Essex SCIA AGM
2023-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
The Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association Annual General Meeting
Where: St. John’s Parish Hall, Woodslee
When: Thursday, December 7st, 2023

Preregistration Required: MDick@erca.org or 519 259 1461
Time: Registration/payment – 8:30 am. Meeting starting – 9:00 am
Admission: $50.00 (includes lunch & 2024 ESCIA membership) Cash or cheque at the door please
For further details, please contact Michael Dick at MDick@erca.org.

Agenda:
Winter Canola Works
Dr. Eric Page, AAFC
**********
Unlocking Soils Hidden Potential
Michael Stangle
*************
Conservation Farm Award Recipient – 2023

Chatham-Kent SCIA 2024 AGM
2024-01-25 17:00 - 21:00 | Links of Kent Golf Club, 120 Indian Creek Rd. W, Chatham, ON, N7M 2E2, Canada
The 2024 Chatham-Kent Soil & Crop Improvement Association Annual Meeting will be hosted the evening of January 25th from 5:00pm – 9:00pm at the Links of Kent Golf Course and you’re invited! Additional details about the event and speakers can be found in the attached pdf. Please RSVP if you plan on attending!
Speakers:

Andres Hurtado: Terra Nova UAV – Drones in Agriculture
Danny Jefferies: Soil Health Assessment Protocol (SHAP)
Colin Elgie: Long Term P & K Fertility Trial Results
Joanne Sanders: 2024 OSCIA Funding Programs

Registration Details:

$40.00/attendee – Includes catered buffet dinner. Paid via cash or cheque at the door.
Cash bar.
Email Colin Little to RSVP:littlecolin3@gmail.com. You must RSVP by January 12th.

Venue: Links of Kent Golf Club & Event Centre
120 Indian Creek Rd. W, Chatham, ON, N7M 2E2

OSCIA 2-Day AGM & SPRAYSMART Deep Dive
2024-02-06 - 2024-02-07 | Elora Grand Way Events Centre, 7445 Wellington County Rd 21, Centre Wellington, Ontario, N0B 1S0, Canada
For the agenda click here
Thank you for your interest in the AGM and Spray Smart Deep Dive. The registration period is now closed. Check-in for the AGM will begin at 12:00pm on February 6th. Check-in for Spray Smart Deep Dive will begin at 8:00am on February 7th. Don’t forget to bring a 500mL water sample to receive free water quality testing at Spray Smart Deep Dive!

2024 ONFARM Research Forum (Virtual)
2024-02-08 09:00 - 12:00 | ON
The Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) looks forward to welcoming you to the 2024 On-Farm Applied Research and Monitoring (ONFARM) Forum!
Since 2019, the ONFARM program has completed extensive soil health and water quality analysis on farms across Ontario to build a stronger understanding of beneficial management practices (BMPs) and their effect on soil health and water quality. Originally a four-year program, ONFARM has recently been renewed until 2028!
Join us on February 8th to reflect on what we’ve learned so far, and to look forward to the exciting research priorities that the next phase of the program has in store.
OSCIA is pleased to share that the keynote presentation will be delivered by Dr. Adrian Correndo, Assistant Professor and the Research Chair for the Pick Family Chair in Sustainable Cropping Systems in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph.
CEU Credits Available:

1.5 Soil & Water Management
1 Crop Management

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdeisrDsuG9HK3ODeIjfwbcmNO_8rm7ky#/registration
Click here to review the Forum Information Package including the agenda and speaker biographies.

Time
Activity

9:00 am

Welcome & setting the stage
Speakers:
• Wilton Consulting Group (WCG)
• Dr. Angela Straathof, Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association
• Cale Selby, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)

9:25 am

How BMPs improve aggregate stability & Slake Test app demo
Speaker:
• Elizabeth (Liz) Rieke, Soil Health Institute
Linking soil health and water runoff: insights from monitoring agricultural best practices
Speakers:
• Donna Small, Lower Thames River Conservation Authority
• Mari Veliz, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
• Tatianna Lozier, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

10:25 am
Break

10:40 am

Panel: Managing the limiting factor of water in crop production
Moderator:
• Norm Lamothe, Woodleigh Farms and ONFARM
Panelists:
• Dan Saurette, OMAFRA
• Kevin McKague, OMAFRA
• Marty Vermey, Grain Farmers of Ontario
• Ted Taylor, Soil Resource Group

11:10 am

Keynote Presentation: Practical tools to share agricultural research data and results
Dr. Adrian Correndo, University of Guelph
Dr. Correndo will explore some interactive and open-access tools to improve the accessibility of data and results in agriculture, including tools he developed while at Kansas State University. Dr. Correndo will also present some potential tools to be developed at the University of Guelph to enhance knowledge mobilization and open data sharing, which aligns with the core objectives of ONFARM.

