www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca CROP PRODUCTION MARCH 2026 THE TERRIBLE TWO
19 26 - 202 6 Plant the 100 th Season of Pioneer ONE FARMER. ONE SEED. ONE SEASON. One farmer can make a difference. And one seed can grow the future. One hundred years ago, Henry A. Wallace and the founders of Pioneer revolutionized farming with the commercialization of hybrid seed corn. Will you be the one to launch what's next? TM® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2025 Corteva PIONEER.COM/100YEARS
29 Business side Conversations with business experts 13 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists MARCH 2026 volume 17, number 5 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: Kristy Nudds; 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 4 From the CEO’s desk 24 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 42 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign The terrible two Treena Hein 6On the cover AGRONOMY 22 How a UK farmer grows 235-bushel winter wheat Matt McIntosh 30 Cover crops before corn Treena Hein 34 Rethinking the rules Ralph Pearce 38 Corn rootworm Jeanine Moyer INDUSTRY NEWS 16 Be vigilant Matt McIntosh 18 They go with the flow Matt McIntosh SUSTAINABILITY 10 The growing demand for winter wheat Treena Hein Left cover photo: OMAFA Right cover photo: Emmanuel Byamukama, South Dakota State University, Bugwood.org TECHNOLOGY 26 Are spray drones getting ahead of themselves? Matt McIntosh
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER FROM THE CEO’S DESK 4 From the CEO's desk Each year, Grain Farmers of Ontario holds district meetings in January to take the pulse of our farmer-members. We need to know what’s on your mind. Are your priorities changing? And in particular, with the current, volatile environment we’re facing, how can we help you achieve your goals? This year, we heard a message loud and clear, over all the others: Farmers’ resilience is being tested. Our members need trust, leadership, and security beyond the protective shield that they normally keep over their families and their farms. And that’s where the Grain Farmers of Ontario team needs to shine. With global turbulence, shifting markets, rising input costs and other uncertainties facing agriculture, security comes in knowing there’s a team behind members that they can trust and has their backs. For example, we are working to help expand existing markets and develop new markets for the grain you produce. You’ll see instances of that later in this issue of Ontario Grain Farmer, in stories about trade missions to Asia and increased trade activity with other countries. Rest assured that Grain Farmers of Ontario is at the table representing you when policies are being developed locally, provincially, and nationally that affect grain production. We are advocating for modern research-based production approaches that support profitability, sustainability, and food affordability. Security also comes in knowing measures are in place in the face of unpredictability. At district meetings, we heard members say that with safeguards in place, such as production insurance, they feel more confident heading into a new crop year. Challenges caused by weather extremes, and fluctuating or low prices are more manageable with supports already in place, instead of having to be pursued and negotiated under duress. We also heard that there’s still room for improvement. We agree, and we support producer priorities. We know the Risk Management Program is still underfunded and needs additional federal support, and we continue to work with other leaders and meet with federal officials to drive this point home. With the tenuous trade environment we’re facing and the variability we saw in grain yields across the province last year caused by weather extremes, farmers should not have to shoulder risk for situations that are out of their control. We’re proud of our members’ level of engagement. We saw 150 delegates elected at district meetings this year. I’m looking forward to continuing to see a strong member presence at the annual March Classic, being held in Niagara Falls on March 24. I hope you’ll attend. It’s a great opportunity to hear how leaders from various walks of life approach trust and change, and how they respond when resiliency in their lives is under fire.• Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario Farmers’ resilience is being tested. Members need trust, leadership, and security beyond the protective shield that they normally keep over their families and their farms.
