Matt McIntosh, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

Planting progressing well in southern, central Ontario, delays seen in the east

5 days ago | farmtario.com | Matt McIntosh

Plant 2025 has begun, but conditions across the province vary considerably. As of May 9, some areas have seen significant acres prepped and planted. Others have not, with wide-ranging temperatures and intermittent rain events contributing to a typically varied Ontario spring.
Engaging urban audiences is mutually-beneficial

1 week ago | farmtario.com | Matt McIntosh

“I work in climate.”This statement, or something very similar, was communicated to me by several different people attending a recent Earth Day event in Toronto. I was at the event – hosted by an environment-focused community group — to speak about regenerative agriculture. It was an interesting experience for someone who has not had regular opportunities to share the complexities of farming with non-farming audiences. The group was welcoming, and seemed to appreciate my anecdotes from farm county.
Evolving a more potent fungus-killing machine

1 week ago | topcropmanager.com | Matt McIntosh

University of Guelph researchers developing bacteria that seek-and-destroy Fusarium and DON. May 5, 2025 By Matt McIntoshInterest and investment in biological crop protection and fertility products has increased dramatically in recent years, but consistent and measurable benefits from such products remain largely elusive.
Environmental offsetting contributes to land consolidation: report

2 weeks ago | farmtario.com | Matt McIntosh

Carbon offsets, tree planting, and other green initiatives are now significant contributors to the consolidation of farmland and displacement of farmers around the globe, according to a report from agriculture and environmental think-tank International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES). WHY IT MATTERS: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says that 20 per cent of large-scale land deals around the globe are the result of green grabbing.
Clubroot a growing concern for Ontario canola growers

3 weeks ago | topcropmanager.com | Matt McIntosh

Removing disease from the field is not possible once established. April 21, 2025 By Matt McIntoshClubroot is coming - and Ontario canola growers ought to take notice. So says Meghan Moran, canola and edible bean specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. While the pathogen has long been a part of canola production in Western Canada, it does not pick sides.
The struggle to produce fertilizer in Ontario

1 month ago | farmtario.com | Matt McIntosh

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the pandemic and other geopolitical developments prompted Ontario policymakers and agribusinesses to invest in domestic fertilizer production — particularly the production of nitrogen. Why it matters: Increasing domestic fertilizer production would help protect producers and retailers from supply chain shocks. But several years after the onset of such tumultuous events, logistic and economic challenges continue to hamper the domestic production of core fertilizers.
Trucking troubles

1 month ago | ontariograinfarmer.ca | Matt McIntosh

Insurance limitations, onerous safety regulations, and driver shortages—these are some of the factors that have been increasingly troubling for grain growers in need of efficient trucking services. Here, stakeholders in Ontario’s grain sector share some of their experiences navigating the challenging transportation environment and what might be done to ensure things improve in future.
Investments in biological inputs grow

1 month ago | ontariograinfarmer.ca | Matt McIntosh

Interest in biological inputs for crop production is increasing across the agriculture industry—although the benefits they afford are not always clear. Concerns about less-than-effective snake-oil solutions also spur apprehension. Nevertheless, the general drive for more sustainable farming systems is driving investment in biological products by individual farmers and large companies alike. “Biologicals” can mean many things to different people.
Why land prices rise

1 month ago | ontariograinfarmer.ca | Matt McIntosh

Ontario farmland values have risen dramatically in recent years. According to analysts Ryan Parker and Drew Crinklaw, per acre price trends result from a combination of factors—but while commodity prices, interest rates and competition within the farming community remain key drivers, other more complex pressures are also at play.
Canada needs innovation, extension, unity to overcome risk

1 month ago | farmtario.com | Matt McIntosh

Canada’s agricultural stakeholders are pretty good at fostering knowledge – but not so good at turning that knowledge into solutions for existing and forthcoming challenges.