11:50 am

Closing Remarks
Speaker:
• Gord Speksnijder, OSCIA

This program is funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Profitable Pastures: Getting Started on Rotational Grazing (Virtual)
2024-03-05 20:00 - 21:00 | ON
Registration is now open for the 2024 Profitable Pastures webinar series! The Ontario Forage Network has three excellent speakers lined up to help you get the most out of your pasture. This year’s webinars will take place from 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm Eastern time on March 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Getting Started on Rotational Grazing with Joe Dickenson
There is a lot of emphasis on rotational grazing right now. Everyone is talking about the environmental and production benefits that rotational grazing can bring to a farm. While conversations are ongoing around how to improve an existing rotational system, it can be hard to find information on how to start. Joe’s talk aims to address that gap.
For more information or to register, visit https://onforagenetwork.ca/ontario-forage-council/profitable-pastures/
Note: These sessions must be attended live in order to qualify as a Knowledge Sharing Event. A recording of the session does not qualify.

Profitable Pastures: Predicting Cattle Performance from Grazed Pasture (Virtual)
2024-03-06 20:00 - 21:00 | ON
Registration is now open for the 2024 Profitable Pastures webinar series! The Ontario Forage Network has three excellent speakers lined up to help you get the most out of your pasture. This year’s webinars will take place from 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm Eastern time on March 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Wednesday, March 6th:
Predicting Cattle Performance from Grazed Pasture with James Byrne
Learn how pasture stage of growth effects cattle performance. Learn how to predict cattle performance from stage of growth and how to manage pastures to deliver your ideal cattle performance.
For more information or to register, visit https://onforagenetwork.ca/ontario-forage-council/profitable-pastures/
Note: These sessions must be attended live in order to qualify as a Knowledge Sharing Event. A recording of the session does not qualify.

Profitable Pastures: The Best Money Spent on the Ranch (Virtual)
2024-03-07 20:00 - 21:00 | ON
Profitable Pastures: The Best Money Spent on the Ranch (Virtual)

Registration is now open for the 2024 Profitable Pastures webinar series! The Ontario Forage Network has three excellent speakers lined up to help you get the most out of your pasture. This year’s webinars will take place from 8:00 pm until 9:00 pm Eastern time on March 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
The Best Money Spent on the Ranch with Dallas Mount
There is a never-ending list of improvements to make to any farm/ranch. How do we as business leaders identify the things that will bring us the best return over time? Dallas will share some Ranching for Profit Principles on how to identify these things and practical ways to evaluate infrastructure improvement.
Professional Development CEU available. Note: While the Profitable Pastures sessions on March 5 and 6 are KSEs, this session is NOT a KSE.
For more information or to register, visit https://onforagenetwork.ca/ontario-forage-council/profitable-pastures/

2024 Dundas SCIA Seed, Forage and Agricultural Show
2024-03-08 10:00 - 16:00 | ON

Optimizing Nitrogen Efficiency in Dairy Systems
2024-07-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Harrcroft Acres Ltd., 7812 Side Road 5, Alma, ON, Ontario, N0B 1A0, Canada
Join OSCIA, Soils at Guelph and the County of Wellington for a drop-in event on July 18 to learn more about the research underway at Harrcroft Acres Ltd. through the Living Lab – Ontario project.
Janet Harrop, dairy farmer and living lab cooperator, is collaborating with Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle from the University of Guelph to conduct innovative research at the field scale. The research focuses on finding ways to enhance nitrogen efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions using 4R best management practices, including nitrogen stabilizers and different application methods of liquid dairy manure.
Registration is required. Please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/optimizing-nitrogen-efficiency-a-systems-approach-to-dairy-production-tickets-927491882187 to register.
Registrants are encouraged to drop in for presentations starting at 6:30 pm or 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
Living Lab – Ontario is a five-year innovation project that brings together farmers, organizations, researchers, and other experts to co-develop, test, and evaluate beneficial management practices (BMPs) that address climate change challenges in livestock and cropping systems.
For more information, please contact livinglab@ontariosoilcrop.org.