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations: What Ontario grain farmers need to know Stay Safe. Stay Compliant. Report Your Pressure Equipment. ADVERTISEMENT Ontario grain farmers who use boilers and pressure vessels (BPVs) as part of their agricultural operations are required to report their pressure equipment to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). BPVs are typically used for drying and processing grain, heating buildings or storing grain. Air compressors, which are a form of pressure vessel, are also used to operate grain dryers and farm equipment. The exemption on agricultural BPVs that was lifted in July 2021, means that BPV installations, fittings, and piping used for agricultural purposes must comply with Ontario Regulation 220/01: Boilers and Pressure Vessels under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B51 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code. Since then, TSSA has been working with agricultural associations across Ontario to ensure operators and owners are fully informed that the installation, operation, maintenance and registration of BPVs, fittings, and pressurized piping used for agricultural purposes are regulated. Previously, Ontario had been the only province where BPVs used in agricultural operations were exempt from safety laws. What grain farmers need to do The first step to comply with safety requirements is to report all installed BPVs used for agricultural purposes to TSSA by completing an online form. After boilers and pressure equipment have been reported, TSSA will notify agricultural sites of a scheduled site assessment 30 days in advance. During a site assessment, a TSSA inspector will evaluate BPVs for safety compliance. Tony Gabriele, BPV Project Lead and Regional Supervisor with TSSA, says site assessments provide an opportunity for TSSA inspectors to educate owners and operators of agricultural sites that use regulated BPVs and help them understand and comply with the provincial regulations. Agricultural operators can prepare for the site assessment by: • Reviewing the checklist of what an inspector will look for • Ensuring their equipment is accessible and ready for the site assessment • Informing TSSA before the site assessment if there are any biosecurity protocols related to the site and if there has been a bio-outbreak at the site that could affect the completion of the site assessment. Gabriele says reporting BPVs used in agricultural operations is “a critical step” in keeping the process moving to ensure BPVs are operating safely. “If you have not yet reported your boiler or pressure vessel equipment to TSSA, please go to TSSA’s website and fill out the online form,” he adds. Key compliance requirements for boilers and pressure vessels used on grain farms • Having a Canadian Registration Number issued by TSSA to confirm a BPV design complies with safety standards. • Obtaining a Certificate of Inspection (COI) for regulated pressure equipment. • Undergoing Periodic Inspections: Certified BPVs must be inspected periodically by a qualified inspector. Before a COI expires, owners and operators must request a periodic inspection from their insurer (if the device is insured) or from TSSA (for uninsured equipment). • Ensuring the company hired to repair or alter BPVs holds a Certificate of Authorization from TSSA. For more information, check out the infographic and Boiler and Pressure Vessel Equipment for Agricultural Use on TSSA’s website. If you have questions, email agriculture.bpv@tssa.org.
Treena Hein The terrible two Snow mould and stripe (yellow) rust are a double disease challenge Winter has been long, cold, and snowy. As spring arrives, how will you respond to protect your winter wheat crop? ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 6
continued on page 8 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 7 Snow mould and stripe (yellow) rust are caused by different fungal pathogens, but they share several characteristics, and chief among them is the ability to seriously impact winter wheat yields. Marty Vermey, senior agronomist with Grain Farmers of Ontario, says that with both diseases, understanding the effect of preceding conditions and active scouting are very important. And so is the best variety selection for key diseases for your area. STRIPE RUST CAN BE DEVASTATING Stripe rust can devastate wheat production when infection is severe. Stripe rust symptoms first appear as small chlorotic lesions on leaves, followed by yellow to light orange pustules that each contain thousands of spores. The pustules occur in a random pattern and they can be confused with those that cause other rust diseases such as leaf rust. Stripe rust thrives in cooler conditions, between 10 and 18 C, and likes intermittent rain or dew events. Growth slows at about 15 C, but there is now evidence that at least one population in the U.S. has adapted to warmer temperatures. In terms of its severity in Ontario this year, the crystal ball is still a bit cloudy. But Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) Cereals Specialist Joanna Follings has her antennae up. “We are monitoring throughout this winter the reports of stripe rust appearing in the southern U.S. and we’re tracking weather systems that may carry spores north,” she says. Stripe rust does not typically overwinter in Ontario, but it can do so under specific conditions: high levels of disease pressure in the previous year, good fall with lush growth, mild-to-moderate winter temperatures and early and persistent snow cover – like the kind we had in fall 2025 and fall 2024. Many areas of Ontario received significant snowfall prior to the ground freezing. “This may be conducive to overwintering of stripe rust in some areas, particularly in fields where disease pressure was high in 2025,” Follings says. “These fields should be scouted beginning in early spring once the crop has greened up, particularly if fungicide use is not a standard practice.” Vermey adds that volunteer wheat is a risk factor, and snow cover protects stripe rust that infects volunteer wheat in the “This is why we had stripe rust in the Mitchell area last year,” he says, “and then it spread.” Stripe rust Follings, Vermey and OMAFA Extension Plant Pathologist Albert Tenuta concur that the best defense against stripe rust is a combination of variety selection, scouting, and timely fungicide applications. “Keep in mind that if you see it, you may have to take immediate action as it can explode very quickly,” Tenuta says. “You may need to apply an earlier fungicide application than normal, earlier than T3.” VARIETIES DIFFER Large differences in susceptibility to both stripe rust and snow mould exist in Ontario winter wheat varieties, so check the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee performance trials for specific variety ratings (GoCrops.ca). But only look at the 2025 trials. Follings says if a variety has a rating of six or higher, the variety is susceptible and will benefit from a fungicide application if disease is present. If a variety is rated three to five, then it’s classified as moderately resistant and should be scouted regularly during the growing season. If stripe or leaf rust are present and on the upper leaves of the canopy, consider a fungicide application, particularly if the wheat is before or just at flag leaf. Varieties with a rating less than two are resistant against stripe and leaf rust, but should continue to be monitored. “As we saw in previous stripe rust years, some growers got caught with a severe disease infestation 10 days before the T3 fungicide application timing and had significant yield losses as a result,” Follings says. “So, if a field is more than seven Photo: Marty Vermey
continued from page 7 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 8 to ten days away from a T3 fungicide application and the variety is susceptible to stripe rust, a fungicide should be applied as soon as possible.” However, she advises that if stripe rust incidence and severity is low, a tolerant variety is being grown and a T3 fungicide application is less than a week away, a fungicide application can wait until T3. In terms of fungicide choice, if winter wheat is beyond the swollen ‘head in boot’ stage, a fungicide containing strobilurin should not be applied (see detailed information on fungicide selection at the OMAFA Crop Protection Hub). Grain Farmers of Ontario is also developing a technical fact sheet on stripe rust, to be released this spring. SNOW MOULD: A TOUGHER FOE Snow mould encompasses several fungal pathogens that can damage or kill cereal crops after prolonged snow cover. Snow provides insulation for these species, allowing them to grow throughout the winter. The most-common moulds (snow moulds) are pink snow mold, Typhula rot (called gray or speckled snow mould) and Sclerotinia snow mold. This fungal group is difficult to manage because so few management options exist, and because these species are hardy and persistent. In fact, snow mould can survive in the soil for such long periods of time that crop rotation has no effect as a management tool. Early nitrogen applications will also not help plants overcome snow mould. “It’s a very difficult disease to manage because there’s not much that can be done in the spring after the damage is done,” Vermey says. “It may be severe for some farmers. Your stands could be so thin that you decide to replant.” As with stripe rust, it’s difficult to say what 2026 holds for snow mould severity, but Ontario farmers should anticipate problems. Tenuta notes that while temperatures have been extremely cold (which can slow the growth of snow mould), the snow cover in some areas may be enough to insulate the pathogen and allow it to grow, however slowly. “The earlier the snow and longer snowpack persists, the greater potential for favourable conditions,” he says. “A break such as some areas had in late December-early January was good, but the heavy snows in January are concerning.” Farmers in areas with early snow cover should scout fields early in the spring, as soon as the snow has melted. Follings urges producers to prioritize scouting fields that were planted early and had significant top growth prior to snow coverage. She underlines the importance of conducting a number of stand counts and plant health assessments throughout the entire field to get a broader perspective on the status quo. “Continue to monitor fields with this disease after snow melt because damp and cool weather is conducive to continued growth.” She says. Follings notes that in fields with severe infection, the growing point of wheat plants can be damaged, which will ultimately kill the plants. But if the growing point is intact, yield impact should be minimal. In scouting, Tenuta says signs of infection are a white, felty or sometimes slimy fungal mat on plants and bleaching or other unusual colouring in the leaves (plants not greening up like they are in other parts of the field). These signs fade as the spring sunlight gets stronger and the snow disappears. Damage is highly variable, ranging from a few dead leaves to the entire plant. The disease is generally located sporadically in the field, with patches of dead plants or thinned areas being common. Heavy snowfall may be conducive to stripe rust overwintering in some areas, particularly in fields where disease pressure was high in 2025. Photo: Marty Vermey
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 9 • Seed-Safe In-Furrow • Low Salt Index • Ready-to-Use Formula • Strong Root Development visit us online: alpinepfl.com | call: 1.844.655.BIOK (2465) YOUR SEED’S FAVORITE STARTER FERTILIZER SCAN NOW TO LEARN MORE Snow mould Tenuta says to look especially closely at places in the fields that get more snow cover than others such as low-lying areas and fence rows, or where you had lush growth going into the fall. “Compare your stand density to what you expect,” he says. “Small patches may recover. Those minor thin spots will often green up, rebound and tiller.” However, he notes that if 15-20 per cent of the field is infected, those plants may not rebound fully, so you will need to consider replanting an area or do a total field replant. Early nitrogen applications will not help plants overcome the disease. The best strategy is to plant resistant or tolerant varieties within your optimum planting range to avoid too much top growth in the fall. Seed treatments and foliar fungicides have shown inconsistent efficacy, but they can provide some suppression. As with stripe rust, growers should check the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee performance trials for specific snow mould variety ratings and stick to the most up-to-date (2025) data. •
