Specialty Crop Content at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, February 21 and 22, 2024

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Sean Westerveld

As Canada’s Premier Horticultural Event, the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC) provides an excellent learning and networking opportunity for both new and established specialty crop growers. The convention will be held February 21 and 22 at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. It provides numerous concurrent educational programs on a wide range of crop-specific and general topics as well as a large trade show of agricultural service and product suppliers (e.g., financial resources, equipment, supplies, pest control products, fertilizers etc.). There is also a Farmers and Friends networking event at 5:00 pm on February 21.

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Posted in All Specialty Crops, Ginseng, Herbs, Hops, Lavender, Specialty Fruit and Nuts, Specialty Vegetables, Tree Nuts | 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
Division/Branch:Agricultural Development Branch
Position Title:Student- Agriculture Development (Horticulture Jobs)
Job Term:20 Temporary (ranging from 6 – 18 weeks between May and September)
Location: Guelph, Harrow, Ridgetown, Simcoe, Vineland
Salary:$17.40 Per Hour

Click here for the job posting: Ontario Public Service Careers – Job Preview (gov.on.ca)

Are you a student or recent graduate looking for an opportunity to build your career over the summer? Are you passionate about making a difference? The Summer Employment Opportunities program provides opportunities to obtain valuable work experience, gain transferable skills, and build professional networks.

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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

New OMAFRA Vegetable Crop Production Guide (Pub 839) – Includes new and expanded content for specialty crops!

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Evan Elford

OMAFRA’s new Vegetable Crop Production Guide (Pub 839) is now available. This edition has updated and expanded specialty vegetable content including Herbs, Specialty Brassicas, Specialty Vegetables, and Sweet Potatoes. Follow the link below to OMAFRA’s ONVegetables Blog and download your free e-copy or learn how to purchase a hardcopy.

New Vegetable Crop Production Guide – Publication 839
Posted in All Specialty Crops, Herbs, Specialty Vegetables, Sweet Potato, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Ginseng Pesticide and Research Prioritization Meeting Friday Dec. 1, 2023

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Sean Westerveld

The Ginseng Pesticide and Research Prioritization Meeting will be held in person at the Simcoe Research Station on Friday, December 1. This is an opportunity to discuss the production issues over the past year, establish research priorities for the coming year and to prioritize products for the minor use system. An update will be provided on products currently in the minor use system and any research applicable to the discussion.

Please note, we recognize that some growers are still busy at that time of year, but this is the latest the meeting can be held to meet the deadlines of the minor use system.

When: Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where: Simcoe Research Station Auditorium

Note: Refreshments will be provided but there will be no breakfast or lunch served

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Register Now – Lavender Plant Health Workshop – September 23, 2023

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Sean Westerveld

Registration is now OPEN for a special in-person Lavender Health Seminar and Q&A Education Event on September 23, 2023 from 10am-3pm We would love for you to join us!

Please find the information about the event, the registration form, and payment information below. If you have any questions or run into any issues trying to register, please contact the Ontario Lavender Association at ontariolavenderassociation@gmail.com.

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Posted in Herbs, Lavender | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ginseng Crop Update – Phytophthora and Weed Management – August 30, 2023

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Sean Westerveld

Due to the heavy rains, especially in the northern and western portions of the ginseng-growing region, Phytophthora is the biggest issue in ginseng now. Most other pest issues have been relatively minor or highly localized this year. Now is also a good time to remind growers of some problem weeds to look out for.

How Wet Has It Been?

Much of the ginseng growing area is in the Exceptionally High 95th to 100th percentile above normal for precipitation over the past 60 days (Figure 1). Much of Norfolk is in the lower end of this range, but the Strathroy area, Oxford County and the extreme north and south of the area have had higher amounts. This equates to over 300 mm of rain in these areas, with the bulk of that occurring in July into early August. That is roughly double normal rainfall for this period. Even more problematic than the total rainfall for disease management is that the rain came in many separate events.

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Posted in Ginseng, Ginseng Pest Management | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment