The number of Ontario certified crop advisors (CCA) continues to swell as the provincial organization reports that its membership now boasts 669 agronomists who carry the designation. Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Association chair Aaron Breimer says one of the keys to the growth of CCA ranks is the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders — from… Read More
Category: Ontario Certified Crop Advisors
Winter is a great time to recalibrate your approach to managing wheat diseases and applying fungicides. That’s the message Penn State University plant pathologist Alyssa Collins shared with agronomists attending the Ontario Certified Crop Advisors annual meeting earlier this month. It’s a dormant period for humans and also for fungi and plants, says Collins. “So… Read More
Ahh, the wonders of healthy soil. From water-holding capacity, pest and disease regulation, to nutrient cycling and physical stability, a robust and resilient soil gives farmers a huge advantage in crop production. But what makes a healthy soil? How can we measure its fitness and whether it’s in top farming shape? That’s a question soil… Read More
How can farmers adapt to changing weather and the impact it has on their farms? The ability to modify and reshape the farm to reflect a changing climate will be greatly impacted by land and soil type, location and farming practices, says Ohio State University climate researcher Dr. Aaron Wilson. He believes a key success… Read More
A lot has changed for Ontario Certified Crop Advisors over the past two decades. The provincial agronomist organization now boasts 675 members, specialized programs for 4R nutrient and weed resistance management, and an increasingly diverse membership. Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the organization’s first annual meeting; it was also a time to acknowledge… Read More
There are more than 660 Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) working in Ontario agriculture, a number that has grown tremendously in recent years that reflects the growing trust that farmers have in those who are certified. To gain insight into the evolving role of CCAs and how they’re working with farmers, Bernard Tobin is joined by… Read More
The continued growth of wild pig populations in Western Canada has Ontario regulators working to identify the extent of the problem in the province, and root out the invasive animals before populations establish. Wild pigs are defined as pigs that are not contained and can be found outside fences, says Bree Walpole, a senior policy… Read More
The cannabis industry has taken investors and producers on quite a ride since it was legalized in Canada in 2018. What exactly does it take to grow this unique crop, and what challenges do licensed producers face in this industry? Bill MacDonald, professor and coordinator of the Commercial Cannabis Production Program at Niagara College Canada,… Read More
Every conversation on soil health these days eventually comes around to the topic of organic matter. Does it really matter? What percentage should farmers have in their soil? How do you conserve organic matter? How do you build it? On this episode of Soil School, Bernard Tobin and University of Minnesota soil extension specialist Jodi… Read More
The new virtual Ontario Agricultural Conference received strong reviews during the first week in January, and Ontario certified crop advisors have picked up the education baton and delivered another win this week for ag extension. Ontario Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) chair Deb Campbell says it’s tough to replace the face-to-face interaction and learning that farmers… Read More