Trade missions have compelling stories to tell about Ontario winter wheat. Treena Hein The growing demand for winter wheat Quality, sustainability and market development are attracting new buyers to this Ontario crop ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 10 As global markets shift, interest in Canada Eastern Soft Red Winter (CESRW) wheat is rising around the world. Ontario grain farmers grow the vast majority, about 80 per cent, of Canada's winter wheat. And they’re poised to meet the growing demand. Dana Dickerson, Grain Farmers of Ontario's Director of Market Development and Sustainability, says that the efforts to develop new various export markets is bearing fruit. Overall demand for Ontario wheat started to grow during the pandemic, when many countries diversified their wheat sourcing to ensure a steady supply. Ontario was a top choice. Dickerson says there’s been growth in exports to Mexico, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Colombia, for milling and feed. In recent years, Spain started importing CESRW after Canada signed the CETA trade deal. Grain Farmers of Ontario carries out annual trade missions with Cereals Canada to Mexico and Central America. Inbound delegations to Ontario in 2025 included, Africa, with Nigeria being the major market there, and Ecuador. One reason exports can grow is because of investment in port and terminal infrastructure to support capacity. Grain Farmers of Ontario Market Analysis Specialist Hayley Vinkovic notes that major expansions have occurred at the Port of Windsor and grain terminals in Hamilton and Oshawa. In addition, wheat milling capacity has grown recently with the expansion of the P&H flour mill in Hamilton. But infrastructure aside, Ontario/Canadian wheat is a natural choice for any country due to its strong reputation for quality, reliability, and sustainability.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 11 “We are continuing to educate global customers on our credentials in these areas,” Dickerson says. “We offer consistency in annual quality performance for wheat and flour, and clean shipments with minimal dockage. Our varieties are tailored to perform consistently in cookies and crackers, providing dimensional stability for consistent shaping and imprinting.” Vinkovic adds that Ontario wheat quality falls within a narrow, predictable range, which is highly valued by millers and food processors. “Consistent protein levels, falling numbers and flour performance allow processors to run efficiently without frequent adjustments,” she says. “Predictability reduces downtime and lowers operational risk across the supply chain. In addition, Canada sets clear grading standards and robust testing at elevators, and terminals reinforce buyer trust in delivered specifications. Clean and consistent wheat lowers the total cost for buyers, even if the price is not always the lowest.” Vinkovic says Ontario grain farmers use proven management practices that support the province’s reputation for producing clean, foodgrade wheat. Timely fungicide applications and integrated crop management help keep problems such as Fusarium and DON under control. Ontario also has strong breeding programs, supported by the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee, that drive the continuous improvement of wheat genetics. Grain Farmers of Ontario collects samples from across the province each year in the Annual Wheat Harvest Survey to provide millers and end users with a clear picture of Ontario wheat quality by region and class. Vinkovic says this program strengthens transparency and supports buyer confidence, with GFO using the survey results to actively engage with international customers through trade missions, including the Cereals Canada Latin America new crop mission. SUSTAINABILITY GAINS Winter wheat also provides significant sustainability benefits. Keeping the soil in place over winter and early spring with a winter cover crop like winter wheat contributes to healthier soils and more resilient agroecosystems. Soil losses to erosion are dramatically reduced. continued on page 12 “Ontario grain farmers use strong management practices that support the province’s reputation for producing clean, food-grade wheat. - Hayley Vinkovic, Grain Farmers of Ontario market analysis specialist Grain Farmers of Ontario GFO directors and staff participating in outbound and inbound trade missions with Latin American and African customers.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SUSTAINABILITY 12 Winter wheat crops also scavenge excess nutrients. Ibrahim Mohammed, Grain Farmers of Ontario sustainability and environment specialist, says as the crop grows through the off-season, it absorbs nutrients (especially nitrogen) that tend to otherwise leach out of the soil during rainy winters, spring thaws, or both. “By capturing these nutrients, winter wheat helps prevent them from entering waterways and reduces pollution, which in turn prevents many associated problems like algal blooms,” he says. Soil covered by winter wheat also reduces the impact of spring storms by helping rainwater and spring thaw water infiltrate the soil rather than running off the surface. This reduces sediment and nutrient transport into streams and rivers, but just as importantly, it helps retain soil moisture for the upcoming crop season. “Winter wheat also improves soil organic matter and structure,” Mohammed says. “It’s a crop that produces a lot of biomass, both in roots and above-ground growth, which adds organic matter to the soil when it decomposes. This organic matter improves soil structure, increases water infiltration and storage, and supports beneficial soil organisms, all key indicators of soil health.” In addition, throughout the winter and early spring each year, the living roots of winter wheat feed soil microbes and fungi, keeping the soil ecosystem active rather than dormant. This, says Mohammed, supports nutrient cycling, carbon retention, and overall soil resilience. “In addition, unlike leaving soil bare or doing early spring tillage, the roots of winter cover crops like winter wheat break up soil compaction gently, and this helps avoid soil disturbance when conditions are wet,” he says. “This also supports long-term soil health and reduces machinery passes, which also lowers fuel use and emissions.” And finally, growing winter wheat reduces weed pressures. The dense soil cover provided by stands of winter wheat suppresses weed emergence by shading the soil and competing for nutrients and water, preventing the growth of young weeds. Mohammed says this helps reduce the need for herbicides and lowers overall chemical inputs in the cropping system. All this makes winter wheat a great option for producers and a superb choice for grain buyers looking for quality, sustainability, and reliability. • continued from page 11
