Reported sightings of large groups of wild pigs – known as “sounders” – in Ontario are still limited to one or two instances in the Parry Sound/Magnetawan district, although there are reported sightings across much of the rest of the province.. Government and non-governmental scientists tracking the animals’ movements believe Ontario still has the opportunity […] Read more
Wild boar groups small so far in Ontario
There is concern about growing numbers of feral hogs due to their potential role in African swine fever transmission
Ontario fruit, vegetable growers challenged by wet weather
Strawberry season delayed; veggie growers wait out the rain
Ontario’s cool, wet spring has widespread repercussions for the fruit and vegetable sector. So far it has delayed flowering and planting, caused some farms to reschedule the arrival of temporary foreign workers and created uncertainty about the viability of transplanted seedlings. Why it matters: Fruits and vegetables are high value crops and not getting enough […] Read more
Approval gained for fly larva as livestock feed additives
Cambridge-based Oreka Solutions first Ontario company to gain CFIA nod for insect-based livestock feed
Oreka Solutions Inc. could soon be selling insect protein as feed for fish and chickens in Ontario. The Cambridge-based company got its approval by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on May 14 for the sale of livestock feed for aquaculture and broiler chickens. It has plans to ramp up production with a larger, second […] Read more
Gut health key when raising birds without using antibiotics
Researchers strive to ease transition away from sub-therapeutic drug use
Promoting gut health is key to adapting to calls for antibiotic-free poultry production, attendees were told at the recent annual research day of the Poultry Industry Council (PIC). “We’ve used drugs a lot to hide bad management — poor litter management, too high of stocking density,” said professor Lisa Bielke of Ohio State University’s College […] Read more
Federal loan for Ontario pork destined for Japan
Breslau-based Conestoga Meats aims to boost shelf life for export-ready consumer products
Ontario-raised pork products — an additional $300 million worth per year, if all goes as planned — should have a longer shelf life once they reach stores in Japan, thanks in part to a recent announcement of federal government support for a Kitchener-area, farmer-owned processing plant. Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and other federal […] Read more
Twitter may hold key to early poultry disease warning
Researcher aims to refine system for Avian Influenza outbreaks
Computer-based monitoring of social media posts could lead to early warnings about poultry disease outbreaks, according to work at the University of Guelph’s Department of Computer Sciences. PhD candidate Samira Yousefi was the sole non-poultry specialist out of 10 University of Guelph students featured during the annual research day of the Poultry Industry Council (PIC). […] Read more
Consultation begins on legislation replacing OSPCA Act
Agriculture groups presented a position paper that examined approaches in other jurisdictions
Consultation has begun on the creation of new Ontario legislation governing animal welfare. Government officials recently met in Guelph with representatives from agricultural commodity groups, horse industry sectors, and veterinarians. Why it matters: Trusted and accountable animal welfare enforcement will be important to the future trust of the public in animal agriculture. The new act […] Read more
Calves benefit from mother’s post-colostrum milk
University of Guelph study identifies ‘bio-actives’ in days two to four of lactation
Taking newborn calves completely off colostrum after one or two feedings may contribute to future health challenges, according to as-yet-unpublished research by the University of Guelph’s Department of Animal Physiology. Instead, explained Associate Professor Dr. Michael Steele in the annual webinar series of the US-based Dairy Cattle Welfare Council (DCWC), it might be advisable to […] Read more
Ontario Pork Congress going ahead as planned
Decision follows cancellation of World Pork Expo due to disease threat
The 46th annual Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) will go ahead as planned on June 19-20 in Stratford – a decision reached after event organizers consulted with “veterinarians and industry professionals” about the risk of African swine fever (ASF). “As always, the strength of the Ontario swine industry is our main concern,” stated an OPC news […] Read more
Rules of transition, and when to break them
Well-known coach and columnist addresses Women for the Support of Agriculture
Farmer and farm transition counsellor Elaine Froese has a list of truisms she shares in regularly published columns and at meetings with farm organizations. The expression, “where is it written that…” is one of them, such as: “where is it written that a farm woman must have a garden?” Another is, “comparison is a joy-stealer.” […] Read more
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