Funding for the project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program (ACS-CA-15) and by the following partners: Beef Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Pork and Ontario Sheep Farmers. The project is coordinated by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.

OSCIA Summer Event: Share the Wisdom Farm Day & Bus Tour
2024-08-16 - 2024-08-17 | ON
Looking for a fun-filled learning event this summer? Get ready for the annual OSCIA Summer Event! This year’s event will take place in the Ottawa Rideau region.

Friday, August 16th – OSCIA Share the Wisdom & LCFA Taste of Success
This exciting learning day will be hosted at Leacock Farms (220 Leacock Rd, Jasper, ON, K0G 1G0). There will be lots of learning opportunities, including an informative panel on cover crops featuring local farmers and experts and a spray clinic. Don’t miss the Leeds County Federation of Agriculture’s Taste of Success lunch – you’ll enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch while celebrating LCFA’s award winners. With an equipment display and booths, kids zone and plenty of opportunities for networking, this event will be fun for the whole family!
Tickets are $25 per person. Children under 12 are free.

Click on photo to enlarge.
Note: The Cover Crop Panel (see agenda) is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Events (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) applications in the Cover Cropping category
Saturday, August 17th – Bus Tour
Join OSCIA the following day for a bus tour highlighting local farms and businesses in the Ottawa Rideau region, including Burnbrae Farms and Canadian Wollastonite. The bus tour will depart from and return to The Pier Church, 806 Chelsea St, Brockville, ON K6V 5T4.
Registration for the bus tour will open at 8:30 AM. The bus will depart The Pier Church parking lot at 9:00 AM, and return no later than 5:00 PM.
A packed lunch and snacks will be included.
Tickets are $30 per person.

Click on photo to enlarge.
Pre-registration is required for both events.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. OSCIA would love to have your business or organization join the festivities! For more information on sponsorship and equipment display opportunities, please contact Eleanor Renaud – erenaud@ontariosoilcrop.org or 613-213-2130.

OSCIA at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show
2024-09-10 - 2024-09-12 | ON
OSCIA is pleased to provide our members with FREE BREAKFAST again this year, courtesy of Sylvite Agri-Services and Farm Credit Canada.

Join us September 10-12 at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, in Woodstock, ON. Breakfast (peameal bacon on a bun, juice and coﬀee) is being oﬀered to current members from 8:30 – 10:30 AM daily in the OSCIA/OMAFA tent on 6th Lane South.

Please note that this invitation does not include admission to the show.

Check out the cover crop plots, soil pit and much more at the OSCIA/OMAFA site. Stop by and have a chat with OMAFA Field Crops Staff, members of the OSCIA Research and Knowledge Transfer team, and OSCIA Client Services Representatives about current farm incentive programs.

Senator Rob Black will be joining us daily to speak on the Senate of Canada’s report on soil health, “Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health.”

Meet the Senator Tuesday at 1 PM and Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 AM and 1 PM.

For tickets and more information, please click here.

