ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 22 can carry, including corn stunt spiroplasma, maize bushy stunt phytoplasma and maize rayado fino virus. Baute warns that corn stunt symptoms do not show up until at least 30 days after transmission, and there are no effective treatments currently available. Also, at EOCC, a grower panel called ‘Successful Winter Cereals for Forage’ will be moderated by Christine O’Reilly. This discussion will explore why more livestock farmers are growing high-quality winter cereals for forage, how it works and tips for success. OMAFA Weed Specialist Mike Cowbrough will host another highlight session: ‘Fight Back: Proven Tactics to Control Persistent Weeds.’ MORE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES This season’s Farm Credit Canada ‘Young Farmer Summits’ will be held in person in Port Perry on November 29 and in Kitchener on December 3. On March 17 and 31, there will be two more Summits in virtual format. The summits are free, full-day events for farmers under 40 to have fun and explore the business side of farming. “Learn from industry experts, connect with peers and gain insights to take your operation to the next level,” states FCC. “Topics include transition planning, business management, mental health, and more.” The Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario has a Small Grains Network for sharing resources, events and more, but will also hold its Annual Conference in London from December 2 to 4 this year. “We will have many sessions dedicated to topics like cover cropping, integrating grains and livestock on the farm,” says Small Grains Program manager Jackie Clark. “A talented grain farmer from Manitoba will also be discussing her unique marketing model. After the conference, our Small Grains Program intake will open—you can read more on our website, but essentially, farmers can apply for funding for diversifying their crop rotations with small grains and a legume cover crop.” THE THIRD ‘DEEP DIVE’ On February 3-4, 2026, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) will hold its Annual Meeting and ‘Deep Dive’ at the GrandWay Events Centre in Elora. OSCIA events and communications coordinator Stacey McCarthy says the theme of the Deep Dive event is Residue Smart. The event will feature a dynamic line-up of expert speakers from both academia and the farm community. Registration opens in December, and in-person capacity will be limited. This year marks the organization’s third Deep Dive event, with each year’s format evolving based on participant feedback to keep content timely and relevant, says Nicole Mackellar, director of member services and business development at OSCIA. Like other events offered throughout the province, it’s about bringing together the latest research and real-world experience to support sustainable, productive farming across Ontario. “We consistently hear from members that OSCIA events like the AGM and Deep Dive are valuable opportunities,” says Mackellar. “They offer a chance to learn directly from peers and experts, explore practical solutions for on-farm challenges, and connect with others who share a commitment to continuous improvement.” • continued from page 21
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