Making Progress to Protect Farmland

Nov 12, 2024

For many, November is a time for reflection on all that has happened over the year. This can certainly be said for the Ontario Farmland Trust, as we reflect on the amazing progress that we have made to protect Ontario farmland. OFT has been working with farmers across southern Ontario – from Bruce County to Frontenac County – to protect their farmland with conservation easement agreements.

Here are just a few example:

Bruce County – We finalized the donation of a 37-acre farm to OFT in the Tiverton area! This farm consists of pastureland, hay fields, mature trees, a river, a stream, and a farmhouse and outbuildings. It is home to Barn Swallows, Monarch butterflies, and Butternut trees. This truly generous donation will allow OFT to offer alternative ways into farming to local new, young, and equity-deserving farmers, which is new and exciting for both the community and OFT!

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Video: Dr. Fei Yang Discusses Corn Rootworm, European Corn Borer, and Pest Monitoring

What insect threats are Minnesota corn growers facing, and what research is helping farmers stay ahead of them?

At the 2026 MN Ag Expo, University of Minnesota entomologist Fei Yang shared updates on three Minnesota Corn-supported research projects focused on insect monitoring, seed treatments, and pest resistance.

Current work includes statewide monitoring programs that use pheromone, light, and sticky traps to track key pests such as black cutworm, true armyworm, corn earworm, European corn borer, and corn rootworm. Researchers are also evaluating whether high-rate seed treatments provide effective corn rootworm control and studying the development of resistance in European corn borer populations to Bt corn traits.

These projects help researchers better understand pest pressures across Minnesota and provide farmers with practical information to support informed management decisions.