Ohio Expert To Discuss Soil Health And Water Quality

Apr 02, 2015

By Kirsten Workman

An Ohio State University (OSU) Extension specialist will help Vermont farmers unlock the secrets of soil health at a day-long event, April 21, in Addison County.

Jim Hoorman, who works with farmers in the areas of cover crops, no-till, manure management and water quality, will share strategies to improve soil structure, retain nutrients and increase crop yield on farm fields. The Soil Health Workshop and Field Day, co-sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension's Champlain Valley Crop Soil and Pasture Team and the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, also includes a visit to a local dairy farm.

The event is free for farmers and $30 for others. A hot lunch is included.

Registration is requested by April 17. To register go to www.regonline.com/soilhealth. Anyone requiring a disability-related accommodation to attend, should contact Kirsten Workman at (802) 388-4969, ext. 347, or (800) 956-1125 by April 14.

"Healthy soil retains water and is a key to the need to feed the world’s estimated 9 billion people by 2050" USDA NRCS

The day gets underway at 9 a.m. at the American Legion Hall in Vergennes. Hoorman will discuss the biology of soil compaction, the economics of cover crops and weed suppression and cover cropping as a means of keeping nutrients on fields and out of surface water. In addition to his work with OSU Extension, Hoorman conducts cover crop research trials on his 40-acre farm in northwestern Ohio.

Following lunch, participants will travel to Nea-Tocht Farm in Ferrisburgh to hear from the Vander Wey family about how they manage their fields to avoid soil compaction, use cover cropping and other soil health practices.

For more information, call (802) 388-4969 or e-mail champlain.crops@uvm.edu.

Source: uvm.edu

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.