News for Ontario’s ag contractors
To Spray or Not to Spray?
To Spray or Not to Spray? | April 9, 2021 The Ontario Professional Agri-Contractors Association (OPACA) brought stakeholders to the table for a candid discussion about spray drift. Deb Campbell, agronomist and owner of Agronomy Advantage near Dundalk, has seen first-hand the results of off-target movement of crop protection products. She has reviewed six insurance claims and has attended several driveshed meetings of angry neighbours. Tensions are high, but [...]
The Scoop on … Manure!
The Scoop on ... Manure Series | March 20, 2021 It has long been argued that the value of manure, in providing micro-nutrients and organic matter to the soil, is priceless.Manure is more than the sum of its N-P-K parts, isn’t it? It has micro-nutrients and organic matter that are, essentially, priceless. “Fertilizer is great, but it will only get you so far,” says Greg Boon, an independent agronomist with [...]
2020 Reflections
Written by Mark Luymes, OPACA Vice-President | November 30, 2020 There’s something so satisfying about sitting back in late November watching the winter weather roll in, washing and winterizing equipment, knowing the field work is all done. For most of us, the winter is a season for repairs, fabrication and catching up on all the paperwork and meetings we've been putting off for the year. It's also about looking ahead [...]
Growing an Association
Written by Treena Hein, Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine | This March, the Ontario Professional Agri-Contractors Association (OPACA) held its third AGM, adding more members, taking stock of past accomplishments and setting the path ahead. OPACA was created so that custom farming business owners could better manage the challenges of the present and future, while improving its collective relationship with government, the public and the environment. The need for the organization [...]
Considerations When Hiring Custom Operators
Written by Jennifer Glenney, Farmtario | Custom work can benefit a farmer’s operation. But it’s important that the farmer knows what they want, and that they’re able to work with and trust the operators to complete the field work. At the 2019 FarmSmart conference, held at the University of Guelph, a panel of three farmers discussed their thoughts on a successful road to custom operators completing your field work. The [...]
New Nutrient Management Association
Written by Treena Hein, Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine | On September 13, the Ontario Professional Agri Contractors Association (OPACA) held its first AGM. It is hoped that the existence of the OPACA will herald in a new era where custom farming businesses will have more resources, a more efficient and effective collective relationship with government, and better rapport with the public. In the end, it’s anticipated that whatever specific activities [...]