By Jennifer Doelman, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

This year marked the return of the annual Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) board tour after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a highlight on the calendar of OFA board members as it gives us an opportunity to get an in-depth look at agriculture in a specific region of Ontario and learn about the issues and challenges facing our fellow farmers in that area.

I farm with my family in Eastern Ontario, and first joined the OFA board in November 2020 to represent members in Arnprior, Lanark, Ottawa and Renfrew. So this was my first time participating in this tour, which was hosted in the Niagara Region by the Niagara Federation of Agriculture.

Farmers in Ontario have many things in common, from dealing with weather and labour problems to managing soil health and working to keep our farm businesses profitable, but it takes opportunities like this tour to also highlight how very diverse our sector is, and how different regions of Ontario have very different issues, concerns and challenges.

Agriculture in Niagara Region is perhaps like no other in Ontario. Thanks to their unique climate, they’re the heart of Ontario’s grape and tender fruit (peaches, cherries, apricots, pears, plums and nectarines) sector and their proximity to both the U.S. border and major Ontario cities has led to a flourishing greenhouse industry, particularly for flower production. At the same time, that urban proximity creates many pressures.

Our day started at Andy Veenstra Farms in Sherkston, where the Veenstra family grows soybeans and wheat, raises beef cattle, and roasts soybeans that are sent to New York State for animal feed. This was followed by a tour of the Ceres Global Ag grain handling and storage facility on the Welland Canal at Port Colborne, where we learned about the logistics of grain handling and transport. Their prime location allows for easy access to the terminal via rail, water and road.

We also visited Pioneer Flower Farms, one of the largest bulb-forcing farms in North America and a highly innovative grower of bulbs and seasonal crops like peonies, hyacinths, sunflowers, chrysanthemums and more.

From there, we visited the orchards of Greenlane Farms at Vineland Station, where the Culp family has been farming for over 200 years and today specialize in peaches and plums, before ending our day at Creekside Winery in Jordan.

Professional development opportunities like this are invaluable in helping us do a better job as board directors, both for the members we represent in our own regions, but also on behalf of farmers across the province. I’ve been involved in agriculture my whole life, but it was fascinating to me to see the Welland Canal and learn about logistics issues and the pressures of farmland preservation in urban areas.

I’ve also come away with a new appreciation for the scale of our greenhouse production, the modern technology and innovation that drives so much of our sector, and how absolutely critical it is for farming businesses to have access to the same infrastructure that is taken for granted in urban areas.

Highly automated production, cold storage facilities or using smart farming systems, for example, are only possible if we have access to affordable energy, reliable high-speed broadband and networks of roads and bridges that will let us get our products to market.

There’s one other aspect of these types of events that is invaluable and it’s one that was much missed during the past two pandemic years: the ability to make personal connections. It’s not just about getting to know my fellow OFA directors better – which in turn makes us a stronger team that’s better able to work together – but also meeting people from other parts of the province.

I had the opportunity, for example, to sit next to a representative from Niagara’s regional government at one of our stops. That’s a political structure we don’t have in Eastern Ontario, and it was interesting to get a better understanding of how farmers have to navigate many different local government and community environments across our province.

It’s not easy to take several days away from the farm in the middle of a busy summer season, but this unique learning opportunity definitely made it worthwhile. My thanks and appreciation go to the Niagara Federation of Agriculture for hosting us and all the work they put into organizing and running the event.
​
For more information, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 218
tyler.brooks@ofa.on.ca

By Peggy Brekveld, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Few outside the farming community would realize that many farmers begin to plan for the next season before the current one is done. Thoughts are already turning to next year’s crop questions, including how we will feed the crop with nutrients and ensure soil health. This means planning for fertilizer and best management practices around its use.

In fact, fertilizer is heavy on the minds of many farmers these days, but for two very different reasons. One is tariffs imposed by the Canadian government earlier this year on fertilizer sourced from Russia in response to its war in Ukraine; the other is the federal government’s 30 per cent nitrous oxide emissions reductions target for agriculture.

The topic was a large part of discussions at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)’s recent Policy Advisory Council meeting in Orangeville, and we share the concerns of both our membership and our farm organization partners.

Although both issues involve fertilizer, tariffs and emissions are very different issues, but OFA has been actively working on both of them this summer. From London and Sudbury to Ottawa and Niagara, recent OFA meetings have included our federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP Francis Drouin who serves as Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Bibeau, MP Kody Blois who also chairs the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson, political staff and bureaucrats.