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER CROP SIDE 13 WHAT ARE CLOSED TRANSFER SYSTEMS? Closed Transfer Systems (CTS) are designed to move pesticides from their original containers into sprayers without exposing operators or the environment. For small-format jugs, these systems use specialized caps and couplers to lock on to the unit, open valves, transfer product, and rinse the container and lines, whether transferring full or partial loads (see Figure 1). The Pest Management Regulatory Agency can decide to include this requirement on the label when occupational risk assessments identify hazards. Products like Lorox L, Ethrel PGR, and Dibrom already carry full CTS statements, while others require CTS only under certain packaging or usage thresholds. This is likely only the beginning. The reason behind the requirement is easily understandable. A CTS eliminates point source contamination from small spills and reduces operator exposure. These systems reliably meter small volumes or entire jugs faster and more accurately than an operator can (Figure 2). Thanks to the EasyConnect cap (not yet available in North America), CTS is the new reality in Europe and the UK. In Ontario, the concept is still new, and we don’t have as many commercial options for complying with the regulation. There are many questions about which jug formats will be compatible, how to attach the feed line to the sprayer, and how CTS might work with dry formulations (spoiler: right now, it doesn’t). But it’s early days, and we’re all learning. Bottom line, CTS adoption improves safety, meets regulatory requirements, and can streamline workflows. While initial costs and retrofitting may pose challenges, emerging technologies will offer flexible solutions for both small and large-scale operations. If you’d like to learn more about closed transfer, you can read about it here: https://sprayers101.com/cts/ • Closed Transfer Systems in Ontario Jason Deveau Crop side with... Jason Deveau, Application Technology Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Figure 1: Three CTS systems. AccuRite (left), EasyFlow M (middle – available in Canada), Cleanload Nexus (right). Figure 2: In a 2024 comparative evaluation of individual body parts during loading, CTS reduced exposure levels by a ratio of 14.6 : 1. While the absolute level of exposure for conventional loading was still within acceptable safety limits, the improvement was substantial. Work performed by James Thomas, Syngenta, UK.
Weather doesn’t wait. Crops don’t negotiate. Broken equipment doesn’t care about your deadline. You need a dealership that gets it - that understands that planting and harvesting seasons aren’t suggestions, they’re commands. Delta Power keeps your equipment running like your livelihood depends on it, because it does. Right parts. Right expertise. Right now. Experience the Delta difference. “At MacEwen Agricentre, reliable equipment and responsive service are essential to keeping our operation running—especially during the busy spring planting season, when every hour counts. Delta Power Equipment has proven to be a trusted partner in ensuring that our equipment stays in the field and productive. We currently operate 15 pieces of equipment purchased through Delta Power and continue to rely on their expertise and support. What sets Delta apart is not only the quality of the equipment they supply, but their exceptional commitment to after-sales service. Their team is available to us around the clock, answering calls 24/7 and doing whatever it takes to minimize downtime. In our experience, Delta Power Equipment consistently goes above and beyond to keep our business moving. That level of dedication, service, and reliability is why they remain our preferred supplier for custom application equipment.” MacEwen Agricentre Inc. 35+ Years Precision Experience 5 Precision Specialists EXPERIENCE THE DELTA DIFFERENCE
“Delta Power’s service department has always been exceptional. They prioritize staying current with new technologies and ensure their technicians are educated and available to respond to any call, day or night. Delta Power Equipment has some of the most knowledgeable technicians we’ve worked with and that is something we greatly value.” TJ’s Farms Inc. Buy your next machine where service comes first. Experience the Delta difference. “Parts and service are second to none. With the extreme weather events we experience today, time is crucial on our farm. The Delta service department takes on this challenge, minimizing downtime and keeping us running. The availability of parts in-stock between stores and delivery right to our farm shows these two departments go hand in hand. We are also fortunate to work with a sales team that always looks out for our best interests. We look forward to continuing to work with Delta Power Equipment in the future.” Double L Farms 55 Mobile Technicians After Hours Emergency Support Daily Parts Shuttle www.deltapower.ca | www.deltaused.ca 119 Trained Technicians
