How Ontario grain farmers are planning now for the future

(NC) The crops grain farmers grow cover more than six million acres of land in Ontario. They generate over $4.7 billion in production value and contribute more than $27 billion in economic output. They’re responsible for more than 90,000 jobs.

Underpinning it all is a thorough understanding and commitment to tomorrow’s food needs; there’s a lot riding on grain farmers’ leadership in technology uptake and production.

New technology

Grain farmers are huge supporters of research and innovation. Farmers serve as partners in setting research priorities and policy making, identifying desirable traits for new grain varieties and participating in field trials. By the time a new variety checks all the regulatory boxes and enters the marketplace, it’s immediately ready to become part of a farmer’s toolbox.

All this makes farming one of society’s most practical, efficient and effective technology developers and adopters.

“Grain farmers understand the impact of research, technology and policy decisions on sustainability and strong communities,” said Jeff Harrison, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario, a commodity organization representing 28,000 members across the province. Since its inception in 2010, the organization has invested over $25 million in research into soil health, nutrient management, biodiversity and water protection.

Technology is on clear display through recent developments you’ll see on grain farms:

• Drones save fuel, improve crop protection coverage and help avoid soil compaction caused by heavy farm vehicles.
• GPS-assisted planting helps farmers space crops optimally, even on rough terrain and uneven ground.
• Remote sensors can help farmers monitor the moisture, temperature and other factors in their fields, in real time.

Field-tested techniques

Sustainability shows up in everyday decisions:?how grain farmers use fertilizer, how they protect soil, how they monitor crop health and how they “rotate” planting grain crops like corn, soybeans and wheat from field to field each year. Crop rotation helps build healthy, productive soil, reduces pest and disease pressures naturally, and gives farmers flexibility to respond to weather and market opportunities.

These techniques, and the research behind them have helped Ontario’s grain sector grow, to where it now contributes $2.3 billion to the provincial economy every year.

Learn more about Ontario grains at goodineverygrain.ca.