In 2013, RAIN set out to discover what it was the Algoma district understood and expected from local farmers and food producers. After a series of surveys, visits to the farmers’ markets, interviews, and round-table discussions, RAIN uncovered some gaps between consumers in the Algoma District and producers. This note sheds some light on these gaps and some suggestions for …
Algoma Harvest Showcase
The inaugural Algoma Harvest Showcase presented by the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) and Algoma Table will take place October 5-11, 2015. During Algoma Harvest Showcase local restaurants will create unique autumn dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms. This summer, RAIN launched an online marketplace called Algoma Table for farms to sell local food to restaurants, retailers and food service …
Upcoming Event: Investing in Agricultural Infrastructure
Investing in Agricultural Infrastructure: “Opportunities for Field, Crop, and Energy Systems” On Wednesday, October 21st at Bruce Mines Community Hall from 1pm-4pm, RAIN will host a forum covering a variety of topics including: RAIN’s infrastructure priority mandate Tile drainage and land clearing grant program Application guidelines and incentives outlet preparation financing options meet a contractor Potential funding for on-farm Grain …
Soil Health and its Importance to your Farm
Pasturing livestock, raising crops, and producing hay all rely on healthy, productive soils; however, encouraging your soil to be healthy and productive extends beyond the basic manure and lime applications. Relevant to all farming operations, understanding the soil as a living organism is an agricultural philosophy that has come to produce ecological, production-based, and profitable results for those who practice. …
Upcoming Forest Food Workshops
Forest Food Entrepreneurial Workshop August 29 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Centennial Library, 50 East St. Sault Ste. Marie Are you interested in being part of the diversification of northern Ontario’s economy? If so, you’ll want to join us for our Forest Food Entrepreneur Workshop in Sault Ste. Marie. Participants will learn about the market for and sustainable harvesting …
Extend your Grazing Season
The cost of feed and hay is one of the largest expenses for livestock producers in the Algoma region. With an average of six months of snow coverage per year, overwintering costs can quickly become a burdensome expenditure for a small business. Pasturing your animals after the frost begins is a good way to save labour and feed-related costs on …
The Island Summer Farm Tour
Algoma Soil & Crop Improvement Association Summer Tour The Algoma Soil & Crop Farm Tour will take place this year on Thursday August 13th starting at 7 p.m. This year’s Farm Tour will include stops on St. Joseph Island, including the farms of Tom Murdock and John Hawdon. Tom & Gail Murdock own Murdock Gardens where they grow vegetables and …
Cost-Benefit of On-farm Grain & Oilseed Storage
The main objective of this study is to assess the costs and benefits of on-farm storage investments for grain producers in Algoma. As production of grains and oilseeds increase in our region, the ability to dry and store these products has many advantages: Manage cash basis for income tax Avoid harvest delays Manage transportation logistics Avoid moisture discounts Capture increasing …