Organic Amendments and Cover Cropping Webinar
2024-09-23 18:00 - 19:30 | ON
This webinar and the following submission of field surface photos to AAFC’s Residue Measurement Survey are an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Nitrogen Management and Cover Cropping categories.
Join OSCIA for an informative webinar on Organic Amendment Management and Cover Crops.
First, we’ll be hearing from Kevin Eisses about his organic amendment and cover cropping practices. Kevin operates Hewitt Creek Farms Ltd. in Innisfil and builds on a family tradition of dedication to soil health. In 2004 Kevin purchased a compost turner to help fine-tune his anaerobic composting process. As his operation has grown he has had to source municipal compost on top of his on-farm compost. Kevin is an ONFARM cooperator and his trial compares the use of organic amendment (solid municipal green bin compost) and multi-species cover crops.
Then we’ll hear from Janet Harrop who operates Harrcroft Acres alongside her husband, Ian, and family. With the help of their kids, the Harrop’s manage over 100 head dairy farm and 700 acres where they grow corn, wheat, soybeans, and hay for their cows’ feed. Janet is passionate about family, animal welfare, farming, and building a sustainable future through the decisions she makes right on her farm. She is a leader, taking on a Living Lab research trial in her backyard where she works alongside Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle to study the impact of nutrient management practices on greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, we will be hearing from Sam Schultz (AAFC) about the uses of satellite imagery in agriculture! She will also cover how to use AAFC’s Residue Measurement Survey where farmers can submit photos of their field surface to help improve interpretation of satellite imagery.
Every submission to AAFC’s Residue Survey, enters you in a chance to win one of ten $250 Visa Gift Cards!
Please note, to qualify as a KSE, farmers must attend this webinar AND make 1 submission (of 3 field surface photos) to AAFC’s Residue Measurement Survey. Instructions on how to use the survey will be given during the webinar and emailed to attendees following the webinar.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email research@ontariosoilcrop.org.
Register (free) HERE.

Sudbury SCIA AGM
2025-01-02 13:00 - 16:00 | Valley Growers, 2960 Martin Road, Blezard Valley (Greater Sudbury), Ontario, Canada
Please join us at the Sudbury SCIA AGM.
When: January 2nd 2025
Where: 2960 Martin Rd., Blezard Valley, Ontario – (Valley Growers)
Time: 1pm

Please contact Justin Gaudot (705-677-4817) if you have any questions.

Lambton SCIA AGM
2025-01-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Brooke-Alvinston Community Centre, ON, Canada
2025 LAMBTON SOIL & CROP
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
PREPARING FOR SPRING 2025
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10TH @ 9AM
BROOKE ALVINSTON INWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE
3310 Walnut St, Alvinston

WINTER CANOLA OPPORTUNITIES AND WATCH OUTS – BRIAN CALDBECK (CALDBECK CONSULTING)
OSCIA REGIONAL UPDATE
GRAIN MARKET UPDATE – DON KABBES (GREAT LAKES GRAIN)
TARSPOT UPDATE & MANAGEMENT – RICH ANDERSON (BASF)
RESISTANT WEEDS & SOY TECHNOLOGIES – RYAN BENJAMINS (BENJAMINS AGRONOMY)

HOT MEAL SERVED (BURNS RESTAURANT)
$15 FOR SOIL AND CROP MEMBERS, $20 FOR NON-MEMBERS

For more information contact: Jill Ball (jillb@wansteadfarmerscoop.com 519-464-8977) or Mike McGee (mjmcgee.mcgee@gmail.com 519-436-8327)
PLEASE THANK & SUPPORT OUR EVENT SPONSORS

SSCIA AGM and Tour
2025-01-13 10:00 - 15:30 | Bourdon Feed & Grain Inc., 18408 Kenyon Concession 15, Maxville, ON, K0c 1T0, Canada
ANNUAL MEETING
January 13, 2025
AGENDA (Subject to minor changes)
10:00 AM
Bourdon Feed & Grain Inc.
(Wear Steel-toed footware)
18408 Kenyon Concession 15, Maxville
to view their facilities comprised for Feed, Grain, Poultry
Lunch (noon) and Meeting (1pm) at Moose Creek Community Centre (Boardroom)
1 Munro St. Moose Creek
The following items will be covered:
2023 Annual Minutes
2024 Treasurer’s Report (Seed Show & S&C)
President’s Report
Seed Show Report
Eastern Ontario Valley SCIA Report
Ontario SCIA Report
Ottawa Valley Seed Show Report
Stormont Forage Masters Results
Corn High Yield Results
OSCIA AGM Delegate(s)
Tar Spots
Grain Bin Rescue Video
EFP Update
ELECTIONS
10-16 members are needed for directors/executive positions.
The organization is only as good as is the interest of Stormont Farmers!
A short Directors’ meeting will follow the AGM.
Delegates for OSCIA Annual Meeting Feb 4-5, (www.ontariosoilcrop.org for details)
$40/1yr, $75(Bus)Memberships will be collected.
New members most welcome.

