Research into robotic dairy barns shows that improvements in nutrition, management, housing, and herd demographics benefit both cows and producers. Robert Matson, a Wallenstein Feed and Supply Ltd. ruminant nutritionist, […] Read more
Automated milk production can be optimized with tech and management
Research shows sand bedding and increased space lower lameness rates
Agri-food labour pilot programs receive funding
Efforts to build a competitive and robust agri-food workforce are getting a $4 million boost from the federal and provincial governments. Funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), the Ontario […] Read more
Investigation underway into non-louse-related itching in cattle
Lousy reports leave veterinary researchers itching to dig deeper
After an inordinately high number of lice reports in 2017 and 2018, Solvet dug deep into itchy cattle numbers. The company found it’s not as lousy a situation as first […] Read more
Precision technology wins and losses
Farmers discuss if, and what, precision agriculture tools are worth the investment
Chuck Baresich has been utilizing precision agriculture tools on his family’s Bothwell area no-till cash crop operation since 1998. “We have been at the forefront of lots of technology whether […] Read more
Reducing feed costs is a mix of common sense and science
There are strategies producers can use to reduce feed costs without losing productivity
As feed prices climb, livestock producers need to maximize every ounce of their rations for higher efficiency and nutritional results. While each livestock sector may have its specific needs, a […] Read more
Migrant workers under social microscope
A recent ban on the workers hasn’t helped with community relations, say farm representatives
Frustration is growing for the Windsor-Essex agriculture sector as negative perceptions around migrant workers and COVID linger. “These workers did everything that was asked of them,” said Joseph Sbrocchi, executive […] Read more
Behind the short-lived Windsor-Essex foreign worker ban
Foreign agriculture workers were being tested at a much higher rate than the rest of the community, which inflated the numbers
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) rescinded its order limiting the arrival of temporary foreign agricultural workers within three days of issuance after the province stepped in to say it […] Read more
U of G launches free online business program for producers
Program is self-paced and taught by professors with significant agricultural industry experience
Farmers can get down to business with a new course offering from the University of Guelph, Foundations in Agricultural Management, a free eight-part online course. “Getting Ontario Agricultural College’s institutional […] Read more
Pre-weaning calf health and immunity carries impacts into lactation years
Strong colostrum management and intranasal vaccination could improve calf immunity
The first two months of a heifer’s life are critical for laying the foundation for her long-term health and productivity. Recent research on epigenetics and perinatal programming of young dairy […] Read more
Sustainability Index can promote value-chain credentials
Proof of sustainability becoming critical to corner global market share
The development of Canada’s first Agri-Food Sustainability Index (AFSI) is gaining traction. David McInnes, AFSI coordinator, said the initiative would affirm Canada’s agri-food leadership, create opportunities to add value, mark […] Read more
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