Agriculture Still Vibrant at CNE

Aug 16, 2013

Agriculture Still Vibrant at CNE

Celebrating 135 Years: Showcasing Agriculture in the Heart of Toronto

By Victor Santiago, Farms.com

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) kicks off today, celebrating 135 years since it was first held in 1879. Its founding principles were to encourage the development of agriculture, manufacturing, industry, commerce and the arts. It is considered one of Canada’s biggest events attracting over 1.2 million visitors throughout 18 day period. Agriculture, one of its founding principles is still strongly represented. Various events and activities revolving around agriculture awareness and education are featured.

“The Farm” at the CNE is found in The Better Living Centre. Its purpose is to bring a farm into the heart of Toronto, and provide a glimpse into farm life. The very popular AgVenture, designed for children ages three to ten, takes them through five mini barns. These barns range from chicken coops where kids have to pick eggs, to dairy barns where they milk and even put it in dairy cartons. They are also shown the process of growing feed, feeding animals and then taking products to market. Other popular events at The Farm include Agri-Magic, an interactive magic show that teaches kids about agriculture and the ever popular butter sculpting competition, done by art students.

One of the biggest agricultural highlights at the CNE is the Fair Ambassador competition. This brings together young men and women from across Ontario, all representing their agricultural associations. The winner will hold their title for a year and travel across Ontario, going to all the different agricultural fairs. The contest will take place this weekend with the crowning on Sunday.

Of course no one can talk about the CNE without mentioning the food. This year the P.I.G. combo is making waves, coming in at 7500 calories, this bacon burger, with bacon cheese fries and a peanut butter milkshake, is defiantly for sharing. Bacon wrapped deep fried Mars bars and Nutella lathered sweet potato fries will also be available.

The CNE is proudly hosting agriculture and food, from picking eggs to educational magic shows to even a burger that will satisfy your beef cravings. It is without a doubt still going strong 135 years since it first began. Be sure to check out their website and plan a visit, just be sure to have an empty stomach, you will need the room.

Video: Winter Canola Trial in Mississippi | Can It Work for Double Cropping? | Pioneer Agronomy

Can winter canola open new opportunities for growers in the Mid-South? In this agronomy update from Noxubee County, Mississippi, Pioneer agronomist Gus Eifling shares an early look at a first-year winter canola trial and what farmers are learning from the field.

Planted in late October on 30-inch rows, the crop is now entering the bloom stage and progressing quickly. In this video, we walk through current field conditions, fertility management, and how timing could make this crop a valuable option for double-cropping soybeans or cotton.

If harvest timing lines up with early May, growers may be able to transition directly into another crop during ideal planting windows. Ongoing field trials will help determine whether canola could become a viable rotational option for the region.

Watch for:

How winter canola is performing in its first season in this Mississippi field

Why growers chose 30-inch rows for this trial

What the crop looks like as it moves from bolting into bloom

Fertility strategy, including nitrogen and sulfur applications

How canola harvest timing could enable double-cropping with soybeans or cotton

Upcoming trials comparing soybeans after canola vs. traditional planting

As more growers look for ways to maximize acres and diversify rotations, experiments like this help determine what new crops might fit into existing systems.