The agri-food industry has recently become a hotbed of cybercrime. Lactanet and Ontario Pork are two recent victims of ransomware attacks, joining other agri-food businesses such as JBS, Sollio Agriculture and Maple Leaf Foods. Why it matters: Cybersecurity risks are increasing in the agri-food industry. According to Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence […] Read more
Threat of agriculture-related cybercrime is rising
Cybersecurity protocols are just as important as biosecurity
Late blight threat forecast is high for potato crops in 2024
Strategies offered at Ontario Potato Conference on how to mitigate the risk
Sometimes Mother Nature provides perfect conditions for late blight, but on-farm mitigation practices can help control it. Reducing late blight risk was the focus of a panel discussion at the Ontario Potato Conference held in Guelph in late February. Why it matters: Late blight has been increasing in potato growing regions in recent years. “We’re […] Read more
Three Oaks Cabin sees demand for mental health services
Rural mental health respite was built by a farming family after losing their son
Only a week after it started accepting bookings in late March, mental health respite Three Oaks Cabin was almost fully booked for June and July. “It’s great, because that means people are seeking help, but it also really reiterates the fact that we need to help people,” said Diane Bergsma, co-founder of Three Oaks Cabin. […] Read more
Livestock pitched as a great food waste upcycler
New Canadian Cattle Association film highlights feedlots and their diverse feeds
Canada wastes about half the food it produces, but cattle can convert that waste into protein production. To highlight that ability, the next documentary in a four-part series from the Canadian Cattle Association focuses on feedlots and their role in recycling food waste. Why it matters: Food waste takes up space in landfills and its […] Read more
Smart Energy Company brings the Noreaster solar solution to Ontario
Solar system is modular, allowing operations to adapt the system over time to offset capital costs
A New Brunswick-based company is offering personalized micro-solar farm systems to Ontario farmers to help them lower on-farm electricity costs and bolster supply. “The cost of electricity is skyrocketing. It’s unpredictable. Farmers love finding unique solutions to help generate their independence,” said Jeff McAloon, Smart Energy co-owner. “And we help farmers generate independence.” Why it […] Read more
de Bruyn honoured for pork industry leadership, vision
Farm and family time the priority after stepping down as chair
John de Bruyn’s peers lauded his leadership and dedication to the pork sector at Ontario Pork’s recent general meeting. “Your leadership has been a master class in balancing ambition with pragmatism in advocating for industry and in building the culture that nurtures new talent,” said recently elected Ontario Pork chair, Tara Terpstra. The outgoing chair […] Read more
Ontario pork industry leaders honoured
Ken McEwan and Bob Hunsberger recognized for industry contributions at Ontario Pork annual meeting
Two pork industry leaders were recognized at Ontario Pork’s annual meeting last month. Ken McEwan was the recipient of the 2024 Industry Award and Bob Hunsberger was awarded the Ontario Pork Producer Recognition of Worth. “It’s an honour and a privilege to be here this evening and receive this award and recognition for work that’s […] Read more
Battery energy storage latest farmland use debate
Farm groups push for more oversight of the use of farmland for battery backup systems
Farmers and residents in municipalities across Ontario are raising concerns about farmland Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) proposals. BESS are rechargeable batteries with multi-source energy storage capacity, allowing off-peak hour storage dispatchable onto the grid to meet electricity demand. Why it matters: Farmers are concerned with the loss of land due to industrial and residential […] Read more
Three Oaks Cabin looks for votes to win $25,000 Growing Home grant
Rural mental health respite was built by a farming family after losing their son
Three Oaks Cabin, an ag and first responder-based mental health respite, is vying for BASF’s Growing Home’s $25,000 Ontario grant. A local fireman farmer nominated the program after BASF opened the annual contest up to Ontario in addition to Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Why it matters: There has been a lack of a rural respite […] Read more
Ayrquip offers service with swine sorter software
Software is fully enclosed for protection
Ayrquip’s pig sorter and software garnered interest from pork producers during the London Farm Show in early March. The company’s stainless steel open-concept unit is six inches longer than its competition to accommodate heavier animals for accurate weight readings. The fully enclosed software is protected from the elements and adjustable to existing sorters. Ayrquip also […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
