A month ago, a photo of a peasant household in one of the villages of northern Ukraine, liberated from Russian troops, was spread around social networks. It showed the occupiers had deliberately scattered grain over dirt so that it could not be used. I have already talked about the huge losses suffered by Ukrainian farmers […] Read more
Opinion: Stepping ever closer to world hunger
While Ukraine can export a lot of grain, it’s not being allowed to do so
Wheat production is in good shape, but trade flows uncertain
Ensuring Russia can satisfy traditional wheat markets will take political will
Over the past 30 days, as of mid-June, the Ontario growing region received normal to above normal precipitation and temperatures were two to three degrees Celsius above average levels. In some cases, the northern regions received record rainfall. Corn, soybean and wheat crops are experiencing greenhouse conditions. At this stage of the growing season, we […] Read more
Bringing dairy data together in new ways
Researchers hope to establish Canada-wide network to collect and store records
Milk quality and heat detection are the top-of-mind benefits for dairy producers from the data that’s available when upgrading milking equipment to include sensors. But dairy geneticists can also benefit from on-farm sensor data to develop new tools for producers that can fine-tune breeding programs and make milk production more sustainable. Why it matters: The […] Read more
GM electric vehicles to test as standby generators
EVs could work as alternative power sources in an emergency
Glacier FarmMedia – Frequent power outages are an unfortunate fact of life for many people living in rural locations. In winter those outages can be particularly problematic, creating troubles like frozen livestock watering bowls. With the automotive industry expected to move to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), could they work as backup sources […] Read more
Setting dairy calves up for success
Calf research trifecta advances management recommendations to aid in animal health and production
Nutrition, health and welfare are three pillars of dairy calf research at the University of Guelph. Members of the cross-faculty Dairy at Guelph group are focusing on this trifecta and conducting rigorous research designed to help dairy farmers and industry advisors improve calf management. Nutrition Dr. Michael Steele, animal biosciences professor at the Ontario Agricultural […] Read more
Producers want recognition for climate efforts
MPs were told farmers should be part of solution, not penalized for emissions
Glacier FarmMedia – Canada’s grain farmers want to be acknowledged for their contributions to climate solutions rather than vilified for emissions, the standing committee on agriculture heard during recent testimony. Susie Miller, executive director of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, said more than 600 farmers with whom the organization consulted said they want recognition […] Read more
Network supports agricultural automation innovation
CAAIN funds ‘plant to pint’ traceability project
The first “plant to pint” commercial traceability system using blockchain technology was recently unveiled in Canada. Grain Discovery can capture every input, movement, process and touchpoint from multiple sources into a shared digital ledger that follows the barley plant from the field to its eventual appearance as beer in a pint glass. The innovative Ontario […] Read more
Weather forecaster uses many sources
New system gathers information from sensors, national forecasters and machine learning to localize forecasts
Glacier FarmMedia – California-based Benchmark Labs uses Internet of Things weather sensors, information from national forecasters and machine learning to improve local weather forecasts for farmers. Carlos Gaitan, chief executive officer of Benchmark Labs, said the new system was designed with growers of specialty crops in mind so they can adjust quickly to imminent weather […] Read more
National group launches standardized corn borer scouting protocol
Goal is to address lack of knowledge about ECB in non-corn hosts
A nationwide entomologist working group is promoting a new online scouting tool for farmers, crop advisors and researchers with the aim to broaden knowledge about European corn borer (ECB) damage in new and emerging crops like quinoa and hemp, “The recent confirmation of ECB resistance to Cry1F Bt corn in Nova Scotia has increased the […] Read more
PAWS regulations updated for dogs
New standards of care for outdoor dogs come into effect July 1
Owners of outdoor and Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) have more to keep track of this summer. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS) has updated standards of care for outdoor dogs and they come into effect July 1. They may require some producers to adjust their animals’ housing and care regime. Why it matters: The […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