At each of these events, we raised farmers’ concerns with these fertilizer issues, and engaged in discussions towards possible solutions. Here’s what we know so far.

The federal government’s tariff on fertilizer coming from Russia has placed an added financial burden on farmers who were already facing sky-high fertilizer prices and pressures from inflation and rising interest rates – and uncertainty remains as we look ahead to the 2023 growing season.

The financial impact on the industry has been significant; many already felt it this spring. However, for a variety of reasons, as the crisis in Ukraine is ongoing, we are unlikely to see a removal of the tariff on fertilizer imports and this will likely continue to affect the global price of this important input. And while a direct reimbursement of funds already collected is not on the table, OFA continues to advocate for the need for new federal funding to help farmers adjust to rising input costs.

The federal government has also stirred deep concerns in our sector with its nitrous oxide emission reduction target of 30 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030. Many equate this with reducing fertilizer use, but fertilizer use is not the same as nitrous oxide emissions. One source of nitrous oxide emissions is poor utilization of fertilizer by crops after application for a variety for reasons – things like weather, the type of fertilizer used or even when or how it was applied.

Minister Bibeau has been very clear in her meetings with us and others in the industry that the 30 per cent target is aspirational, that it’s not about a mandatory reduction in fertilizer use, and that all efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer are voluntary.

This is also clearly spelled out in AAFC’s newly released discussion paper, which is part of their current consultation process on the reduction target.

The discussion paper recognizes the importance of fertilizer in modern farming and places the focus on improving nitrogen management and fertilizer use through more and better use of on-farm of best management practices (BMPs) that are known to reduce emissions.

These are things that many farmers are already doing, like using the 4Rs (right type of fertilizer in the right amount to the right place at the right time), reducing tillage and adopting precision technologies. One of the big things the government is interested in is how to increase adoption of these types of practices by farmers, which actually have many other environmental and economic benefits beyond emissions reduction too.

What will be important is determining the best way to measure progress on nitrous oxide emissions reduction. We believe strongly that measuring BMP adoption rates is a much more accurate approach than simply tracking fertilizer purchases.
There will also be a need for support from government to help farmers achieve these targets – and given how many farmers are already using some or all of these BMPs, we hope to see some acknowledgement of those early adopters and the work they’ve already voluntarily put into improving environmental health.

OFA is currently developing a response to the fertilizer emissions reduction consultation, but I encourage all farmers to read the AAFC discussion paper and submit their own responses to the government too. The deadline for submissions is August 31.

These are important issues facing our farms and our businesses, so it’s important that we have engaged conversations with each other and with government as we continue to work towards finding solutions.
​
For more information, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 218
tyler.brooks@ofa.on.ca

By Vanessa Renaud, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

It might be hard to think about winter when we’re still in the middle of summer, but if you’re a livestock farmer, that’s exactly what is suggested. Specifically, it’s time now to think about how and when you’re going to get manure on the fields before the ground becomes frozen and snow-covered.

That’s because winter application of manure, whether solid or liquid, is not a best management practice and should be avoided if possible.

In addition to farming in eastern Ontario, I’m also a crop consultant which means I work with farmers daily to help them grow the best crops and maintain healthy soils. Manure has great value as a natural source of nutrients, as well as building soil organic matter – good soil structure makes the ground more resilient to drought and flood stresses – and feeding the microorganisms that live underground.

How and when manure goes on the land, though, makes a big difference in the benefit you’re going to get from those nutrients and the impact they’ll have on the environment. When soil is frozen, manure can’t be worked into the ground the way it is during the warmer months. As well, water can’t enter the ground, so when it rains in the winter or warm temperatures cause snow to melt, it simply runs off and takes what’s spread on the frozen surface with it.

We don’t often associate winter with rain, but recent research from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has shown that winter rain and thaw events actually occur more often than we think. Studies have also found that Ontario’s phosphorous losses – nutrients from manure getting into water courses – happen mainly during fall and winter, and most often during and after major rain or melting events.

Here are some major reasons why farmers spreading in the winter is not a good idea:

Losing nutrients
Livestock manure is a valuable natural alternative to commercial fertilizer. When nutrients are washed away instead of being absorbed into the ground, it’s a bit like letting money go down the drain because they’re not providing any benefit to the crops. Those lost nutrients will result in lower crop yields, or they’ll have to be replaced, creating additional costs.