Fortunately though, cyber threat awareness, along with the number of tools helping reduce vulnerability, are improving. Joel Bouvier, director of cybersecurity for Farm Credit Canada, says most cyberattacks and associated instances of fraud still begin with compromised emails. But increasingly, fraudsters then use those compromised systems to take actions such as sending invoices to people associated with the compromised business. In such cases, those receiving the invoice from what they consider to be a trusted source are at risk of forwarding funds to the unscrupulous actor. “A big shift in trends in recent years is attacks on supply chains,” Bouvier says. “We’re definitely seeing more targeted attacks. It used to be opportunistic, where they would blast wide emails and hope to catch someone. Now they’re doing reconnaissance to understand their targets.” The use of malware, software designed to compromise and lock down entire systems, is also more common than ever in agriculture, with hackers increasingly targeting businesses at critical times of year. For example, knocking out a grain elevator system during autumn harvest ensures maximum pressure on the victim directly, and indirectly on customers reliant on the system. The increasing connectivity of modern production machines also raises the potential entry points for hackers. “For equipment in general, software in modern equipment really should be up to date,” Bouvier says. “But you should also be aware of how it’s connected. A lot of vendors follow a practice of using a default password across all hardware. You should not be using those default passwords. And turn off remote access if you’re not going to use it.” As the digital threat landscape changes, Bouvier says increased reporting from victims of cybercrime and fraud both helps raise awareness and lower the stigma of falling prey to cybercriminals. He adds the basics of cybersecurity – keeping strong passwords, using two-step authentication, and so on – are more applicable than ever. Password managers can help maintain complex passwords, but in a way that is convenient to use. Cybersecurity insurance is also available, a valuable tool for preventing loss and stress should the worst happen. Premiums are often based on how secure your organization is; some also cover business interruption. Insurance may also provide some financial coverage during those outages. Bouvier recommends the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity, calling it a “powerful resource where people can report cybercrime, and access information on what different threats look like, to better know what to watch out for.” Bouvier says the Centre has excellent guidance for businesses of all sizes. It identifies the types of controls you should have, based on the size of your operation or organization. “If people don’t know where to start,” he says, “it gets them informed on what they should be doing.” • Matt McIntosh Be vigilant How to inform and protect yourself as cybercriminals change tactics Criminals traditionally defrauded farms and agribusinesses by chance. Now, they’re taking a more targeted approach to hit the agriculture sector where and when it’s most vulnerable. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 16
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 17 Owen Roberts If your dealer or storage facility becomes insolvent, you can make a claim for the grain for which you haven’t received payment. Defaults on grain delivery and storage are extremely rare. But in Ontario, if they do happen, you’re covered by the Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP). The GFPP is designed to protect producers and owners of canola, grain corn, soybeans, and wheat from default on payment by licenced dealers and elevator operators. The program aims to ensure that producers receive timely payments and that their grain is stored properly. Coverage is available for up to 95 per cent for eligible losses related to non-payment or storage defaults. If your dealer becomes insolvent, you can make a claim for the grain for which you haven’t received payment. Crosby Devitt, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario, says the GFPP is a unique program for serving Ontario producers’ interests. “Over the past 40 years, the grain industry has grown significantly, and we’ve seen many changes in customers of Ontario grain,” he says. “The GFPP is an important way for farmers to be protected from extremely rare but potentially significant losses that are out of their control.” Claims are covered by check off fees. Dealers collect the check off fees from farmers, submit it to Grain Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Canola Growers. These commodity groups forward it to the Grain Financial Protection Board to be held in the fund. The current balance in the fund is almost $20 million. The GFFP was introduced in 1985 following a series of grain elevator bankruptcies. That year, 92 claims were paid, totalling just over $1 million. In most years, no claims are submitted. Since 2017, only one claim has been paid out, for $29,132.89. For nearly 10 years, the GFFP program has been administered by Agricorp. Procedures for submitting a claim are available from Agricorp, here [link]. Paul Fenlon, director under the Protecting Farmers from Non-Payment Act, urges producers to make sure they’re working with licensed dealers and elevator operators before they sell or store their grain. “You can check the list anytime at Agricorp.com,” he says, “and if a licensed dealer or elevator operator doesn’t meet their payment or storage obligations, call us right away at 1-888-247-4999 so we can help protect you.” PROTECTING YOUR SALES AND STORAGE FROM PAYMENT DEFAULT 35 Stronger Crops. Lower Stress. Higher Yields. Scan to See Real Farm Results CropBooster® The Grain Financial Protection Program safeguards the financial interests of grain producers or owners