Ottawa-Carleton SCIA AGM
2025-01-16 09:00 - 14:00 | Stittsville Legion, 1481 Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville, ON, Canada
Join the Ottawa-Carleton SCIA AGM! View the agenda below of the event:

10:30– Laura Scott – OMAFRA Update & N Trial Presentation (KSE) (This workshop qualifies for a Nitrogen Management KSE)
11:10 Laura Neil, Reuben Stone & Chris Moore – The Many Cover Crop Opportunities! (This workshop qualifies for a Cover Cropping and Rotational Grazing KSE)

When? January 16, 9:15 am to 2:00 pm

Where? Stittsville Legion Brach 618, (1481 Stittsville Main St, Ottawa, ON)
Registration: $25/plate for hot lunch, registration is at the door
Ottawa-Carleton SCIA AGM is an OSCIA recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Nitrogen Management, Cover Cropping and Rotational Grazing category

Haldimand & Niagara Soil & Crop Associations
2025-01-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre, 275 Ramsey Drive NULL, Dunnville, 9
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025
Dunnville Community Life Span Centre
9 am – 2 pm

• Updates from the Provincial Association & Cost Share Opportunities
• Presentations from Syngenta on Tar Spot & from OMAF on the
Details of Growing Canola
• Followed By Q & A Session with the Agronomists
from Your Local Retailers

Catered Lunch Provided
Members: $25 Non-Members: $30
For more information or to submit a question for the panel,
please contact:
scia-niagara@ontariosoilcrop.org or kcagsolutions@gmail.com

Halton & Peel AGM
2025-01-22 09:00 - 14:00 | Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremaine Rd, Milton, ON, Canada
January 22nd Halton & Peel AGMs @ Niagara Room, Country Heritage Park 9 am to 2 pm

Featured Speaker: Ken Martin-Value Proposition for Crop Data Management Programs

Cost $20
Pre-register by January 15th to Cecil Patterson 905-691-7142 or cpatterson@live.ca

Huron County AGM
2025-01-22 17:00 - 22:00 | Brussels Legion, 620 Turnberry Street NULL, Brussels, Ontario, N0G1H0, Canada

Hamilton-Wentworth SCIA AGM
2025-01-30 | Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd S NULL, Jerseyville, 9, Canada
The Hamilton Wentworth SCIA AGM will be held Thursday January 30th at the Ancaster Fairgrounds.
Topics in the lineup include: Farmer wellness, soil health testing and OMAFRA Specialists Joanna Follings talking about the YEN wheat project and Meghan Moran talking about winter canola.
Full agenda will be coming soon!

Norfolk SCIA 84th Annual Banquet & Meeting
2025-01-30 17:00 - 21:00 | Delhi German Hall, ON, Canada
Norfolk Soil & Crop Improvement Association
84th Annual Banquet & Meeting
Thursday January 30, 2025
Delhi German Hall
5-6pm Exhibits and Social 6pm Dinner and Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Ali Dehghantanha “Securing the Harvest – Practical Cybersecurity for Small Ag-Food Operators”
For tickets and memberships contact Tracey 519-532-2959 or tkcourt@execulink.com

Brant AGM
2025-01-31 09:15 - 15:00 | Burford Ag Hall, 6 Park Ave, Burford, ON, Canada
January 31st Brant AGM @ Burford Ag Hall Doors Open 8:30 am, Meeting starting at 9:15 am

