The Canadian agricultural machinery dealer JLD-Laguë has been an active player in the
agricultural machinery industry since 1951 and today, with around 400 employees, is one
of the largest John Deere representatives in Canada. In their 16 branches around Québec
and eastern Ontario, they sell all kinds of equipment for agriculture and the construction
industry. The portfolio ranges from tractors to balers and mini excavators. With Fliegl
Agrartechnik GmbH, Green Tech, Division of Groupe JLD Laguë, now has a strong
manufacturer at its side in the field of professional agricultural transport and efficient
organic fertilization. Products of the Fliegl Agrartechnik GmbH brand are sold in all of
Green Tech’s branches and the supply of spare parts as well as other services are also
provided. With Green Tech, Division of Groupe JLD Laguë, Fliegl Agrartechnik GmbH has
gained a competent distributor in Canada and is now pleased to be able to serve Canadian
customers with the best possible support.

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The post Claas Expands Presence in Ontario, Canada appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Less than nine months after announcing their intent to nearly double the size of their Burgessville location, Claas dealer GJ’s Harvest Centre has completed their 7,500 square foot expansion project and they have also opened another store in Milverton.

“It is one thing to carry the Claas line of balers and hay tools, but it’s quite another to carry their complete line of self-propelled equipment,”

“The recent addition of CLAAS combines, forage harvesters and tractors meant that we needed a bigger, more sophisticated service department and more than 15,000 additional part numbers.”

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Roughly a decade ago, the Buehlow’s used a Salford RTS vertical tillage tool to prepare residue and help warm the soil for spring planting operations. After a few seasons, the Buehlow’s found the RTS didn’t work the ground thoroughly enough on some of their heavier soil types.

Over the next few years, the Buehlow’s tried different combinations of tillage equipment to work their land. They used a deep ripper, a cultivator, and a “disc style” vertical tillage implement. However, the Buehlow’s still weren’t satisfied with their tillage options. When they found out that Salford had upgraded the RTS, they went to their local dealer to see the changes.

The RTS grew into six tillage machines called the Independent Series. Each I-Series model uses the RTS’s vertical tillage principles and has independently mounted blades, like the RTS. I-Series models start with different blades, blade mounting, and blade spacing. They can be equipped with enhanced finishing systems, and select models can carry shanks for more aggressive tillage or application.

The Buehlow’s purchased a Salford I-2200, heavy-duty blade mounts with 22-inch wavy coulters and 5-inch blade spacing. They also added the hydraulically adjustable SwitchBlade tillage shanks on 15-inch spacing so that they could till deeper, level more, and create more soil disturbance in the fall. In the spring, they’re able to hydraulically raise the shanks to run the machine for low-disturbance, high-speed seedbed preparation.

“We traded in three pieces of tillage equipment, and now this one-piece does everything that we need,”

says Josh Buehlow.

“We really like the job this machine does on our soil types. It allows us great versatility among all soil types to get the job done. We typically use this machine on every acre. If we’re planting corn into soybean stubble, we’ll spread our commercial fertilizer or manure and then use this machine to incorporate the fertilizer or manure into the soil and then follow-up with the planter. The finish is extremely smooth, and it’s a great seedbed to plant into.”

Josh noted that the I-2200 was more robust than the RTS, but it created the same level fields they had gotten used to from their old RTS.

“One of the biggest things that we loved about our 570 RTS back in the day was how smooth our fields were. We never had smoother fields. So when we came back to the I-2200, that was one of the biggest things we were looking forward to. We noticed a huge difference when we were combining soybeans… we’re able to get every last bean because our fields are super smooth, and since they are smoother, we’re able to travel faster and still get that perfect cut.”

The Buehlow’s also found their I-2200 saved them time and money compared to their “vertical disc”. Their 31 foot I-2200 used less fuel than their other tillage equipped and has coved as many as 400 acres in a day. Salford’s vertical tillage design can work in a broader range of soil moisture conditions to warm and dry the soil and increase the window for planting operations.

Josh noted that the I-2200 doesn’t break down often, and the ease of servicing the independently mounted blades and bearings means less downtime. Josh also noted the I-2200 was more operator-friendly than their disc-style machine. A few years back, they had a hired hand doing their tillage work with a “disc style” vertical tillage tool. The operator was experiencing a lot of downtime due to plugging the machine. This also led to sub-standard fieldwork with clumps and bunches of residue that would interfere with the planter.

