During the recent 2019 edition of the Shakespeare Swine Seminar, there were presentations from two similar-sized farrow-to-finish operators who, when making decisions about new barn construction, opted to included innovations aimed at boosting animal welfare. Why it matters: Enhanced livestock care regulations, coupled with a more intense focus from the public on how food is […] Read more
Animal welfare a focus during new hog barn construction
The extra cost of sow lift crates pays off in reduced piglet mortality
Vietnam study tour aims to strengthen swine fever strategy
American group to try to pin down prevention options
An American hog health expert hopes to learn about common vectors for African swine fever transmission on a trip to Vietnam. Dr. Paul Sundberg, executive director of the United States-based Swine Health Information Center told the Shakespeare Swine Seminar that he also hoped to clarify cleaning and dis- infection protocols before repopulating an affected production […] Read more
The uncertain future of dairy data governance
Farmers advised to ask questions when buying new technology
With high-tech robot barns leading the way, and many dairy farmers with older-style milking systems adding sensors, the collection of real-time data about cow care has exploded in the past few years. The rapid increase of sensors and in-barn artificial intelligence (AI) has given rise to new issues previously not considered. Why it matters: Dairy […] Read more
Public invited to experience new dairy barn
North Perth farmers plan two distinct new-construction open house events
Throwing open the doors of a newly built dairy barn for others in the agricultural sector to see is common practice; throwing open the doors for the general public is much rarer. The Johnston families of North Perth, operators of Maplevue Farms, plan to do both on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26. Why it matters: […] Read more
North Bay beef processor targets halal market
Future plans include a federally inspected kill plant in province’s northeast
The Ukrainian owners behind a new meat processing plant currently under construction in North Bay hope to start processing cattle in December. Products from the federally inspected plant will be aimed at the halal market, locally and internationally. Why it matters: It is hoped that the location of a cattle processing plant in Northern Ontario […] Read more
Ontario’s senecavirus outbreak in hogs differed from U.S.
Two southwestern Ontario sow barns were infected in June 2019
Updated Oct. 24 Ontario’s latest cases of the obscure Senecavirus gave the hog farming sector a chance to practice managing a new disease outbreak. Why it matters: The most significant known risk is that, based on clinical signs alone, Senecavirus is indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease — meaning that when it’s discovered, all pig travel must […] Read more
Trucking group still looking for clarification on new livestock transport rules
Latest changes need to be shared before February implementation: OLTA
[UPDATED Oct. 10, 2019] Efforts to clarify several issues with looming federal livestock hauling regulations are ongoing, attendees at the recent Shakespeare Swine Seminar were told. Ontario Livestock Transporters’ Alliance Executive Director Susan Fitzgerald said that the updated regulations come into effect in February 2020. Why it matters: Significant fines or requirements to change practices […] Read more
Consumer concerns driving livestock production discussion
Working towards trouble-free animals are often areas farmers are already working to improve
Areas of consumer concern like climate change and animal welfare are driving the livestock discussion, but farmers are already regularly improving both areas while they make their farms more efficient. That was the message from recent interviews conducted by Farmtario with a member of the leadership team behind Lactanet’s annual ranking of herd management scores […] Read more
Canadian Sheep Federation hosts the world
This year’s event in Saskatoon went well, so the Canadian Sheep Federation has been asked to host another one next year
Canada did such a good job hosting the first-ever Global Sheep Conference this summer, the Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) has been asked to host another one next year. “I think it’s important for a national organization to reach out and find some common issues with other sheep producers around the world,” said CSF chair Allan […] Read more
Dairy-to-beef breeding reaches new levels
Genomics cited as key factor in boosting the dairy farming trend
Breeding of Holstein dairy cows to Holstein bulls has hit an all-time-low according to the Canadian Dairy Network — a clear indication of the growing popularity of using sexed semen for top milk-producing herd members and using beef semen on the rest. The trend is not confined to Canada. A recent article published by the […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
