Technology that can produce vaccines and antibodies in plant leaves is being put to work in the livestock industry in hopes of preventing the development of a pathogen that causes food-borne illness in people. PlantForm Corporation has launched a new research project with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Western University in London to target […] Read more
Feed additive in development to reduce food safety risks
Plant-based vaccine could be less expensive to produce to control E. coli
New meat scientist joins University of Guelph faculty
Latest hire continues rejuvenation of Guelph’s Animal Biosciences department
Professor Marcio Duarte is expected to soon join the University of Guelph’s Department of Animal Biosciences as assistant professor in meat science and muscle biology. Duarte is currently an assistant professor in animal science at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Brazil. Beef cattle are his main focus, although he also collaborates on swine research […] Read more
The circular meal: thinking about food differently
Farmers, restaurateurs and food producers join together to create a meal out of waste
Fish poop, bugs and beer waste aren’t the top of mind ingredients when one contemplates a gourmet meal. But they’re exactly what went into “upcycled” dinners served at three Guelph restaurants this fall as part of a pilot project to reduce food waste and encourage everyone in the food chain to change their thinking about […] Read more
New app tracks and simplifies barn equipment maintenance
Energy also can be monitored with Rakr’s tracking app
A free new app launched by an Ontario start-up aims to simplify barn equipment maintenance. And it’s a precursor to an innovative monitoring system to track and manage on-farm energy use that Rakr is launching in 2021, called NeatMeter. Why it matters: Cost control is essential to farm profitability. Energy is a significant expenditure for […] Read more
Simplifying dairy logistics with Canadian start-up technology
Milk Moovement tracks shipments and gets information quickly to farmers
A powerful tool that streamlines dairy supply chain logistics has landed an Atlantic Canada start-up coveted spots in a couple of big-name agriculture technology accelerators. Milk Moovement is the only Canadian company that is part of the current cohort of the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator in Minneapolis, and one of only two Canadian start-ups […] Read more
Genomics research moving Ontario hazelnuts closer to production
Researchers continue to learn how to adapt hazelnuts to Ontario’s climate
A genomics-based research project at the University of Guelph is moving the establishment of an Ontario hazelnut industry one step closer to reality. Hazelnut development work has been underway in the province for about a decade, driven by farmers seeking new crops to grow and a large confectionary company keen to source their key ingredient […] Read more
Simple smart technology helps fleet and spray monitoring
Keeping ahead of maintenance can help reduce downtime and repair costs on farms
A group of University of Waterloo engineering graduates who first got together as a student design team to convert a Camaro into a hybrid electric vehicle has turned its talents towards improving agricultural fleet management. Their small Ontario start-up, Intelliculture, is now working to help farm profitability with intelligent, simple, and affordable telematics to help […] Read more
Automated Guelph vertical farm supplies retailers with local, leafy greens
The newly opened farm grows crops 40 to 50 per cent faster than traditional crops
An automated vertical farm in south Guelph is now fully operational. GoodLeaf Farms has the capacity to produce 800,000 units of locally grown leafy greens for Ontario retailers — including Loblaw banners, Longo’s and Whole Foods — 12 months of the year. “It’s really unique for Canada that we can grow 365 days of the […] Read more
Canadian start-ups featured at Ag Innovation Showcase
The American event showcased Canadian companies with dairy, lighting, grain sampling and soil sensing products
A number of Canadian agriculture technology start-up companies were in the spotlight at the recent Ag Innovation Showcase. The Canadian government and Protein Industries Canada, one of the country’s five superclusters, were key sponsors of the event again this year. Why it matters: Technology is a key driver of innovation in the agri-food sector, but […] Read more
Soybeans provide greener solution for road dust suppression
Biodegradable solution is more environmentally friendly
A soy-based dust suppressant developed by researchers at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is now being commercialized and brought to market in North America. It is sprayed onto dusty areas like gravel roads, mining operations and parking lots, but since it’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly, it could also be used on agricultural operations. Why it […] Read more
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