“I figure we probably paid him close to a day’s worth of labor for just hamming stones out of that machine, so we were losing productivity out of it, and by going to this I-2200, we don’t have issues like that anymore. Stalks and stuff flow through and there’s no way that stones can get jammed.”

The Buehlow’s moved away from the Salford RTS because it didn’t mix enough soil and residue or level well enough on some of their ground. Now that they have moved back to a Salford, they’ve found that many of the things they liked about the RTS are common in the bigger, more durable I-2200. Still, it meets all of their tillage needs and improves the efficiency of their operation.

Source: Salford

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“On-farm enhancements are essential to the sustainability and continuous improvement of the agriculture sector,”

said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Through this investment, we are supporting a range of farmer-driven projects to improve on-farm practices, strengthen the food value chain, and support public trust in farming.”

Examples of projects supported through this programming include:
• Improving food safety systems on farms to meet or exceed international certification
standards;
• Planting over-wintering cover crops to improve soil health and reduce soil erosion
losses;
• Actions to help prevent pest damage at greenhouse operations;
• Developing a product that will open new sales markets for a farm business; and
• Upgrades to animal-handling equipment and improved biosecurity measures.

“Our farmers work tirelessly to supply the array of safe, high-quality agricultural products that feed our province, our country and the world,”

said the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“By making these strategic investments we are helping to improve the competitiveness of our agri-food sector and secure it for long-term sustainability, especially during these difficult times.”

Neil Ellis, Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said:

“These 670 projects support farmers, rural communities, and the agricultural value chain. It’s about supporting growth at the farm level, which will have a positive environmental, food system, and market impacts across the Ontario agri-food sector.”

The funding is in addition to programming launched this year to assist the sector in meeting challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Such programming includes the launch of a portal to connect farms and other agri-food sector business with labor needs to job seekers; the creation of the Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program; and the recent investment of an additional $50 million into the Risk Management Program for this
year, one year earlier than originally promised.

Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support to more than 2,500 projects through the Partnership to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses, and sector organizations innovate and grow.

The post Governments help Ontario farmers bring high-quality products to market appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The Governments of Canada and Ontario are providing more than $5.4 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help food processing businesses improve food safety, increase labour productivity and enable better access to markets. These strategic investments will support more than 75 projects across Ontario and strengthen the province’s crucial agri-food supply chain.

Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte and Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said:

“Targeted investments into the innovation of our food processors such as these ensure our food supply chain remains strong and competitive for years to come. This is about serving our communities from both levels of government, helping to give a boost to our local food businesses and address some of the challenges around labour we are seeing right now.”

Some specific types of projects supported through this programing include:
• Implementing technology or other systems to improve food safety.
• Transitioning to automated, advanced manufacturing and/or robotic processing
technology to enhance labour productivity.
• Developing new products or processes to increase sales.

A list of approved projects is posted online at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/cap/processor-projects.htm

“Our food processors are an integral part of our province’s economic recovery from this outbreak. By investing in this sector, we are helping our homegrown processors become more competitive, more innovative and better positioned to keep supplying safe, quality foods for domestic and international markets.”

said the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural
Affairs.

The Partnership is also investing in programs this year at provincially inspected dairy processors and provincially licensed meat processors to support food safety enhancement projects. These are in addition to new programming launched this year, like the Agri-food Workplace Protection Program, to assist the sector in protecting its workers from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share
support to more than 2,500 projects through the Partnership to help eligible Ontario
farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.

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Ontario is delivering on its commitment to create even more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of the province through an improved, modern broadband network in Southwestern Ontario. The province announced that Brooke Telecom has been contracted to bring reliable internet to Lambton County.

Parliamentary Assistant Randy Pettapiece, on behalf of Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, along with Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex and Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton were in Watford, Ontario today to make the announcement.

The contract, awarded by Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT), is the latest step in the expansion of broadband internet access in Southwestern Ontario.

Brooke Telecom will implement a fibre-to-the-home project, consisting of 149.5 kilometres of fibre to service 536 premises, just east of Petrolia. The project will invest $5.8 million in broadband infrastructure, including funding from federal, provincial and municipal governments. Construction on the infrastructure is expected to begin in April 2021, with completion by December 2022.

