As we wrap up summer and make our way into the fall, we’d like to thank the volunteers and the hard work they put into local fall fairs (including Massey, celebrating its 117th year, Providence Bay, celebrating its 141st year, and Manitowaning, celebrating its 148th year). Local agricultural societies and fall fairs serve as an important social event for the Island and celebrate the history of local agriculture, helping educate the public on how and why we farm.
Fall also means harvest, with many local farmers back on the roads and in the fields. You may see equipment like combines, which harvest crops like grain, grain carts, which move the harvested grain from the combine for transport or storage and plows/tillers, which are preparing the soil for next spring. Farm equipment moves slowly on the road, so please be aware, exercise caution and only pass when safe. We appreciate your patience!
Some farmers may also be applying manure or other fertilizer to make sure that fields have enough nutrients to grow healthy crops next year. The 4R Nutrient Management Program is used in Ontario, which stands for the Right Source (right nutrient for the crop), Right Rate (correct amount of nutrients), Right Time (application during the appropriate growth stage) and Right Place (in the most accessible place). This ensures that we limit runoff, use the fertilizer most effectively, enhance soil health and comply with regulatory requirements and standards. Some farmers may also be planting cover crops, including oats, red clover and rye. Cover crops have many benefits, including reducing erosion, adding organic matter, better managing nutrients, suppressing weeds, managing moisture, pests and diseases and sequestering carbon. They can be challenging to use in Northern Ontario since we have a shorter growing season, but they are becoming more common.
You may have also spotted Sandhill cranes in some fields. These cranes, along with other wildlife including deer, bears and geese, cause quite a bit of damage in fields and result in substantial crop loss. While farmers can use some deterrents (like bird bangers, scarecrows and decoy crops) against Sandhill cranes, we still have very little effective ways to deter the cranes from destroying freshly planted and harvested crops. This is an issue that the OFA continues to lobby on behalf of its members across the province.
Don’t forget! The Manitoulin/North-Shore Federation of Agriculture is holding their Annual General Meeting on September 27 in Mindemoya at Freshwater Church at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6 pm.
