I admit it. I have backyard chickens. For a decade we’ve had about 10 chickens, give or take, on our farm that supply our family with as many eggs as […] Read more
Editorial: How far should backyard chicken biosecurity go?
Stark named independent advisor to Ontario Sheep Farmers
Organization says the unique position will build its capacity to deal with challenging issues
Ontario Sheep Farmers is signing on an independent board advisor to serve as a sounding board, mediator and to help the organization deal with sector-wide issues. Dr. Deb Stark, a […] Read more
Switchgrass can replace straw in dairy rations
However, researchers caution against feeding too much to lactating cows or milk production could drop
Switchgrass has potential as both dairy cow bedding and feed – especially for dry cows. One of its benefits is that it is low in potassium relative to the more […] Read more
Large companies push back against federal plan to encourage internet competition
Companies have said they will cut back their plans to expand coverage to rural areas and small towns
Large providers of internet backbone across the country are scaling back their investments in rural and small towns in retaliation to the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) imposition of lower […] Read more
More breeze in the barn makes for happier dairy cows
A new tunnel-ventilated dairy barn design puts the emphasis on air movement
New dairy building designs are popping up across the province, that are shorter, sleeker and looking like they are wearing tinted glasses. Tunnel-ventilated free-stall barns have become more common over […] Read more
Food, farming not expected to be big election issues
Canadians don’t think that food and agriculture will be a significant issue in the current federal election. A survey conducted Sept. 9 and released Tuesday by Angus Reid Global with […] Read more
Adzuki beans showing growth in Ontario
Fleabane, SCN and new bacteria diseases are causing challenges in dry beans
Adzuki beans are a growing crop in Ontario, jumping from 7,700 acres in 2017 to almost 20,000 acres in 2019. The beans, which are mostly sold to Japanese markets, have […] Read more
Switchgrass breeding makes progress in Ontario
Progress has been made on dormancy, speed of establishment and lodging
Switchgrass breeders have been working patiently for almost 30 years to improve the varieties available for growing in Canada, and they think they are at the point where they believe […] Read more
Stand-alone companies eager to focus on agriculture
Corteva president says there’s no longer the distraction of being part of a broader conglomerate
The merger of agriculture seed and crop protection suppliers over the past few years has meant more concentration in the industry, but it has also resulted in companies freer to […] Read more
Glyphosate out as dry bean desiccant
Bean buyers say that continuing the practice isn’t worth the market risk
The days of using glyphosate as a desiccant on dry beans are coming to an end. Canadian dealers of dry beans, such as white, cranberry, navy and pinto beans, have […] Read more