Northern Ontario farmers using research to enhance operations

Aug 29, 2016

Data collected at the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station

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

Some farmers in northern Ontario are using available data to make better use of their lands.

Mark Bolt turned part of his dairy farm into a commercial cash crop by planting 166 acres of winter rye, which will be transported to Canada Malt Company and Richardson Elevator.

Part of his reasoning for doing so is the research results from Tarlok Singh Sahota, the director of research, at the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station.

His research included experimenting with different crops that perform well in Thunder Bay’s short and unique growing season.

Tarlok Singh Sahota
Photo: Chronicle Journal

According to The Chronicle Journal, Sahota found that winter wheat, canola, alfalfa, winter rye and flax can handle Ontario’s north.

One dairy farmer planted corn and saw great results.

The Chronicle Journal reports that after feeding the cows corn for 10 days, the farmer noticed a three litre milk increase per cow, per day, as well as improved butter fat content from 3.9 per cent to 4.4 per cent.

Sahota said there are three distinct elements that affect crops: genetics, management and weather.

“You need a high quality of seed that is planted at the optimum time with the proper balance of fertilizers,” he told The Chronicle Journal. “Optimum plant population, or the right amount of seed will produce a healthy stand.”

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.