Controlling weeds can be a tough challenge for organic growers with few chemical options, and also for conventional growers battling herbicide-resistant weeds. For this reason, mechanical weed control has been making a comeback and innovators are now offering more options. One such option is the Weed Zapper, which uses electricity to kill weeds and does […] Read more
Shocking weeds into submission
The Weed Zapper uses electricity to mortally injure weeds
New app helps farmers weigh options for cropping decisions
Resilient Fields is a free web-based tool that simplifies decision-making
There is no shortage of information available to farmers to help them make management decisions on-farm, but often this information results in mixed messages, and can even be conflicting. The information is often broad in scope, while many challenges farmers face can be field-specific. That’s why Al Mussel, research lead with Agri-food Economic Systems and […] Read more
Genomics can help meet future challenges
It has accelerated genetic progress, and could help livestock industries in future Livestock producers are under increasing pressure to produce more protein with fewer resources, and face scrutiny from consumers over issues such as water and land use, climate change and antimicrobial resistance. To meet these challenges, genetic advancements, particularly the use of genomics, can […] Read more
Cyber shield your farm: Tightening up the digital safety network
Agribusinesses are becoming a target for cyberattacks, but there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk
The recent cyberattack on the world’s largest meat processing company, JBS S.A., sends a clear message that agriculture is not immune to cybercrime. The JBS attack earlier this month is the largest such crime to date against an agri-food business. It affected company operations in the U.S., Canada and Australia, forcing 13 of its U.S. […] Read more
Accidental discovery could be a mycotoxin game-changer
AAFC scientists discovered an enzyme that converts fumonisin mycotoxins into a non-toxic form
An enzyme that makes some mycotoxins less deadly has been discovered by a team of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists at the London Research and Development Centre in London, Ont. Why it matters: Mycotoxin contamination in crops can have a huge economic impact for farmers and biofuel producers, and ingestion by humans or livestock […] Read more
Getting proactive with PRRS
Ontario’s swine industry looks to collaborate on better diagnostics, surveillance to mitigate
A highly virulent strain of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV) has renewed focus on the importance of disease surveillance and vaccination programs in the province. Swine Health Ontario (SHO), along with the Ontario Pork Industry Council and Ontario Pork, recently held a webinar for producers and industry to highlight veterinary and producer experiences […] Read more
Housing pre-weaned calves in pairs shows benefits
Higher levels of socialization leads to better daily gains, say researchers
Housing pre-weaned dairy calves in pairs has been increasing in popularity in the U.S. and Canada in recent years, and with good reason – research and on-farm evidence shows that it can result in better growth rates and increased welfare at weaning. For decades the tradition has been to house calves individually in the pre-weaning […] Read more
Rural child care faces a long road ahead
There is reason to be optimistic, but local initiatives will be key for implementation
The federal government has pledged $30 billion over the next five years to help offset the cost of early learning and child care services. Its goal is to create a national child care system with costs of $10 per day for the average Canadian family. The proposed program has created optimism that child care services […] Read more
AAFC launches Living Lab – Ontario in the Lake Erie region
A $4.2 million investment has been made by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to launch Living Lab – Ontario in the Lake Erie region to collaborate with Ontario farmers on developing sustainable solutions to environmental issues. Living Lab – Ontario is the latest collaboration hub created under the Living Laboratories Initiative, which brings together farmers, scientists, and other […] Read more
Input needed for food waste reduction study
Only one week left!
Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food redistribution organization, is asking food businesses of all types and sizes including farms for input on how to better identify the volume, types and potential sources of edible food. Canada’s commitment to reduce food waste and associated carbon emissions, coupled with the COVID-19 crisis and its impacts on the number […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