PA Pettapiece and MPP McNaughton also visited Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to announce that internet service provider, Execulink, has begun construction. This jointly-funded project totaling $2.7 million will see 35 kilometres of fibre optic cable installed and will bring broadband service to the First Nation community. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2020. Combined, these two projects are worth up to $8.5 million and will result in 185 kilometres of fibre optic cable being laid, giving broadband access to more than 1,500 homes and businesses in Lambton County.

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development said:

“In our first mandate, we invested to connect nearly 400,000 households by 2023 through the Connect to Innovate program; more ambitious than any other government. Work is underway every day and in the next 18 months, we will connect 250,000 of these households. Our plan is working because we are working with our partners at the community level. We are about to open new calls for proposals to connect 100% of Canada’s communities to reliable, quality internet access. Our number one goal over the coming months will be supporting high quality plans and applications from every community who needs better access. Together, with partners like those involved here in Lambton County, we will achieve universal internet access so that geography does not determine any Canadian’s access to this essential service. Congratulations to hardworking local MPs and all involved!”

Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, said:

“For too long connecting rural communities with high-speed internet hasn’t been treated with enough urgency — our government has changed that. Improving connectivity for homes and businesses is critical for people to participate effectively in this highly competitive global economy.”

Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia–Lambton, said:

“In the past few months we’ve seen how important it is for individuals, families, and businesses to be able to connect online through reliable, high speed internet connections. Today’s announcement is another positive step toward the goal of expanding internet access in underserved areas of rural Southwestern Ontario and will help to retain and attract families and businesses to Lambton County.”

Bill Weber, Lambton County Warden and SWIFT Board Member, said:

“This project will have a very positive impact in additional areas of Lambton County. We are pleased to have been able to provide the additional funding to make this project happen in partnership with SWIFT and Brooke Telecom as we move a step closer to closing the connectivity gap in the province.”

“The advancement of this project with the support of many great new relationships, allows Kettle and Stony Point First Nation the opportunity to continue to thrive and grow. The boost in educational and economic impacts from this investment will be felt for years to come.”

– Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Chief Jason Henry.

The Ontario government recognizes how important rural broadband access is for individuals, families and businesses. Work continues to bridge the gaps in broadband access in Southwestern Ontario, as part of a combined $190 million investment to bring fast, reliable internet to thousands of homes and businesses.

Creating more ways to strengthen rural economies is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario together. Reliable and affordable broadband internet will allow communities to attract new development, strengthen local economies and create more well-paying jobs and opportunities in rural Ontario.

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Claas dealership GJ’s Farm Equipment has announced several changes to their southwest Ontario location. The full service dealership will be changing their name to “GJ’s Harvest Centre Inc.” and will expand their Claas business focus. To accommodate the growth targets, GJ’s will nearly double in size — adding an additional 7,500 square feet to the current facility­.

Gary Klyn, founder of GJ’s Farm Equipment, now GJ’s Harvest Centre Inc., says:

“Just three years after opening, in 2003, we began our partnership with Claas after picking up the hay tool line. Now, 17 years later, we couldn’t be more excited to expand our business even further with the premium brand of Claas products. With the expansion brings a new name change, which will better represent us as a focused dealer for Claas. Claas is a world-class company committed to expanding their business in southwest Ontario and we are thrilled to grow with them.”

GJ’s began as a repair shop in 2000 by Gary and his wife, Corrie. Since then, their customer commitment has expanded to include the sale of new and used equipment as well as exceptional parts and service departments. The facility’s expansion will allow them to continue providing top-of-the-line, dependable equipment for their current and future customer base.

Eric Raby, President and General Manager – Sales, Claas of America, says:

“GJ’s Harvest Centre Inc. represents what it means to be a committed Claas dealer, and we are excited about their upcoming expansion. The southwest Ontario region remains an important market for Claas, and with the new and improved facility, we are able to continue our growth and expand our brand’s reach in the area. This is a direct reflection of the hard work and relationships GJ’s has built with their growers.”

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The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing more than $2.5 million to help farmers improve environmental sustainability and water quality in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds. In addition to delivering on its continued commitment to protecting our environment, this investment will also improve productivity for farm operations in the region.

The Lake Erie Agriculture Demonstrating Sustainability (LEADS) initiative will support 235
farmer-led projects to be completed this year, targeted to improve soil health and reduce
the risk of nutrient losses in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watersheds. LEADS is a
regionally targeted cost-share program funded under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership
(the Partnership).