Cost included in Brant SCIA membership for 1 representative, $20 for non-members

OSCIA Annual General Meeting and MicroSmart Deep Dive
2025-02-04 - 2025-02-05 | Kingston Market Square Hotel, 285 King Street East, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3B1, Canada
Join OSCIA for the 2025 Annual General Meeting and MicroSmart Deep Dive, an exciting learning day on the topic of soil micronutrients. This two-day event draws farmers and agricultural professionals from across Ontario for industry updates and practical science-based learning. All are welcome!
Both events will take place in downtown Kingston at the Kingston Marriott (285 King Street East, Kingston, ON K7L 3B1).
You’re invited to have your say as a member and get the latest OSCIA updates at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. The AGM is an opportunity for OSCIA members from across the province to meet up and connect. The excitement doesn’t end there; dive into the world of soil micronutrients at our Deep Dive learning event on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025.
To view the agenda for both events, please click here. The program may be subject to change, please stay tuned for more details.
Registration
Annual General Meeting – $75 per person.
Hear the latest OSCIA updates and exciting learning sessions, including Keynote Speaker Dr. Luke Gatiboni from NC State University and a panel of local farmers who have made no-till work for their operations.
Registration includes a delicious lunch, dinner and snack breaks. Registration does not include hotel parking or accommodations.
MicroSmart Deep Dive
OSCIA Members – $125 per person
Non-members – $175 per person, includes a one-year OSCIA membership.
Gain practical insights into the role that micronutrients play in soil health with our line up of expert guest speakers. Get access to our tradeshow featuring innovative agricultural vendors and organizations.
Registration includes a delicious lunch and snack breaks. Registration does not include hotel parking or accommodations.
Pre-registration is required. Tickets for the events can be purchased individually.
Venue & Accommodations
OSCIA AGM & Deep Dive Participants can book guest rooms directly with the Kingston Marriott Hotel for a group rate of $209.00 per night. Click here to book.
The group rate is available until January 9, 2025. Additional $30 per night for parking in underground garage.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please email communications@ontariosoilcrop.org for more information.

2025 ONFARM Forum
2025-02-06 09:00 - 12:00 | ON
Join us virtually on February 6, 2025 between 9AM-12PM for our Annual ONFARM Research Forum!
Since 2019, the ONFARM program has completed extensive soil health and water quality analysis on farms across Ontario to build a stronger understanding of best management practices (BMPs) and their effect on soil health and water quality. Originally a four-year program, ONFARM was renewed until 2028.
During the Forum, we will explore:

The effects of organic amendment applications and cover crops on yields, soil health, and water quality
How to interpret carbon and nitrogen soil health indicators, and which ones are most helpful for tracking improvements in soil health
The impacts of cover crops on runoff generation and water quality
Water quality and soil health opportunities and challenges in Ontario

Please register for the Forum here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdeisrDsuG9HK3ODeIjfwbcmNO_8rm7ky#/registration
Please check back in mid-January for more information on our sessions and our speakers.
ONFARM is currently funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Developed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), ONFARM monitors soil health and water quality on working farms across the province, examining the effectiveness of different agricultural BMPs.
This event will be an Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) in the category of cover cropping. We will apply for Continuing Education Credits (CEU) for Certified Crop Advisors.

Time
Activity

9:00 am

Welcome & setting the stage
Speakers:

Wilton Consulting Group (WCG)
Dr. Angela Straathof, Ontario Soil & Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)

9:25 am

Challenges and opportunities with ag research in Northern Ontario
Speakers:

Leia Weaver, Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance
Birgit Martin, OSCIA

9:40 am

Digging into carbon and nitrogen soil health indicators
Speaker:

Adam Hayes, Soil Resource Group

10:00 am

The effects of best management practices on yields and soil health
Speakers:

Caleb Niemeyer, Woodrill Farms and the University of Guelph
Margaret Ribey, Soil Resource Group
Luke Hannam, ONFARM cooperator

10:45 am
Break

11:00 am

The impacts of cover crops on runoff generation and water quality
Speakers:

Donna Small, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
Beth Wrona, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
Mari Veliz, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

11:30 am

How to incorporate cover crops throughout a rotation
Speakers:

Sarah Midlane-Jones
Jennifer Nash, OSCIA

11:50 am

Closing remarks
Speaker:

Birgit Martin, OSCIA

MSCIA Crops Update and Annual Meeting
2025-02-25 08:00 - 15:00 | Caradoc Community Centre, Mt Brydges, ON, Canada
A G E N D A
Winter Crops Update and MSCIA AGM
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 9:00am-3:00pm
Caradoc Community Centre, Mt. Brydges
9:15-10:15 Canola Panel – Meghan Moran OMAFA, Alex Zelem C&M Seeds
10:15-10:35 UTRCA Cover Crops and Water Quality – Chris Van Esbroeck
KSE Credit
10:35-10:40 COFFEE BREAK
10:45-10:50 OSCIA Programs Update – Margaret May
10:50-11:50 Biostimulant/Biological Discussion – Tuesday Kristiansen Corteva
– Greg Stewart Syngenta
11:50-12:00 Annual General Meeting
12:00-1:00 LUNCH – Huron Shores Catering
1:00-1:45 Grain Market Insights – Matthew Pot Grain Perspectives
1:45-2:10 Crop Projects – Ben Rosser OMAFA
2:10-3:00 Q&A – Peter Johnson Real Agriculture

