the province’s existing nuclear facilities to expanding solar and wind power capability, the intention is to ensure Ontario’s energy grid is capable of supplying increased demand from industry (including agriculture) and the increased electrification of homes and vehicles. What impact this will have on farmers – and what opportunities they could face – is not yet clear. However, representatives from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and National Farmers Union say the move is an improvement on previous provincial efforts to diversify energy production. MORE COMMUNITY BUY-IN In contrast to past energy schemes pursued by the McGuinty and Wynne governments, the Ford government has announced that municipalities can choose whether they want energy developments and, if they do, where those developments can go within their municipal jurisdiction. Drew Spoelstra, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, considers this a positive move. “Historically, some of this has been controversial. The way energy development was done created divisions in communities,” says Spoelstra. “There was a green agenda to move forward with green projects almost at any cost. I think this government is taking a different approach. A more balanced approach on how to generate, store, and transmit power across the province.” RIGHT METHOD, RIGHT PLACE Spoelstra says the potential for more onfarm energy production – whether via solar, wind, biogas, or other means – may also be possible under the province’s new policies. On-farm green energy production is something the Federation has previously advocated for. As its article “Energy Opportunities on Ontario Farms” states, “Ontario farms use about three per cent of Ontario’s electricity or approximately 4.5 terawatt hours each year. While farmers do buy power, they can also produce and sell electricity … Virtually every farmer could take advantage of one or more [energy production methods] in the future.” The same article reiterates that energy from farms can help power both farms and Ontario more broadly while improving our environment. It also cautions against the use of broad-acre farmland for energy production in an effort to reduce farmland loss, as well as advocating for clear longterm contracts between farmers and energy companies and fair compensation. “If the right case presents itself and everyone is on board, there’s lots of opportunities for farmers to participate in this space. We just need to ensure it happens in the right place and the right ways,” says Spoelstra. DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS The loss of farmland to energy projects is still a concern, however. The province appeared to allay these concerns in June when Todd Smith, past agriculture minister, and Lisa Thompson, then the current agriculture minister, sent a letter to energy companies stating “no new energy projects may be built in specialty crop areas; groundmounted solar generation cannot be sited on Prime Agricultural Areas; all other resource types may only locate on Prime Agricultural Areas if they have received both Municipal Council approval and municipal approval of an Agricultural Impact Assessment; and rated criteria points will be awarded for projects that avoid Prime Agricultural Areas.” The province reaffirmed this position in August. Considering Ontario continues to see a high rate of farmland loss, Spoelstra says this assurance is also welcome. The
21 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER NOVEMBER 2024 The Ford government has announced that municipalities can choose whether they want energy developments and, if they do, where those developments can go within their municipal jurisdiction. DEMAND MORE. From your data. Your productivity. Your farm. From field to finance and everything in between, AgExpert is the link between your data and decisions. If it’s there, you’ll find it—the right decisions, backed by the right data. Demand more. Get more. At AgExpert.ca 14755_AGEX_2024_DemandMore_OGF_4-687x6-062.indd 1 2024-08-23 12:03 PM trick now is ensuring impact assessments “have appropriate teeth” to protect farmland. He would also like to see Prime Agricultural Areas include Class 4 soils, whereas the province only considers Classes 1 to 3 under the designation. OTHER CONCERNS Transmission corridors must be addressed, too. “There’s lots of pressure for corridor infrastructure. We also need to ensure impacted farm operations are adequately compensation for the things they’re going to have to deal with today and in the future,” Spoelstra says, adding another benefit of more localized energy generation might be less need for need for large corridor projects. Max Hansgen, president of the National Farmers Union – Ontario, echoed many of Spoelstra’s comments. Hansgen says the requirement for consent from municipalities, impact assessments for developments proposed for good agricultural land, and other characteristics of the government’s position accommodate many of the concerns the Union and other farm organizations raised. However, an area of remaining concern is the potential for more stray voltage issues as energy production becomes more widespread in farm country. “How do we marry agrivoltaics and not adversely affect animals? The research has not been done to really know the answer on what the impacts of developments are,” he says. There is also concern about unlocking Crown land – specifically, whether the environmental benefits of green energy developments will make up for the biodiversity and carbon sequestrationcapacity lost in destroying natural features. “Are we actually coming out further ahead by cutting down Crown land?” says Hansgen.•
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