Category Archives: Industrial Hemp

Full Moon and Frost Risk – Is There Really a Connection?

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Sean Westerveld

It is May, the time of year when growers constantly watch the weather because the risk of frost is high. Many growers and gardeners consider the May full moon as an important factor for determining when the last frost of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ginseng, Ginseng Production, Herbs, Hops, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Climate Change in Southern Ontario – Potential Impacts for Specialty Crops

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Sean Westerveld

When most people think about climate change, an image of excessive heat and drought comes to mind. In Canada, we may also think about warmer winters and reduced snowfall (this winter excluded). There is also the impression that weather conditions … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Herbs, Hops, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato, Tree Nuts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Summer Student Jobs Available at OMAFA Simcoe (Norfolk County)

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Sean Westerveld

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness – Agriculture Development Branch in Simcoe, Ontario (Norfolk County) is seeking highly motivated, enthusiastic and energetic team players. These positions will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Ginseng Other, Herbs, Hops, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

OMAFRA Job Opportunities: Student- Summer Research Assistant (Horticulture)

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Sean Westerveld

There are a number of summer student positions available in horticulture with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, including several in specialty crops. See below for the full details. Organization: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Herbs, Hops, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resistant Weed Testing is Available for the 2023 Field Season

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Sean Westerveld

By: Kristen Obeid, OMAFRA Weed Management Specialist Resistant weeds are becoming the new norm in weed management for many Ontario farmers.  This is a reminder that genomic resistant weed testing will be available again at no cost to the grower … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Culinary, Ginseng, Ginseng Pest Management, Herbs, Hops, Hops Pest Management, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetable Pest Management, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Pest Management | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tank Mixing Update – Implications for Users of Pest Control Products

Posted on April 13, 2023 by Sean Westerveld

By: J. Mosiondz (OMAFRA) with input from J. Deveau (OMAFRA) Tank mixing, a practice commonly performed by growers across the agricultural spectrum, is an important practice used to reduce the number of sprayer passes per season, prevent resistance development, and … Continue reading →

Posted in All Specialty Crops, Culinary, Ginseng, Ginseng Pest Management, Haskap, Herbs, Hops, Hops Pest Management, Industrial and Misc. Crops, Industrial Hemp, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Grains, Specialty Vegetable Pest Management, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Pest Management, Tree Nuts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment