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New Planting Intentions Survey

Insight into what Ontario farmers are planting in 2015

By Denise Faguy, Farms.com

Commodity markets have always been volatile.  Global factors such as weather, geo-economic stability, and innovation can have significant impacts on local commodity prices.  Local factors can also play an important role in determining commodity prices.

When JP Gervais, Chief Agricultural Economist for Farm Credit Canada spoke at the 2015 precision agriculture conference February 26, he noted that grain and oilseed margins are tight (see chart).  What does this mean for you?  How will Ontario be impacted by current market prices?  What will you do in 2015? What does 2015 hold for Ontario Farmers?

Grain and Oilseed Margins*

* Source: Farm Credit Canada computation

As a group that is curious to get some insight into what other farmers are planting this year in Ontario, the Farms.com Risk Management team has decided to take the initiative of asking farmers in Ontario what they are planting.  While at the Western Fair Farm Show in London, the group announced that it is inviting Farmers from across Ontario to complete the Farms.com Risk Management Planting Intentions Survey which is available online.

It takes less than 5 minute to complete.  Those farmers who complete the survey will get a copy of the report that shares the overall data as well as Risk Management’s analysis of how the planting intentions gathered in the survey will impact Ontario commodity prices.  (Only overall aggregate data will be shared, specific farm/farmer information will remain confidential.)

Besides curiosity and the desire to learn about Ontario planting intentions, the other reason to take the Farms.com Risk Management Planting intentions survey is anyone who completes the survey will have their name entered into a random draw for a chance to win one of three cash prizes:  $100, $200, or $300.  Farmers only have until March 31 to take the online survey.   

For more information, or to take the survey, visit: www.farms.com/planting-intentions.


Trending Video

The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

Video: The FCDC and AgSmart Bring Plant Breeding to a Wider Audience

In the vast prairies of Alberta, Olds College’s Field Crop Development Centre (FCDC) stands as a beacon of innovation and research in the agricultural world. The institution has become a key player in advancing agricultural technologies and practices. The FCDC’s commitment to applied research has driven them to seek effective means of disseminating their findings and creating a positive impact on the farming community.

One such avenue that aligns with their mission is AgSmart, an event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies. The coming together of the FCDC’s annual Field Day and Ag Smart has proved to be a natural fit, fostering a synergy that benefits both parties and propels the agriculture industry forward. The FCDC Field Day took part in conjunction with AgSmart for the first time this week on Aug. 1-2 in Olds, Alta. FCDC Program Director Kofi Agblor and Olds College VP of Development Todd Ormann sat down for an interview with Marc Zienkiewicz to discuss the significance of the two events taking part together and what the future holds.

The Intersection of Research and Technology The essence of the FCDC lies in its dedication to plant breeding and new seed varieties, particularly barley and triticale. While conducting research is essential, it becomes meaningful when its benefits are shared with the wider community. This is where AgSmart steps in, providing a key venue for the FCDC to showcase their research. This union between research and technology creates a holistic and enriching experience for farmers, ranchers, and industry professionals, the pair said.

Seeds as Technology For the FCDC, the partnership with AgSmart goes beyond mere event collaboration. It is about creating an environment that bridges the gap between seeds and smart technology, Ormann said. The college believes that for technology to truly revolutionize agriculture, it must begin with a strong foundation — high-quality seeds. As the saying goes, “it all starts with a seed.” To demonstrate this critical aspect, the collaboration aims to showcase the seed value chain as an integral part of the smartphone.

The Birth of a Powerful Alliance The idea of joining forces emerged when staff realized the potential synergy between AgSmart and the FCDC Field Day. With just a few days separating the two events, a proposal was put forward to merge them. The marketing and communications teams from both sides worked seamlessly to ensure the essence of both events remained intact, creating a powerful alliance that leverages the strengths of each, Agblor said.

Driving Advancements in Breeding For Agblor, the partnership with AgSmart has tremendous potential to drive advancements in breeding and other technology. With technologies like drones and imaging becoming integral to phenotyping, breeding is no longer confined to vast fields to assess thousands of plants manually. Instead, it benefits from the data-rich insights brought about by smart technologies. These advancements make breeding more efficient, precise, and instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture.

Overcoming Challenges Together While the partnership between Olds College and Ag Smart has been a resounding success, there are challenges on the horizon. Securing stable funding for long-term breeding initiatives is crucial to sustain progress. The college is committed to navigating these challenges and investing in agriculture’s future sustainably, Agblor said.

 

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