Creating water quality problems
When nutrients run off into streams, rivers, and lakes at high levels, they have a negative impact on water quality and the broader environmental ecosystem. They contribute to increased algae growth, for example, which affects human, plant and animal life. A highly visible example of this that garners media attention every summer is the algae blooms that grow in the western basin of Lake Erie.

Building negative public perceptions
The algae bloom is one reason why there is increased attention focused on water quality in Ontario lakes. There are many contributors to this problem, but because activities involving manure are highly visible, farmers become an easy target for those looking to place blame.

Contributing to soil compaction
Some farmers believe that spreading in the winter reduces the potential for soil compaction from heavy farm equipment because the frozen ground is better able to handle the impact of manure spreaders or liquid tankers. Unfortunately, that’s just a myth. Even though the soil’s top layers may be frozen, the ground underneath is not, and compaction will yield crop growth problems in future growing seasons.

So, how can winter spreading be avoided?
Ontario farm organizations have been very proactive in raising awareness about winter spreading and most Ontario farmers know the risks and actively take steps to avoid them. Often, those who do spread in the winter don’t have enough manure storage to make it to spring or weren’t able to empty their storages in the fall – because the weather didn’t cooperate to create proper spreading conditions, for example.

Still, it only takes one or two incidents to create problems for the entire industry, so here are some key points to think about as we head into fall harvest and prepare for winter:

Have a plan: know how much manure storage is available and be prepared with a back-up plan if spreading most of a farm’s manure in the fall isn’t possible, like temporary in-field storage for solid manure or renting unused storage space for liquid manure.

Storage: cover or expand existing on-farm manure storages. Keeping rain out of a liquid manure tank, for example, increases capacity without having to build additional storage.

Use crop rotation: add a crop like winter wheat, winter barley or winter canola, or cover crops to a rotation to provide extra manure spreading windows throughout the year. It will take the pressure off those busy spring and fall times and although it’s not a solution for this year, it can be put in place for the next growing season.

Follow the 4Rs: Put the right amount of nutrients in the right place at the right time and at the right rate
For more information about responsible manure management, check out the Timing Matters initiative supported by provincial farm organizations and commodity groups.
​
For more information, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 218
tyler.brooks@ofa.on.ca

By Louis Roesch, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Regional meeting season has officially kicked-off across the province with the Kent Federation of Agriculture hosting the first event last week. These locally hosted Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) meetings offer the opportunity for members in every region across Ontario to get involved and engaged in matters that directly impact farmers, their businesses and their communities.

OFA encourages all members to take advantage of the opportunity to attend the local regional meeting in their area. The primary function of these meetings is to offer an open forum to hold elections for local delegates, Policy Advisory Council (PAC) and alternates for these positions; all of which offer valuable networking, learning and leadership development opportunities. Elected delegates will represent their respective counties and regions at OFA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London on November 21-22, 2022, participating in discussions and workshops on emerging trends in agriculture and voting on resolutions to address key topics heading into 2023. PAC representatives participate in several meetings throughout the year to provide input on timely policy issues and hold voting rights at the AGM. Alternates are elected to fill the role of Delegate or PAC, should a conflict arise. After two years of living in a virtual reality, we are looking forward to once again being able to have delegates, guests and industry stakeholders join us for our in-person annual meeting.

Regional meetings provide members with a better understanding of leadership opportunities and active involvement is available for members, as well as the key topics that OFA is advocating for and how local federations can support these initiatives. Members also engage in conversations and express concerns regarding emerging issues at the regional level, allowing local federations to hear from their membership on top priority trends and potential solutions that should be prioritized to allow farm businesses to thrive. Some of the priority issues being discussed at this year’s meetings include farmland preservation, food security, mental health, labour and evolving issues around fertilizer tariffs and proposed emissions reduction targets.

What starts at the regional scope may signal a wide-reaching issue across other counties in the province. When a common issue is brought forward by several federations, it garners more urgent attention and action. With 51 county and regional federations across the province, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience providing grassroots input on key policy and issues impacting Ontario’s farming and food sector. These federations consist of strong, local leadership that work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities and positively impact the local agriculture industry.