Algoma Lunch and Learn, Plus Annual Meeting
2025-03-01 12:00 - 15:00 | ON
Saturday March 1 12:00- 3:00

9180 Hwy. 17 East, Bruce Mines ON

Lunch By Harvest Algoma, Sponsored by Algoma Retail Cooperative

Agenda: Lunch 12:00

Reports and Updates 12:30 – 1:00

Guest Speaker 1:00 – 2:30 Anita O’Brien OMAFRA Sheep and Goat Specialist. Advanced Grazing Management for Ruminants.

2:30 – wrap up and elections.

RSVP to Dave Trivers (705) 989-9683 or drtrivers@gmail.com

The learning event is open to all. If you would like to join the ASCIA Membership is $30 per year you can pay membership at the meeting or online on the OSCIA Portal.

Ottawa Carleton SCIA Annual Seed Show
2025-03-07 08:30 - 12:00 | North Gower Community Centre, 2330 Community Way, North Gower, Canada
The Ottawa Carleton SCIA annual seed show is being held Friday March 7th at the North Gower community center. All are welcome to attend! Please find the attached poster for details. Reminder: If you have not yet renewed your membership, please renew online or in person at the seed show. You must be an active member to submit entries for the seed show. Entries can be sent to julia@sullivanagro.ca ahead of time, Name/Farm name and Class number.

Soil Connections at Springfield Farm
2025-06-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Springfield Farm, 18709 County Rd 25, Apple Hill, ON, K0C 1B0, Canada
EFAO is thrilled to partner on the Glengarry Soil & Crop Annual Open House at Springfield Farm. Drop by for a field walk and learn about soil health on the farm, talk about techniques like cover cropping to promote healthy growing conditions, hear from guest speakers and learn how the Glengarry Soil & Crop Association can be a support for your farm. Come with your questions!
You will also have the chance to meet and get to know other interested farmers and community members and enjoy some delicious refreshments.
Springfield Farm offers on-farm experiences, small grains, produce, honey, maple syrup and prepared foods and from their certified organic 120 acre location near Apple Hill.

When? Wednesday June 18 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Where? Springfield Farm, Apple Hill, ON
Cost? Free event!
REGISTER HERE
Soil Connections at Springfield Farm is an OSCIA-recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for farmers with On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) projects in the Cover Cropping category.

Pollinator Week: Pollinator Habitats in Agriculture
2025-06-20 12:00 - 13:30 | ON
Celebrate Pollinator Week by joining us for a virtual event, focused on Pollinator Habitats in Agriculture!

The event highlights Operation Pollinator, a program delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), in partnership with Syngenta Canada and in collaboration with Speare Seeds Limited.
Learn about native pollinators on your farm and explore how pollinator habitats can fit into farm operations from our featured Speakers:

Susan Willis Chan, Ph.D. from the University of Guelph
Vicky Papuga, the Rights-of-Way Pollinator Habitat Coordinator from the Canadian Wildlife Foundation.

Join us during the lunch hour from 12-1:30 pm on June 20th, 2025 by registering for the event!

OSCIA Summer Farm Day & Bus Tour
2025-08-22 - 2025-08-23 | ON
Andy & Lori Van Niekerk invite you to spend a day at their Simcoe County farm in heart of the Georgian Central region! The 2025 Summer Farm Day & Bus Tour is happening Aug 22-23 in Stayner, Ontario, and it’s packed with innovative soil health practices & hands-on insights. This year’s theme: Applied Farm Research, highlighting practical, on-the-ground innovations that are helping to shape the future of Ontario agriculture.
Registration is required; please purchase tickets below.

