As the threat of African swine fever (ASF) creeps closer to North America, CanSpot ASF is ramping up its programming. CanSpot ASF is a risk-based early detection program aimed at limiting ASF transmission, and reducing its spread. “Canadian and provincial governments, along with members of the pork industry, have made significant investments to reduce the […] Read more
News
CanSpot ASF testing to expand to provincial processing plants
Early based detection aimed at limiting disease transmission
Winnipeg lab designated for African swine fever
World Organization for Animal Health designates CFIA facility as a reference laboratory to deal with the disease if it appears
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada now has a laboratory officially recognized as a world leader in African swine fever (ASF). The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said last month that the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg will be a reference laboratory to deal with ASF. “(Reference laboratories) are internationally recognized centres of […] Read more
Microbe protects honeybees by boosting nutrition
Science Notes: Specific microbe thrives in royal jelly
Indiana University researchers have identified a specific bacterial microbe that, when fed to honeybee larvae, can reduce the effects of nutritional stress on developing bees — one of the leading causes of honeybee decline. Humans rely on honeybees for food security. Because they will pollinate almost anything, honeybees are extremely useful for agriculture. But over […] Read more
How to reduce the risk of farm theft
Top tips to deter thieves and protect your property
Farmers reported an increase in theft across rural Ontario this spring. Now, many are keeping a closer eye on their property and are looking for new ways to keep their assets secure. Although more thefts seem to be occurring during the day and while people are on site, Scott Smith, a registered insurance broker and […] Read more
Canada losing ground in ability to export, analyst warns
The country has dropped from having the world’s 10th best trade infrastructure system to 32nd in the last 12 years
Glacier FarmMedia – Foreign customers are losing confidence in Canada’s ability to move its products to market, an expert on international trade told an agricultural conference in Alberta. “Over the past 12 years, Canada has gone from having the 10th best trade infrastructure globally to currently being ranked — any guesses — 32,” said Carlo […] Read more
Comment: The dangers of big data extend to farming
If agriculture data isn’t protected, a handful of powerful companies will shape food production for their own benefit
Most internet users are by now aware of the vulnerability of their personal data. When the news broke that tech companies misuse and manipulate our personal data, there was a widespread “techlash” against the corporate giants Facebook, Amazon and Google. The explicit motive for data harvesting is the prediction of consumer wants and needs. And […] Read more
Post-wheat harvest weed management strategies
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of July 25
Weather conditions The percentage of average precipitation during the current growing season is quite variable across the province (see image at top). Crop conditions generally mirror precipitation levels with below average precipitation received in mid-western and southern Ontario causing significant crop stress, especially on lighter textured soils. Conversely, parts of eastern Ontario are above average […] Read more
Nematode resistant trait coming for Enlist E3 soybeans
Corteva Agriscience, BASF and MS Technologies announced they have entered into a mutually beneficial trait licensing agreement to develop next-generation Enlist E3 soybeans with the nematode resistant soybean (NRS) trait for farmers in the United States and Canada. As part of this agreement, Corteva and MS Technologies have licensed the Enlist E3 soybean trait to […] Read more
Opinion: Inflation is brewing up a spending hangover
Glacier FarmMedia – Man, beer has gotten expensive. That was one of the things I thought the other evening when I met a colleague for a couple of brews on a pleasant patio. We were drinking fancy local brews rather than off-the-shelf main market brands, and those are more expensive, but still, beer ain’t as […] Read more
Fertilizer market volatility raises pricing questions
Analysts say normal ups and downs much less predictable in light of global upheaval
As planting and the early growing season drew to a close, fears over potentially significant fertilizer shortages did not come to fruition. But questions regarding price volatility did. Significant reductions in pricing, perceived by some to be conveniently timed after many growers paid for product, has led to accusations of unfair pricing practices south of […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
