Glacier FarmMedia – A University of Alberta researcher wants to determine if virtual fences can work when moving cattle within a pasture. She says beef producers are only limited by their imaginations when it comes to the potential benefits of technology that uses virtual rather than physical fences. Why it matters: Virtual fencing could help […] Read more
Could rotational grazing go virtual?
Wireless fencing technology that keeps dogs near home could also work for cattle
New strategies drive improvements for cow-calf operators
Ontario farmers describe how they achieved better herd health and a healthier farm business
Jim Whitley is employing his automotive auditing systems skills to drive his cow-calf operation goals. “Being farmers, it’s always about costs, and we’re always driven by cost,” said the fourth-generation farmer and former Honda employee. “So, I always tried to save money, even if a deadline got missed.” Why it matters: A recent BFO cow-calf […] Read more
Pregnancy testing technology for sheep producers being examined
The ability to get results without veterinarians or specialized equipment coming to farms near no one
Glacier FarmMedia – Researchers are working to place some of the complex technology found in veterinary laboratories into handheld devices that will allow producers to more easily diagnose pregnancies in sheep. The project aims to create a device about the size of a facial tissue box that will take blood samples and test them to […] Read more
Soil freeze and thaw spike nitrous oxide emissions
Science Notes: Computer simulation aims to determine hotspots
Nitrous oxide (N2O) may be much less abundant in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2), but it is 300 times more potent. University of Illinois and University of Minnesota have documented an overlooked but crucial timeframe for nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in U.S. Midwest agricultural systems: the non-growing season. “Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils […] Read more
How to properly install a new seal
Tips to help you get the job done right to stop leaks on machinery
Glacier FarmMedia – Replacing leaking seals on machines is one of the most common on-farm repairs. It isn’t particularly difficult, but not getting a replacement seal seated correctly means wasted time, effort and money. Here are a few tips to make sure the replacement goes in properly and, most importantly, stops the leak. First, pay […] Read more
Ambitious plan aims to add 300 biodigesters
DFO vice-chair hopes to see Danish model for renewable natural gas adopted across Canada on dairy farms
A co-operative-style company founded by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) vice-chair Nick Thurler has taken its first step toward a goal of gaining access to 80 per cent of the country’s dairy manure for conversion into renewable natural gas (RNG). Thurler officially launched GET Corp,– and the sustainable agriculture program that forms its centrepiece, through […] Read more
Research team looks at sandblasting-style weed control
Projectile method needs work to tackle between-row growth
A plot of white beans at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Harrow research farm is part of a new four-site study taking a sandblasting-style approach to weed control in Canadian crops. “No, it’s not a joke,” begins a news release from the federal agriculture ministry about the research into what’s being called “abrasive or projectile […] Read more
Fertilizer emissions: it’s in the details
Technical discussion now begin on proposed emissions reductions plans for agriculture in Canada
Glacier FarmMedia – The federal Liberal government’s online consultation on its proposed 30 per cent reduction of nitrous oxide emissions closed Aug. 31 but the issue will continue to be examined during technical discussions beginning this month. The issue became politicized through the summer as Conservative MPs referred to it as an impending fertilizer ban […] Read more
Ukraine farmer soldiers on
Oleksandr Shevchuk keeps his business working during war, while aiding army and refugees
Glacier FarmMedia – Contrary to my pessimistic expectations, Ukrainian farmers somehow manage to survive. They harvest and sow winter crops, and some even buy new machinery. Of course, for most farmers, things are not going very well but these people manage to adapt to the most difficult conditions of the war. In particular, I can […] Read more
Heat stress a growing factor on dairy farms
New research is underway to select cattle with high milk production and resilience to heat
University of Guelph researchers are seeking ways to select cattle for greater heat tolerance. A research team from the Department of Animal Biosciences recently investigated the association of milk production traits with weather data to identify heat-tolerant cows. Why it matters: Projected climate changes will influence livestock production, an important issue for the dairy industry. […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