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 18 Matt McIntosh They go with the flow Grain-carrying vessels gear up for a new shipping season With the spring thaw, Ontario grain once again starts making its way to overseas customers by ship. It’s a seasonal rite for marine transportation, one which you’d think would be nearly automatic by now. But it turns out that managing the logistics of moving and loading grain-carrying vessels is no simple task. Take, for example, the Detroit River and western Lake Erie’s Pelee Passage, a highly valued route in the North American commodity trade. From shore, ships appear to glide effortlessly along the busy, narrow waterway, after being loaded with grain dockside in Windsor. But from weather to scheduling, to ship design, getting grain commodities flowing into ships’ holds and then down the river is neither quick nor straightforward, with ample opportunities for logistical snarls. ADM’s Windsor facility, which district grain officials and producers toured earlier this winter, is a vital regional hub for grain transportation. It comprises a grain terminal and crush plant for extracting and blending soybean and canola oils from eastern and western Canada. Those products, as well as soybean meal and other raw commodities, are exported mostly by ship to customers worldwide. In total, up to 80 vessels visit ADM Windsor in any given year. Inland navigation and the logistics of moving and loading ships in the Detroit River system requires precision management, efficiency, and effectiveness. Last year, ADM expanded its grain terminal at the Port of Windsor, significantly increasing its export capacity to global markets and its support of agricultural production from southwestern Ontario farmers. The expansion included new grain dryers, a new roadway and kiosk system to load soybean and canola meal, additional meal space at the ADM crush plant and new silos and conveyance to efficiently load export meal and grain. "This expansion offers multiple beneficial effects on the local economy, including increasing demand for locally grown products, supporting and growing the regional transportation industry, and contributing to increased use of marine logistics," Kevin Wright, general manager of ADM Great Lakes Region says. The expanded facility impressed tour participant Shawn Brenneman, chair of St. Clair Soil and Crop Improvement Association. He said ADM Windsor’s operation is yet another reminder that Ontario grain growers are playing in a global market. “I am overwhelmed with ADM’s reach across Canada and the world,” he says. “I wasn’t aware of all the company’s processing capabilities.” A HUGE COMPETITIVE EDGE The proximity to marine shipping gives Ontario grain producers a huge competitive advantage. Dana Dickerson, director of market development and sustainability for Grain Farmers of Ontario, says production logistics require precision timing by grain processors and handlers like ADM.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 19 KWS Hybrid Rye ““KWS Hybrid Rye is second-to-none in biomass and grain yield. Growing it offers our farm unparalleled feed flexibility; we can use the crop anywhere from early-cut timing, to late-cut, and all the way to grain. The straw alone provides a lot of value to our operation.” Arjen Kielstra | Asquith, SK Want to harvest good protein yields early in the year and be able to grow another crop afterwards? Choose KWS Hybrid Rye. The perfect double-cropping solution for your fields. #KWSHybridRye With the spring thaw, Ontario grain once again starts making its way to overseas customers by ship. It’s a seasonal rite for marine transportation, one which you’d think would be nearly automatic by now. But it turns out that managing the logistics of moving and loading grain-carrying vessels is no simple task. Take, for example, the Detroit River and western Lake Erie’s Pelee Passage, a highly valued route in the North American commodity trade. From shore, ships appear to glide effortlessly along the busy, narrow waterway, after being loaded with grain dockside in Windsor. But from weather to scheduling to ship design, getting grain commodities flowing into ships’ holds and then down the river is neither quick nor straightforward, with ample opportunities for logistical snarls. ADM’s Windsor facility, which district grain officials and producers toured earlier this winter, is a vital regional hub for grain transportation. It comprises a grain terminal and crush plant for extracting and blending soybean and canola oils from eastern and western Canada. Those products, as well as soybean meal and other raw commodities, are exported mostly by ship to customers worldwide. In total, up to 80 vessels visit ADM Windsor in any given year. Last year, ADM expanded its grain terminal at the Port of Windsor, significantly increasing its export capacity to global markets and its support of agricultural production from southwestern Ontario farmers. The expansion included new grain dryers, a new roadway and kiosk system to load soybean and canola meal, additional meal space at the ADM crush plant and new silos and conveyance to efficiently load export meal and grain. "This expansion offers multiple beneficial effects on the local economy, including increasing demand for locally grown products, supporting and growing the regional transportation industry, and contributing to increased use of marine logistics," Kevin Wright, general manager of ADM Great Lakes Region says. The expanded facility impressed tour participant Shawn Brenneman, chair of St. Clair Soil and Crop Improvement Association. He said ADM Windsor’s operation is yet another reminder that Ontario grain growers are playing in a global market. “I am overwhelmed with ADM’s reach across Canada and the world,” he says. “I wasn’t aware of all the company’s processing capabilities.” A HUGE COMPETITIVE EDGE The proximity to marine shipping gives Ontario grain producers a huge competitive advantage. Dickerson says production logistics require precision timing by grain processors and handlers like ADM. “Ontario grows the lion’s share of Canada’s corn, soybeans and winter wheat, and they come off in quick succession from July to December,” she says. “With the seaway closed January to March, we have a narrow post-harvest export window. If we miss that window, our exports are competing headto-head with Brazil and Argentina’s massive harvests in the spring.” Clearing the summer wheat harvest and making room to move out autumn corn and soybeans can be a huge logistical undertaking. “That’s why shipping capacity investments matter,” Dickerson says. “They give us more space and options to keep the pipeline moving.” ADM’s soybean crush facility – one of just two in the province – and purchases of winter canola from area producers also contribute to Windsor’s unique positioning. Recent storage and receiving infrastructure upgrades further contribute to the terminal’s capacity and efficiency. continued on page 20
