The primary processing area of Schefter Poultry was undamaged by the fire, which originated in the composting facility, shown burned to the ground.

Quick fire response saves poultry processor from widespread damage

Schefter Poultry plays key role for small-flock sector in Ontario

A fire that started in the engine of a skid-steer destroyed the composting facility at Gorrie-based Schefter Poultry on April 21 but was contained before it affected the primary processing area. Why it matters: Any disruption in the availability of processing capacity at the plant would have forced hundreds of small-flock producers to make other […] Read more

Five-year phase-in underway for farm boiler inspections

Five-year phase-in underway for farm boiler inspections

Agricultural exemption was highlighted by auditor-general in 2018 and will soon be closed

A five-year phase-in is now underway for owners of pressure boilers used in agricultural applications to bring their equipment into compliance with Ontario regulations. The change affects greenhouse operators and some maple syrup producers, wineries and mushroom growers. Why it matters: Compliance with TSSA regulations will increase safety for farm operators who use boilers. “The […] Read more


Tim and Sharyn Sargent are expanding into on-farm processing as a way to involve their children in the business.

Well-known Jersey farm to process its own milk

Processing facility almost ready at Sargent Family Dairy to make milk, butter and camembert cheese

A new building has been rising within sight of the well-respected Enniskillen dairy barn, within a couple of hundred barn near the Old Scugog Road. The new on-farm processing facility is bright blue with a prominently displayed circular logo featuring the distinctive shape of a Jersey cow. It’s almost ready to begin production as a […] Read more

Second crop ryegrass is cut.

Producers like flexibility of grass-based forage options

Weather, rootworm resistance are reasons to consider alternative crops

While most Ontario dairy producers are watching alfalfa stands and the weather forecast to determine the ideal date for first cutting, several others are eyeing different crops – mainly fall-planted grasses or small grains – as their first 2021 opportunity to add to forage feedstocks. Throughout the growing season, depending on rainfall and the degree […] Read more

Cows responded to a negative DCAD diet with less milk fever and fewer twisted stomachs.

Milk fever prevention diet not recommended for first-lactation heifers

University of Guelph study indicates negative DCAD may affect first-lactation fertility

Taking the study of milk fever in dairy cattle from a research environment into commercial Ontario farms produced largely predictable findings for the University of Guelph’s Department of Population Medicine, but also one unexpected result. It found that reproductive performance of first-lactation heifers, in contrast to their older herd counterparts, was slightly impaired when eating […] Read more


The ownership and trade of Eurasian Wild Boar will be phased out over two years in Ontario.

Wild boar ban included in draft invasive species changes

Ontario ministries aim to avoid damage experienced in U.S. and Prairies

The possession and trade of the Eurasian Wild Boar will be phased out over two years, pending the approval of changes to Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, which are up for public comment until June 7. A draft plan and proposed new rules for pigs under the Invasive Species Act were uploaded recently to the Environmental […] Read more

There could be many reasons why automated milking and feeding are associated with improved farmer mental health.

Switch to robotics can affect both farmer and cow health

Study opens doors for further research into production practices

It may have opened as many questions as it answered, but the lead author of a recent study on the well-being of both humans and animals after they have transitioned to automated milking and feeding systems hopes the work eventually leads to a better understanding of mental health. Why it matters: There’s more interest in […] Read more

Eggs with the Respeggt logo are now for sale in Germany, at a significant premium.

Technologies driven by demand for cull-free eggs

Respeggt brand eggs now available in German supermarkets

Fuelled by the perception that many consumers want an end to the mass culling of male chicks, early-incubation gender identification of eggs continues to be a focus for researchers. A presentation at the recent Eurotier farm show in Germany, held virtually, indicated a German-Dutch collaboration may have the lead in bringing an effective technology to […] Read more


Pastured poultry producers found it hard to assess their labour because their operations are often highly diverse so chores involved multiple operations.

Study released on organic cost of production

There has been little information on cost of production for organic farmers

New cost of production analysis for organic crops and livestock should help farmers benchmark their operations against others in the sector. The Organic Council of Ontario (OCO) in late April published cost of production (COP) analyses for dairy, salad greens, field crops and pastured poultry, in a project funded through the federal/provincial Canadian Agricultural Partnership. […] Read more

Flaxseed oil is widely recognized for its human health benefits.

Flaxseed can help during cow transition

Adding linseed oil to dairy cattle diets can benefit herd health, fertility and milk quality, according to studies outlined at the recent digital version of the 2021 Eurotier livestock farm show. The Hamburger Liestungfutter company’s Wisan-Lein products have been promoted for pet food use, but cattle product manager Anika Henke used Eurotier, Europe’s largest farm […] Read more