A strain of avian flu virus is spreading in domestic poultry flocks in Canada but is not a risk to humans. Avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious influenza type A virus that can infect and kill poultry such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl, as […] Read more
Opinion: Why a One Health approach matters
The ongoing avian flu outbreak in Canada is an example of how a One Health approach can help ensure humans, animals and the environment are protected
Derecho dealt a heavy blow to beekeepers, maple syrup producers
Extreme weather and climate change could impact insurance in the future
A path of uprooted trees and domino-effect toppling was the result of a Derecho that whipped through Jamie Fortune’s Almonte, Ont.- area maple forests last month. “Practically, as maple farmers and forest managers, we respect natural forces, but they create danger and a lot of work and expense,” said the owner of Fortune Farms. On […] Read more
Editorial: Preparing for the unknown
Until May 31, 1985 I really had no idea what a tornado was, or that wind could cause so much damage. Like most young children in Ontario, I was blissfully unaware – and untouched by – severe weather. Growing up in the Niagara Peninsula, until that point in my life I had only experienced bad […] Read more
Emergency planning summer focus for Ontario Pork
Ontario Pork offering help for producers to complete on-farm emergency plans
For Perth County-area pork producer Tanya Terpstra, completing the On-Farm Emergency Response Planning Guide for Ontario Pork at first “seemed like more paperwork.” But Terpstra, who operates a farrow to finish operation with her husband Darryl, understands the importance of having a plan in place. Nearly a decade ago their farm suffered a fire in […] Read more
Big corn crop expected for Ontario
Uncertainty remains on U.S. production; July weather will be key
By the end of last month, Ontario farmers had wrapped up planting operations for corn and soybeans. Crops held up fairly well through the derecho storm on May 21, which extended from Sarnia through Ottawa. Localized areas had hail and some crops experienced leaf damage from extensive wind and rain. Ontario crops received 60 to 85 […] Read more
Transition payments seen as environmental target solution
Professor says current government programs have not been able to solve the country’s ‘implementation problem’
Glacier FarmMedia – A York University professor says transition payments could help Canadian farmers adopt and adapt to environmental policies. Rod MacRae, associate professor in the faculty of environmental and urban change, said Canada has an “implementation problem” when it comes to policies for environmental improvement. He said the problem has been around for decades […] Read more
Satellite tracking of cows not quite ready for prime time
The potential is big but cold, monitoring frequency and a hefty price tag are issues, pilot project finds
Glacier FarmMedia – Heather Mundt has been keeping an eye on her eight high-tech heifers since fitting them with GPS-enabled smart tags last September. Despite some setbacks, the Oyen, Alta.-area producer remains excited about what the technology has to offer, she said. Mundt and husband Brenton are part of a pilot project testing the Australian-made […] Read more
Be alert to bovines consuming ‘software’
Twine, plastic, rope — there is a good chance it could end up in an animal’s gut
I just completed an autopsy on an older well-doing calf that got suddenly sick dehydrated and toxic-looking. My daughter, also a veterinarian, did an autopsy on a mature cow that was losing weight and going downhill, becoming emaciated and weak. Even though both these clinical signs seem different, as well as the age difference between […] Read more
Nutrien eyes U.S. ammonia plant
Nutrien Ltd intends to build a US$2 billion plant to produce ammonia with low carbon emissions, in the sector’s latest move to meet rising global demand for clean energy. The company is evaluating a site in Louisiana for the plant, which could produce 1.2 million metric tonnes a year and capture at least 90 per […] Read more
Accelerator supports companies in advancing sustainable innovation
Programming and commercialization services are available to eligible enterprises
Bioenterprise Canada helps Canadian start-ups and companies in the agri-food sector with sustainable innovation efforts. The Guelph-based national accelerator known as Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine recently unveiled its new sustainability initiative designed to support Canada’s drive to be a leader in food sustainability and security. At the same time, Aramark, Bayer, BASF, MNP and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