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 20 “Farmers often need to harvest and move grains quickly to capitalize on weather windows and to protect quality,” Dickerson says. “Investments into better functioning trucking kiosks and faster unloads help make that possible. And being on the border, and being a global company, helps maintain those state-to-province and city-to-city relationships.” SALTIES AND LAKERS In port, crush products and raw commodities are loaded onto two kinds of ships. “Salties,” a popular term for saltwater oceangoing vessels, are characterized by narrower hulls and higher drafts (the measurement from the waterline to the bottom of a ship’s hull). This design improves the ease with which they can slice through the large rolling waves of the open ocean. “Lakers,” conversely, sit higher in the water. Lakers are employed throughout the Great Lakes system, including the St. Lawrence River, but never enter the Atlantic Ocean. Lakers loaded with commodities designed for overseas customers offload cargo at ports further east. ADM Windsor generally loads 10,000 to 22,000 metric tons of cargo on vessels, even in cases where ships are capable of transporting significantly more cargo. That’s not uncommon for salties; while sailing inland, these vessels must be under the displacement restrictions at the locks further east. They can top up their cargos when they reach terminals such as Quebec City, before making the voyage across the ocean. Working with smaller salties has advantages for ADM Windsor, says Kyle Schroeder, ADM commodity trader at the company’s Windsor facility. “With soybean meal, for example, we deal with a lot of smaller ports in the UK that are draft restricted,” he says. “We can work with smaller vessels more efficiently.” COMPLICATED LOGISTICS The number of vessels docking at ADM Windsor varies year to year depending on factors such as how much product from western Canada is brought in, as well as overall export level. Vessels are constantly arriving in port; canola from Thunder Bay alone arrives about every 10 days, in line with the crush capacity. Planning for the arrival of so many ships is inherently complex, particularly as their arrival is compressed into the ice-free months between March and December. Inclement weather can significantly impact departure and arrival times year-round. Schroeder says vessels otherwise ready to sail can be stuck just off their loading dock for days waiting for the weather to subside, while the lock systems further east can themselves shut down when Mother Nature is particularly uncooperative. This all but halts ship traffic in the Great Lakes. Because of this contingency, vessel crews also do not have to declare their expected arrival time until 10 days before. “From a terminal’s perspective, vessels are an everlasting moving target. We can have a plan, and two weeks from now have to change it because we have three different vessels showing up in a week, and they’re changing (estimated time of arrival) based on weather, or where they’re loading and offloading. We really don’t know what the plan is until sometimes a day out,” Schroeder says. Loading and unloading vessels is also a complex process. A vessel’s captain issues the terminal a load plan, detailing how the commodity should be brought onboard to maintain ballast and fit the design of the ship. ADM Windsor is generally able to load 600 metric tons of commodity in an hour. Total loading times vary considerably, however. Maxim Charbonneau, ADM Windsor’s commercial manager, says load time depends on the vessel size, the number of holds, and if workers are loading or offloading different products. Two to three days per vessel is typical as a range, though smaller barges can take as little as 16 hours. Larger vessels may take three to four days. Load times also vary depending on the product. Due to risks to product quality, loading is not carried out during rainy conditions, unless purchasers issue a “rain letter” stating they assume the risks of doing so. While the terminal operator is not held accountable for any weather-related delays, continued from page 19 Schroeder says taking too long to load or unload a vessel in good environmental conditions can incur significant financial penalties – $10,000 per day to $55,000 per day, depending on the vessel. “If we have three vessels showing up in a week and they’re overlapping each other, we have to run the calculation of how long one’s going to take, which one charges more [for delays], and which one do we want to sit,” Schroeder says. PILOTS ARE PIVOTAL The logistics of loading and unloading is challenged further by the requirement for ships to employ pilots – local experts who board vessels to help the crew navigate local watercourses. “These crews may be Sri Lanken, Indian, Russian, or some other nationality. Anyone that comes in, they’re not technically allowed to drive their vessels by themselves anywhere within the Great Lakes lock system. So anywhere from Montreal to down here, they must have that pilot to drive the vessel for them because their expertise is in the Lakes,” says Schroeder. To get a pilot onboard, a small boat pulls up beside the vessel while it’s moving, so the pilot can climb up a ladder. A vessel coming from Montreal destined for Thunder Bay may have to change pilots up to nine times. In the Detroit River, the removal of navigational buoys over winter necessitates two pilots be onboard, further complicating logistics for operators at ADM Windsor. “There are even times where a vessel shows up and it must wait because we already have one on dock. It might have to wait a day. It’s just sitting there out in the river,” Schroeder says. “As far as bringing it from there into our dock, you need to arrange a pilot to make a move that lasts half an hour. We need to line those up 12 hours in advance. Half the time it’s a guessing game. It makes it very complicated.” Yet despite the significant challenges and changes facing commodity trading, southwestern Ontario continues to be supported by an effective marine shipping system. ADM Windsor contributes to the system’s strength. •
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQzODE4