Bob Chorney, a man who almost singlehandedly willed into existence an organization supporting farmers’ markets in Ontario, and subsequently lived and breathed that existence for over 25 years, died July 14 at age 85. Erin McLean, who – along with her brother Ben – owns and manages the Peterborough-area McLean and Buckhorn Berry Farms after […] Read more
Bob Chorney was formidable farmers markets champion
Long-time head of provincial organization fought to keep the farmer in farmers markets
Genetic analysis confirms stable flies as mastitis vector
Research shows flies can carry the bacteria from manure breeding sites
New genetic sequencing research shows that stable flies carry pathogenic bacteria associated with mastitis. Petri dish research is now supplemented with gene sequencing in the bacteriology lab so a team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin decided it was time for an update to the understanding of relationships between dairy barn-dwelling flies and milk […] Read more
Organic wheat, corn growers face vulnerabilities
New report aims to enhance resiliency of Ontario’s organic grain sector
Premiums paid for organic crops can enhance the revenue stream for small-scale farmers, but they need to know those premiums will be sustained long-term to justify a transition to organic production. Why it matters: A new report presents the most comprehensive review of the organic grains sector in Ontario to date. A new report on […] Read more
Syngenta celebrates R&D investments at Arva
Research centre renovation coincides with equipment fleet renewal
Syngenta has reopened its Arva, Ont., research centre after upgrading laboratories, buildings and equipment. The official opening on June 25 celebrated the first major interior upgrade since the facility opened in 1989, but for many in attendance, the biggest cause for excitement was the state-of-the-art PowerPlant research planter parked outside. Why it matters: Crop research […] Read more
Canadian genomic option coming for non-herdbook dairy breeders
Testing will still be done in the United States
Canadian dairy breeders may be able to acquire genomic evaluations within Canada later this year for domestically bred cows not registered in national breed association herdbooks. Why it matters: The change will allow all Canadian-born dairy cattle to receive a genomic evaluation based on Canadian calculations. The proposed change was outlined by Lactanet chief services […] Read more
Owner-sampled dairy cattle herds will see earlier genetic evaluations
Lactanet proposes move to monthly official evaluations for Canadian cows in early 2025
More dairy cows in Canada may have the potential to achieve top-rated status in publicly released genetic rankings, thanks to a change being introduced by the Lactanet organization in early 2025. The change will be of particular benefit to herds in which monthly milk samples are collected unsupervised by the herd owner. Why it matters: […] Read more
Cattle Scan’s bolus system wins pitch competition
It took five minutes for ag-tech startup founder Denis Tokarev to secure a $10,000 prize at a recent “pitch competition” in Calgary, but he hopes the buzz generated by the award as well as his networking with dairy sector stakeholders while in Alberta will eventually lead to a bigger payback for Guelph-based Cattle Scan. Inventures […] Read more
Top genetics shouldn’t change much under modernized LPI
Lactanet to update its benchmark Lifetime Performance Index by early next year
The emphasis given to production and health characteristics will change in a proposed new Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) for Canadian dairy cows – with new weighting for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing “milkability”. Brian Van Doormaal, chief services officer for Lactanet, the genetic testing and data management organization leading the process, says changes in […] Read more
Starbucks sweetens pot for FCC sustainability program
Coffee giant to support ‘top achievers’ and ‘most improved’
Starbucks has joined Farm Credit Canada in its Dairy Sustainability Incentive Program, which offers Canadian dairy farmers interest rate rebates for sustainability initiatives. Why it matters: Starbucks says milk products are a significant source of the company’s carbon footprint. The announcement represents entry into the Canadian dairy sector of a company that has already made […] Read more
Trouw targets dry matter accuracy of dairy feeding with new app
DNA Connect allows for adjustments through smartphone or tablet
Accurately tracking dry matter intake is critical for dairy farmers, and a new app from Trouw Nutrition aims to make that easier and more efficient. One of the app’s early adapters, Clinton-area producer Evan Klaver, says it’s working out pretty much as advertised. Why it matters: Information technology companies see opportunities in marketing to the […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
