Glacier FarmMedia – Producers must keep better records in order for the cow-calf industry to use the full potential of genomics to select cattle for desirable traits, says a scientist. “If you’re going to take advantage of any of the new technologies, having a comprehensive individual cow record-keeping system is essential,” said John Basarab, a […] Read more
Beef sector faces genomic roadblocks
Researcher urges industry to make the most of new technology, but producers say it must be worth the time it will require
Innovative tech solutions for livestock win at international competition
Automated feeding, drug administration are among the winning entries
Innovations focused on automation and artificial intelligence accounted for half of the double gold star winners at a leading international event for animal breeding this year. Organizers of SPACE, an annual livestock and poultry trade show held in France, have announced the winners of their Innov’SPACE innovation competition ahead of the three-day event’s opening day […] Read more
University of Guelph scientist slams fertilizer emissions plan
Financial incentives and more cost-effective testing for researchers and farmers is needed, he says
Glacier FarmMedia – A scientist from the University of Guelph says the federal government is rushing its plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer. Other scientists are concerned the plan could contribute to the urban/rural divide where city dwellers view farmers as bad guys who are trying to destroy the planet. Why it […] Read more
Grain bin comes with full-cone aeration system
Design enables more efficient drying with similar fan compared to aeration systems on flat bottom bins
Glacier FarmMedia – A grain bin hopper with a full-cone aeration system is now available to farmers. It has a second perforated floor that enables air flow between the hopper floor and the perforated floor. This allows bins only partially full of grain to be aerated, as opposed to some systems where grain must be […] Read more
Horsch Ontario hosts opening
A ribbon cutting ceremony with Michael and Cornelia, leaders of Horsch farm equipment, took place at Horsch Ontario’s grand opening July 22 in Norwich, Ont. Farmers and industry representatives from across Ontario took part in agronomic discussions led by company founder Michael Horsch, while enjoying breakfast followed by in-field demonstrations with Horsch Ontario sales reps. […] Read more
Opinion: One-size-fits-all policies no longer work
Canada’s agriculture industry has been undergoing significant changes over the past 45 years. Since the 1970s, the number of farms has been steadily declining, but not all farms have been impacted equally — mid-size farms have been hit the hardest, as the number of small and large farms increases. The mid-size farm category used to cover the majority of agricultural operations. […] Read more
Machinery market remains hot, but sales cool
Machinery makers face shortages of parts, supply chain delays, rising costs for labour and transportation as COVID disrupts business
Glacier FarmMedia – Farm equipment sales are down for Canada and United States, with Canada showing significant reductions from last year on the largest gear. This year, four-wheel drive tractors and combines in Canada saw sales fall 22 per cent from last season at this time. American numbers were better, but followed the same trend, […] Read more
Clostridium perfringens a good reason to keep up livestock vaccines
Other common vaccines offer some protection but not against Clostridium perfringens A
In the cattle industry, we don’t pay much attention to the clostridium perfringens group of diseases because most producers vaccinate for it in one form or another. These diseases are covered in the multivalent clostridial vaccines. Also, certain ones are covered in the scours vaccines so calves get protection in the colostrum and then are […] Read more
National Farmers Mental Health Alliance seeks to support farmers, rural social support systems
New group offers ag-minded and farm-lived experience training to support farmer mental health in a more relatable approach
The newly formed National Farmers Mental Health Alliance (NFMHA) offers a way to help farmers get support that understands the unique lifestyle and circumstances of farming. “We’re combining real farm-lived experience with our professional practices and connections to develop agriculturally informed therapy training for on-the-ground social workers and therapists to serve farmers, their families and […] Read more
On-farm biodigester helps fuel garbage truck
Pilot project touted as a carbon-neutral ‘circular economy’
In practical terms, it’s a paper transaction. But a new pilot project spearheaded by Enbridge Gas and the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) to run a garbage truck exclusively on renewable natural gas (RNG) from a methane digester on a southwestern Ontario dairy farm is being touted as a glimpse into a carbon-neutral, circular-economy future. Why […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
