The spread of COVID-19 on farms with temporary foreign workers has put an uncomfortable spotlight on the agriculture sector. Vegetable farms, mostly greenhouses in the Windsor area, have experienced large outbreaks, with more than 1,100 temporary farm workers testing positive for the virus in the province. Farm-level infections kept the Windsor area and then the […] Read more
Foreign worker fallout
The large number of COVID-19 cases could drive changes into essential foreign worker programs
Fungicides not always an answer in alfalfa
Spraying could make sense when conditions are right for fungal disease
Farmers must weigh many factors before applying fungicides to alfalfa, said Christine O’Reilly, forage and grazing specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Why it matters: Farmers have found that there have been advantages to using fungicides in corn and with approved options, are now looking at alfalfa. O’Reilly says the […] Read more
Crunching numbers on meat sustainability
Improvements in agriculture industry have lowered animal environmental footprint
Consumers have increased interest in sustainable diets. Conflicting information from various resources has these consumers viewing sustainable diets as eating less meat. Dr. Kim Ominski with the University of Manitoba presented during the virtual Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada about improvements in animal environmental impact. Why it matters: The future livelihood of livestock farmers hinges […] Read more
Survey shows growing public support for agriculture
Canadians rank agriculture as the top driver of the economy
A recent survey by Grassroots Public Affairs shows that nine out of 10 Canadians endorse government support for the agri-food sector. The communications consulting firm did the survey to analyze Canadian opinions on agriculture, hunger and food security. Why it matters: An industry’s reputation can greatly affect policy, drive funding to specific projects and affect […] Read more
COVID-19 leads to cancellation of Foodgrains Bank fundraising events
There’s hope for good harvests from the charity’s sites with decent weather this spring
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is feeling the pressures of COVID-19. The organization is devoted to providing food in times of crisis to hungry people in the developing world, but has seen some of its fundraising decline without the ability to host its usual concerts and dinners, due to COVID-19. It’s finding, however, that individual donations […] Read more
Reducing poultry inflammation without antibiotics
There are many options, and they may need to be used together
Researchers are looking at substitutes to protect against pathogens as poultry producers around the world move away from the use of antibiotics. Why it matters: Pathogens and disease can reduce the quality of life and average daily gain for poultry. Substitutes to aid the immune system in fighting disease are among the options. As producers […] Read more
Deciding which cover crops to use
There’s more known now about what cover crops work in what soils and for what end uses
Planting cover crops following winter wheat harvest is not a new concept for Ontario producers. The ability of cover crops to add organic matter to soil, sequester weeds and reduce erosion is greatly beneficial but one cover crop won’t work for all producers and their needs. “It’s going to depend on the grower, their situation, […] Read more
Rumen development critical for young calf health
Supplements and management can help develop the rumen to allow nutrient transport
Keeping calves longer on milk helps ensure the rumen is developed well enough to absorb important nutrients. By the time ruminants are weaned, it’s imperative that rumen epithelia are functioning optimally to ensure the proper absorption of volatile fatty acids (VFA) into the blood stream. Why it matters: Better absorption of nutrients after weaning means […] Read more
Neutrophil system plays big role in dry cow immunity
Extra bunk space is good buffer to reduce health risks and improve immune activity
It’s believed transition cows have suppressed immune systems, but Dr. Stephen LeBlanc of the University of Guelph says it’s not as simple as just blaming compromised immune systems for all transition dairy cattle problems. “Metabolically, yes cows have reduced aspects of immune function through the transition period and part of some of the reasons for […] Read more
OFVGA recommending on-farm COVID-19 testing
Farmer group concerned about temporary workers moving among farms
The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) is recommending that all essential agri-food employees on Ontario farms get tested for COVID-19, as the virus continues to stubbornly spread on some farms. Testing workers on farm can help limit the spread of the disease, says the OFVGA. Why it matters: Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 on […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
