Increasing production efficiency and profitability are two of many ways the livestock industry can help mitigate climate change, according to a University of Guelph expert on the topic. Dr. Claudia Wagner-Riddle of the School of Environmental Science was the presenter at the latest webinar in the Horizon series developed by the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation […] Read more
Why profitable farms can produce less carbon
Livestock efficiency gains result in more production from fewer animals, which produce less carbon along the way
What’s old is new again in bacterial control
Bacteriophages are finding more uses in food processing, but not yet in internal medicine
A virus discovered a century ago could become a powerful weapon against disease and antimicrobial resistance in the livestock industry, according to an expert in the Canadian government. Why it matters: Bacteriophages could be an antidote to antimicrobial resistance, which is undercutting options for antibiotics at a time when global demand for meat is rising. […] Read more
Turning precision ag data into profits
Some farmers are convinced of the value as long as they have the tools to manage it
Adam DeVisser is a recent convert to using precision agriculture, but he’s practical about its application. “The value is not in computers making decisions for us, but in us making more informed decisions,” he says. Why it matters: Using technology and collecting data can really help producers’ bottom lines, but only if they plan it […] Read more
Cover crop grazing can benefit cattle and soil
Farmers able to extend grazing and save hay costs by planting and managing their cover crops
Grazing beef cattle on cover crops is a great way to save on feed costs and it’s good for the soil, according to three panelists at the Grey-Bruce Farmer’s Week Beef Day. Why it matters: Integrating animals into cropping systems creates a more complete nutrient cycle. Adam Shea, who farms in eastern Ontario, has a […] Read more
Ontario beef industry tackles slaughter capacity issue
There are many factors holding back a potential increase to slaughter capacity
The top priority for the Beef Farmers of Ontario during the past year has been addressing the lack of slaughter capacity, a situation made worse with the cancellation of Ryding-Regency Meat Packer’s licence in early December. Why it matters: High demand for Ontario beef means slaughter capacity must increase or market opportunities will be lost. […] Read more
10 good habits for marketing crops
There are profitable choices that can be made when selling crops
Producers looking to successfully market their grain should concentrate on what they can control and be prepared to sell at any time, according to Donna Archer of Maizeing Acres Incorporated. Archer and her husband, Pete, have a 1,500 cash crop farm and own three grain elevators in eastern Ontario. She presented 10 tips for grain […] Read more
Amended transportation regulations premature: beef industry
The number of hours an animal can be on a truck will drop by 25 per cent to 36 hours without rest, feed and water
The federal government’s amendments to the transport of animals regulations are causing controversy among cattle producers. The new rules were introduced Feb. 20 and are scheduled to take effect in February 2020. Why it matters: Cattle producers and truckers will have to adhere to new transportation regulations that may be premature, affecting animals and producers’ […] Read more
Genomic best practices from committed testers
Have a plan say dairy farmers who use genomics to determine which heifers to keep
If dairy producers want to use genomics to improve their herds, they should have a plan, develop goals for their operation, and stick to them, according to Gary Markus of Markhill Holsteins. “Jump in with both feet, use the data, and don’t dabble,” he said during a producer panel on Dairy Day at the recent […] Read more
Optimizing dairy farm returns
The dairy farmer’s mantra: How do I get more milk out of my cows?
Milk production, more than any other factor, drives profitability on a dairy farm, according to Neil McCutcheon. He spoke during Dairy Day at the recent Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week. Milk production matters more than whether you have a free stall or tie-stall operation and it matters more than even the size of the operation. Why it […] Read more
Data needed to drive Ontario sheep industry forward
Producers have been reluctant to provide even aggregated data for the EweGROW program
The general manager of Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) had strong messages for producers gathered at the recent Grey-Bruce Farmers’ Week. “We haven’t had the really hard conversations about where we want the industry to go,” Jennifer MacTavish said. This has resulted in inefficiencies along the supply chain and an unwillingness to commit to and invest […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