Summer Farm Day: Friday, Aug. 22 – Stayner, Ontario
Tour a working farm (address to be provided after registration), enjoy networking opportunities, hear from a line-up of guest speakers, and enjoy a hot lunch from Valley Farm Market. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other Ontario farmers, agribusinesses and industry leaders. As OSCIA’s Provincial Director for Georgian and 1st Vice-President of the Board, as well as a passionate and dedicated farmer, Andy fully embraces the value of hands-on, practical research in farming. In his words, “There are never any mistakes, only test plots.” He and Lori look forward to welcoming you for a day of shared knowledge, connection and inspiration.
Tickets are $35/person for the Farm Day (Aug. 22).

Farm Day Agenda

*The Aug. 22 Farm Day is a recognized Knowledge Sharing Event (KSE) for OFCAF participants in both the cover cropping and nutrient management categories.*

Session Overview & Speaker Bios
Session 1: Manage Resistance Now: The One Stop Shop for Resistance Resources
Speaker: Brittany Lacasse, Manager Stewardship and Sustainability, CropLife Canada
The Manage Resistance Now initiative is a collaborative effort of industry, academia, and government experts, brought together by CropLife Canada. The program is dedicated to helping growers and industry proactively manage the development of resistance to pest control tools to support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture industry.
Session 2: Learnings from the Great Lakes YEN
Speaker: Joanna Follings, Cereals Specialist, OMAFA
Hear the latest on the Great Lakes YEN project and what top wheat growers in the region are doing to maximize yields and close the gap on yield potential.
Session 3: Building Resiliency with Cover Crops—Taking the Long View
Speaker: Dr. Laura Van Eerd, Professor University of Guelph
Dr. Van Eerd will speak to her research work looking at the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and carbon in various agroecosystems including work she is undertaking on providing solutions to farmers to improve soil sustainability.
Session 4: Introduction to Living Lab Ontario
Speaker: Owen Ricker, Farmer Engagement and Research Liaison, OSCIA
Living Lab – Ontario is a five-year innovation project that brings together farmers, organizations, researchers, and other experts to co-develop, test, and evaluate beneficial management practices (BMPs) that address climate change challenges in livestock and cropping systems. Learn about the 15 trials that are occurring across the province focused on increasing soil organic carbon, nitrogen efficiency and use, cover crop grazing, manure storage management and field edge practices. The goal of each trial is to identify BMPs that will help capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Session 5: On-Farm Composting
Speaker: Nicole Brouwer, Farm Manager, Glen Road Organics
Explore how our Farm Day hosts, Andy and Lori Van Niekerk, compost deadstock on-site & watch a live compost turning demo.
Session 6: Living Labs Manure Project—Methane Measurement & Mitigation
Speaker: Steve Burtt, Living Lab Research Coordinator, AAFC
Learn about the manure storage project occurring on the farm of Andy Van Niekerk. The project is testing practical strategies to reduce methane emission from liquid manure storage including additives and other management practices.

Summer Bus Tour: Saturday, Aug. 23
Join a bus tour of regional points of interest (includes lunch). Participants are asked to gather at the Van Niekerk farm in Stayner (address to be provided after registration) between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. to board the bus ahead of a prompt 9:00 a.m. departure. Our full-day agenda is as follows; a bagged lunch will be provided.
Tickets are $40/person for the Bus Tour (Aug. 23).
Bus Tour Agenda

Miller’s Dairy: An 800-acre dairy and crop operation that is home to Jalon Jerseys, a 100% purebred herd, consisting of 130 milking cow and an equal number of young stock. All feeds are grown on-farm with corn, soybeans and wheat sold as cash crops.
Ontario Crops Research Station – Bradford: See an aerial image below! This station includes a plant pathology lab, greenhouses with ebb and flow benches and computer monitored environment, cold storage facilities to provide the specific requirements for long term storage of onions and carrots, and several sites for field research.
Beattie’s Distillers: Premium farm-to-bottle potato vodka and gin products made using only the heart of the homegrown potatoes, and five generations of farm-crafted pride (find it at the LCBO!). Beattie’s was the first Canadian gin to be made entirely from potatoes.
Agripharm Corp: A licensed manufacturer of consumer cannabis products with expertise in both cultivation and processing. Agripharm is on the frontier of the Canadian cannabis industry, producing a wide range of products using best-in-class manufacturing practices.
