Kingston hosting Ecological Farmers Conference

Nov 29, 2016

Event takes place Nov. 30 to Dec. 2

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

More than 250 people are expected to attend the 3^rd Annual Ecological Farmers of Ontario Conference, taking place in Kingston, Ont. from Wednesday, Nov. 30 to Friday, Dec. 2.

The conference’s theme is building resilient and sustainable farms while facing climate change and other agricultural challenges.

Over the three-day conference, farmers can take advantage of more than 30 information sessions on a variety of topics, including field crops, low-till vegetables, mob grazing and local food infrastructure.

In addition to the information sessions, a number of guest speakers will be on hand to share their expertise and experiences with farmers.

Speakers include Bruno Fallodor, a biodynamic compost expert from New York, and Paula Anderson, a Peterborough-area farmer and professor with Trent University’s Indigenous Environmental Studies Program.

Anderson’s presentation will focus on the history of placing farming systems over food systems that First Nations people have cultivated.

Organizers say the event allows farmers to discuss a wide range of issues related to agriculture.

“This event brings farmers together to navigate tough questions and issues. Not only is it practical and cutting-edge farmer training, it also provides unique opportunities for community building and examination of issues facing the ecological agricultural movement across Ontario,” Angie Koch, board president of Ecological Farmers of Ontario, said on the organization’s website.

“These farmers encounter the effects of climate change every day, and are constantly engaged with the development of creative mitigation strategies to work towards a sustainable future.”

Farmers interested in attending the conference are required to register.

Video: Spring weed control in winter wheat with Broadway® Star (pyroxsulam + florasulam)

#CortevaTalks brings you a short update with Cereal Herbicides Category Manager, Alister McRobbie, on how to get the most out of Broadway® Star.

Significant populations of grassweeds, including ryegrass and brome, can threaten winter wheat yields. Spring applications of a contact graminicide, such as Broadway Star from Corteva Agriscience, can clear problem weeds, allowing crops to grow away in the spring.

Broadway Star (pyroxsulam + florasulam) controls ryegrass, sterile brome, wild oats and a range of broad-leaved weeds such as cleavers. It can be applied to winter wheat up until GS32, but the earlier the application is made, the smaller the weed, and the greater the benefit to the crop. Weeds should be actively growing. A good rule of thumb is that if your grass needs cutting, conditions are right to apply Broadway Star.