Over 300,000 people descend on Louisville, Kentucky, in February each year to take in the biggest, newest, shiniest pieces of agriculture equipment on offer at the National Farm Machinery Show. See more: Check out all of our coverage from the National Farm Machinery Show here RealAgriculture’s field editor, Bernard Tobin, took in two days of… Read More
Bad news out of Manitoba this morning, as the first suspected case of porcine epidemic diarrhea is awaiting confirmation from the disease lab here in Winnipeg. The Chief Vet’s office has already confirmed the infection at a wean to finish operation in hog-heavy southeastern Manitoba, but until the lab confirms it it’s still only suspected…. Read More
Is planting accurately while running 10 mph possible? John Deere says yes, if you’re using its new seed delivery system ExactEmerge row unit. Unveiled at the 2014 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, the ExactEmerge promises precise seed placement and spacing— 10% better at traditional speeds — but boasts the ability to travel at… Read More
Could something as simple as a gate be driving down the average number of lactations per cow in your herd? Some would say, yes. Ontario field editor Bernard Tobin was on hand at this year’s Canadian Dairy Xpo at Stratford, Ont., and sat down to talk barn design, herd health and more with Joep Driessen, of… Read More
By Bernard Tobin, Ontario field editor This story was originally published on January 28, 2014. For continually updated information click here. Ontario’s second case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) has been confirmed at a Chatham-Kent region farm and a third farm is being investigated in the same area. (Editor’s note: The number now sits… Read More
Every year as the calendar turns to a new year, the Southwest Ag Conference greets us with two days of learning and networking with agricultural colleagues. Due to travel issues into Toronto, Shaun Haney attended SWAC via twitter from the Las Vegas airport while Ontario Field Editor, Bern Tobin took in the event in person… Read More
“It’s an atrocity to block the humanitarian gesture of improved nutrition,” says Kevin Folta, scientist and associate professor at the University of Florida, referring to opposition towards Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). We saw incredible public interest in food in 2013, with polarizing discussions often centred around biotechnology. Many, including Folta, argue the current debates are largely… Read More
For the last 20 years, Dr. Helen Thompson has worked on the research side of the agricultural industry with Britain’s Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA). She recently left FERA to start work with Syngenta, a move that has caused a bit of a stir in the agriculture industry there. But, controversy or not, Thompson… Read More
The former Ontario government, headed up by Dalton McGuinty, pulled the rug out from under the horseracing industry this past spring in what can only be called a very premature effort to move slot machines to a Toronto-area casino (or so the most reputable theory goes). Just how premature was the move? Well, there is,… Read More
Hands down, the one-pass seedbed prep demo was the most popular event at this year’s Outdoor Farm Show held at Woodstock, Ont. Farmers by the hundreds eagerly followed behind each implement, kicking soil and evaluating the job of over 20 conservation-minded tillage units. The sheer volume of farmers present speaks to farmers’ interest and, dare… Read More
As equipment becomes more sophisticated and tech-reliant, farming has become an increasingly precise and data-driven business. It’s rare though that each tractor or piece of equipment and implement is purchased at the exact same time, complete with software interface, all from the same brand. And, even if they did, no brand of equipment has a… Read More
While several Ontario tracks are running right now, horse racing in Ontario is still struggling and the future is fraught with uncertainties. Standardbred racing has been hit particularly hard, and political wrangling around casinos going in, then not, in southern Ontario has those in the industry wondering what the next few years look like for… Read More
If you judge a politician’s strategy by where they choose their photo ops, Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne has her sights firmly set on rural Ontario. Typically the domain of the Progressive Conservatives, Wynne appointing herself ag minister after winning the premiership was a very strategic move in winning the hearts and votes of rural Ontario…. Read More
Horseracing in North America is facing tough times, a result of years of decreased attendance and betting. In Canada, tightening of government budgets in at least three provinces, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, has put heavy pressure on tracks to either evolve, find new business partners or face extinction. Ontario is far and away the largest… Read More
In September, Bernard Tobin, RealAgriculture.com’s Ontario correspondent, explained in this interview that the Slots-at-Racetrack program was ending and ending quickly. As of March 31, 2013, the slot machines would be pulled from Ontario racetracks, and the revenue generated by the slots (and shared with the province) would walk out the door with the machines. The… Read More