Although meetings have been hosted virtually for the past two years, there is excitement in returning to an in-person format for most federations. Coming together and sharing the comradery that is absent in a virtual space brings back a greater sense of community at these meetings. In-person meetings welcome the normalcy of connecting directly with community members and gathering over good conversation, refreshments, and food. Some federations will continue to offer a hybrid option or completely virtual format to accommodate accessibility of these events.

These events are often an opportunity to showcase a unique location in the local farm membership, sometimes featuring farm tours, local food, and speakers to showcase emerging research and trends for our sector. Our local federations, board representatives and Member Service Representatives are eager to showcase agriculture and meet with our valued members after a long break.

This regional meeting season, I encourage all members to not only attend, but connect with your local federation. These meetings are intended to welcome open discussion and thoughts and opinions that contribute to the greater good of our rural communities. With the opportunity to gather and reconnect, you may find yourself interesting in contributing to new projects or participating in future events in the nearby community and at the provincial level.

Find the date and time of the regional meeting in your area and mark your calendars. Get involved to support your agricultural community and fellow farmers. Come one, come all. For the full schedule, visit ofa.on.ca/regional-meetings.
​
For more information, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 218
tyler.brooks@ofa.on.ca

By Ethan Wallace, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

 Rural and remote communities in Ontario are experiencing a shortage of veterinary access. What does this look like? It looks like waiting four hours or more for a veterinarian to come out to your farm – if they can come at all. It looks like being forced to euthanize livestock to uphold animal welfare standards, even though the animal could be treated if timely service were available. It also looks like veterinarians are exhausted, overworked and doing their best to provide farmers and their livestock the quality service they require and deserve.

Animals and animal-related agriculture are crucial to the economic stability of Ontario’s rural communities. Livestock farmers require reliable access to veterinary services to ensure strong health and welfare for their animals. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) recognizes and acknowledges that veterinarians play a critical role in the stability and viability of the agri-food system. Vets are vital to ensuring farmers have access to the help and support they need for raising healthy livestock. Reliability and timeliness are key to the health and welfare of both the animal and the farmer.

On my dairy operation, our vet and dairy nutritionist are an integral part of our operation and necessary pillars to raising a healthy herd. Plain and simple, an operation is at an extreme disadvantage with a lack of access to veterinary services, which we see as a much larger issue in northern and remote communities. As farmers, we feel the pain that our animals feel, especially when we cannot find a solution to the problem or cannot access the services we need to be able to treat the discomfort our livestock are feeling. My livestock work hard for me, and in return it’s my priority to make sure my herd is comfortable, content and healthy.

Farming yields many stressors, especially during the intense growing season, and having sick livestock is the last thing you want to add to this list. It takes a huge toll not only financially, but also mentally. It can result in significant mental and emotional stress for the farmer. I’m lucky enough to feel a great amount of support from my vet who understands the surmounting pressures of farming and how difficult it is to see one of your animals suffering. As farmers and caretakers of our livestock, we do our best, but we don’t know everything about animal health, which can lead to anguish and extreme frustration. Bringing in a specialist to find a solution to the issue can be tremendously rewarding during these difficult times. However, if you cannot get access to a vet and you’re left waiting and wondering, that frustration escalates.

Generally, there has been a challenge in both attracting and retaining new veterinarians to work out of large animal clinics. Among a variety of other factors, the rural lifestyle may not offer the same level of attraction or amenities to a young professional as an urban centre. Unfortunately, these service gaps have resulted in a higher demand being put on the vets currently working in rural, remote and northern communities. Specifically in northern Ontario, this problem continues to grow. Clinics are spaced out across the region resulting in vets travelling long distances to visit farms, isolation and burnout trying to meet the demand needed to care for the animals. The shortage puts a strain on the entire agricultural community in these areas.

The Livestock Veterinary Innovation Initiative, which was announced by the Ontario government in 2021, was developed to help address the shortage issue and provide farmers with better access to veterinary services. The intent was to address the gap in veterinary care, particularly for large animal vets working in rural and remote communities across Ontario.

To help address the issue moving forward, it’s important that farmers, industry stakeholders, government, institutions and veterinarians work together to find a suitable solution. Identifying existing gaps, working on attraction and retention strategies for large animal clinics and exploring investment opportunities may be options to consider. A lack of veterinary care can be detrimental to rural communities and can leave farm animals, and ultimately the food system, at risk. The industry encourages and welcomes new veterinary professionals to fill a growing need and support farmers across Ontario.

For more information, contact:
Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 ext. 218
tyler.brooks@ofa.on.ca
​