WELLINGTON COUNTY – Provincial policy dictating how agricultural land is used in Ontario allows for secondary on-farm uses, but local land use policy and zoning bylaws can get in the way, preventing farmers from diversifying on-farm income sources.
Rural
OPINION: OFA pleased with strong support for broader fuel tax exemption for farmers
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Canadian agriculture has come another step closer to expanded fuel surcharge exemptions for essential farming activities, which will bring meaningful relief to farmers across the country.
Mennonite Central Committee recognized by Charity Intelligence
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Ontario and Canada have announced that Charity Intelligence, an organization reporting on Canadian charities, has again named the provincial and national committees as two of its “top 100 charities.”
Experimental Acres pilot grows farmers’ curiosity
WELLINGTON COUNTY – The first round of the county’s Experimental Acres pilot may have come to an end, but the experiments don’t stop here.
Grain Farmers awards 10 scholarships
GUELPH – Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), a commodity organization, representing barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, has awarded 10 students in Ontario with GFO Legacy Fund Scholarships.
Wellington 4-H went for the gold – and brought it home
GUELPH - The Wellington 4-H Association is celebrating its win of the provincial 4-H Go-For-The-Gold trivia competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto on Nov. 5.
Senator Rob Black to address soil and crop improvement group
ALMA – Senator Rob Black will be the feature speaker at the upcoming Wellington County Soil and Crop Improvement Association annual meeting being held at the Alma Bible Church on Dec. 2.
Taste Real Launches special holiday edition of the Farmers’ Market Box from local markets
WELLINGTON COUNTY – The award-winning Farmers’ Market Box series, coordinated through Wellington County’s Taste Real program, is offering a Holiday Box this year.
OFA Viewpoint: Relationship building key for OFA in keeping farmland preservation on local agendas
Last week was municipal election day across Ontario. Although the campaigns aren’t generally as high profile as during provincial or federal elections, these local contests are no less important.
New study highlights economic impact and shortfall of Ontario’s farmer risk management programs
GUELPH - The Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition (OASC) announced the release of a new study, “Evaluation of the Impact of the Risk Management Program/Self-Directed Risk Management Program on Ontario Farmers and the Economy,” on Oct. 31.
OPINION: OFA director calls for vigilance as farm trespassing, theft incidents allegedly increasing
Farm theft and trespassing incidents are increasing, and sadly, it’s a trend that is expected to…
Palmerston-area grain elevator among six set to close
MINTO – A Palmerston-area grain elevator operation is among six in Southwestern Ontario being shut down by a Montreal-based company.
Fergus Fall Fair broke attendance records: organizers
FERGUS – A new attendance record was set at the 185th Fergus Fall Fair, the first in-person event hosted by the Fergus Agricultural Society in nearly three years.
Floradale 4H Sheep Club members learn about showing livestock
4H sheep – The Floradale 4H Sheep Club met at Flora Hills farms with Dale Dorrach, a local…
New initiative helps farmers find processing space for livestock
GUELPH - A new online service is available to help farmers find processing space at Ontario abattoirs.