“Our government continues to invest in the sustainability of our land and water, now and for the future,”

said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

“We know the importance of environmental and water stewardship to farmers and all Canadians and we are committed to supporting on-farm projects, such as LEADS activities, to further improve environmental sustainability and the health of our Great Lakes.”

“LEADS projects demonstrate our agricultural sector’s commitment to environmental stewardship and keeping our waterways clean for future generations,”

said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“It’s another great example of what we can do when we work with the other levels of government and our agriculture partners to improve the environment and protect our natural resources.”

“Farmers in Ontario have been and continue to be stewards of the land. We want to continue to make a positive impact on the environment, the economy and our communities,”

said Jan VanderHout, member of Environmental Collaboration Ontario (EcoAg).

“Partnership programs like LEADS are important tools for achieving innovative and effective environmental outcomes.”

Now in its third year, these 235 LEADS projects build on the environmental successes achieved through the more than 500 on-farm projects completed in this key watershed area in the first years of the initiative.

LEADS-supported projects have helped reduce the risk of soil loss and soil nutrient loss and improved water quality in its target region through implementing a variety of best onfarm management practices. These have included planting cover crops, modifying equipment to reduce soil tillage, improved nutrient placement and the planting of vegetation to serve as windbreaks.

LEADS supports the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan and aligns with the Made in Ontario Environment Plan, committing to a 40 per cent reduction of phosphorus run off into Lake Erie and its watershed.

Since June 2018, both the federal and provincial governments have committed cost-share support to more than 2,500 projects through the Partnership, to help eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow.

Quick Facts

• LEADS is a five-year, $15.6 million commitment by the federal and provincial
  governments, available until March 2023, to help farmers take action to improve soil
  health and water quality in the Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair watershed areas.
• The Partnership is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial
  and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
• The Ontario agri-food sector supports more than 837,000 jobs in Ontario and
  contributes more than $47.5 billion each year to the province’s economy.

Source: Government of Ontario

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The governments of Canada and Ontario are providing the best support possible to help farmers manage challenges beyond their control by enhancing AgriInsurance coverage for the 2020 growing season to include labour shortages due to COVID-19.

Ontario’s agriculture industry, specifically farms growing fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, melons and peaches, are labour intensive and highly dependent on seasonal agricultural workers. COVID-19 has interrupted regular flows of worker travel and has resulted in some gaps in labour availability. This could result in some crops being unharvested and financial loss for the agri-food industry.

The federal government made a commitment on May 5^th to work with the provinces and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector. This work with provincial and territorial partners would insure against lost production due to an insufficient workforce, should producers be unable to find enough labour to harvest.

“During these exceptional times, we fully appreciate just how essential our agri-food workers are to our entire food supply chain,”

said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Our Government has been working hard with the provinces and agri-food businesses to ensure those workers have a safe workplace so they can continue putting food on our tables. I congratulate Ontario for being the first province to take this important step that recognizes the hardships Ontario farmers and food producers have faced because of worker shortages, and gives them the added support they need.”

“We recognize that this terrible virus has created new business pressures and increased uncertainty for farmers, which is why we are taking action to ensure farmers have the resources they need to address today’s challenges,”

said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“By enhancing AgriInsurance coverage to include labour shortages due to COVID-19 for eligible farmers, we are directly responding to their requests for support and protecting Ontario’s agri-food sector so it can continue producing the food our province needs.”

Ontario farmers already enrolled in an eligible production insurance plan who suffer from crop losses due to labour disruptions during the 2020 growing season will have access to further insurance coverage through Agricorp. The added insurance coverage will include:

• Inability to attract sufficient on-farm labour due to COVID-19; and
• Illness or quarantine of on-farm labour and the producer due to COVID-19.

Farmers will be expected to notify Agricorp as soon as possible if they experience COVID-19 related labour disruptions that are having an impact on their crops.

“This announcement is an important first step towards giving growers assurances that their government will have their backs during the pandemic,”

said Bill George, Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.

“We thank Minister Bibeau for making this enhanced coverage possible, and we thank Minister Hardeman and the Ford government for its leadership, and for being the first province in Canada to take this step.”

Business Risk Management programs, including AgriInsurance, protect producers against significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage, such as weather, disease and pests. It is a business risk management program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3-billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to support Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Ontario

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