The television dating show that has spawned the (pro)creation of 27 farm kids in French Canada since its inception over a decade ago – and a staggering 197 weddings and more than 450 children worldwide – is coming to Ontario. Season 1 of Farming For Love, is an English Canadian take on a United Kingdom-originated […] Read more
‘Farming For Love’ reality show looking for single Ontario farmers
Show is based on concept that’s been successful in other countries
A bitter sweet surprise: Sugarbush season starts early
Reports indicate quality syrup resulting from rare February start
A string of mild early-February weather created an early — and in some cases bountiful — harvest for syrup producers in Ontario’s southwest. But while some producers welcomed the season’s early arrival, the chair of the Climate Change Working Group of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association sees ominous signs of what’s to come from […] Read more
Jakeman’s expands processing capacity
Woodstock-area facility brings in syrup from across the province
Transformation was underway for the nearly 150-year-old, family-owned Jakeman’s maple syrup business near Woodstock in the months before the pandemic. The resulting turmoil could have damaged a less resilient operation but, according to company CEO Chad Jakeman, the ability to think outside the box helped the business weather the COVID-19 storm. Jakeman’s, which has been […] Read more
Inflation remains top of mind for organic marketers
Organic produce sales in the U.S. declined in 2022 as consumers cut costs
Rising food prices are one of several factors creating turbulence in the organic marketplace. But, as attendees at the recent virtual segment of the 2023 Guelph Organic Conference learned, inflation will likely remain top of mind in 2023. For the first time in more than a decade of monitoring the U.S. marketplace, analyst Tom Barnes […] Read more
Danish genetics supplier targets improved feed conversion
DanBred launches Canadian division through AGC takeover
A tweet from the first Canadian pork producer to have pigs born using Danish genetics led to the collaboration now known as DanBred Canada. At DanBred Canada’s official launch Dec. 21 in Stratford, Gilt-Edged barn manager Charlie Illick said in 2017, the Orangeville-area farm was planning a new sow building and took a trip to […] Read more
Farm revenues should rise in 2023, but so will costs
Annual FCC Economic Outlook focuses on predicted global economic slowdown
Food price inflation and labour market volatility remain the post-pandemic factors to watch, Farm Credit Canada finance specialists said during the agency’s annual economic outlook Jan. 24. Although challenges like supply chain disruptions and fluctuating input costs have eased somewhat, they will likely have an effect on farm costs and profitability in 2023. Held the […] Read more
Salmonella Dublin poses serious risks in cattle and humans
Infection classed as “emerging disease” in Ontario
For cattle farmers who see a spike in calf mortality but not the typical diarrhea that accompanies common bacterial infections, Quebec-based veterinarian Dr. Frédéric Beaulac says Salmonella Dublin should be top of mind. And if there is an outbreak, it could be a long road to recovery for the farm. Why it matters: Salmonella Dublin […] Read more
Researcher calls for stronger focus on shipping healthy calves
Veterinarian says every animal should be examined for the four H’s
Examining all calves before transport and following the same nutrition and care protocols for male and female newborns could improve health outcomes for dairy farm animals that eventually end up at veal facilities. University of Guelph PhD student Dr. Devon Wilson, now working in the Population Medicine lab of Dr. Dave Renaud, spoke about calf […] Read more
Boosting IgG levels in calves’ early meals
Speakers see potential benefits from changes in colostrum management
Strategies to ensure calves benefit as much as possible from colostrum were offered by two speakers at the recent 2022 Healthy Calf Conference. “We saw it when we went through that movement of feeding more milk (to calves),” said Dr. Kelly Barratt, former Heartland Vet Services partner and current director of welfare for Saputo. Why […] Read more
Harrow research team finds key to continuous greenhouse lighting
Unlocking the potential of photosynthesis and growth
Growing greenhouse crops under continuous lighting has been a dream since the 1930s and moved closer to reality with the advent of LED lighting. Now, a team of researchers at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s Harrow Research and Development Centre aims to make continuous lighting an actuality. Continuous lighting effectively spreads a plant’s total lighting needs […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
