It may have opened as many questions as it answered, but the lead author of a recent study on the well-being of both humans and animals after they have transitioned to automated milking and feeding systems hopes the work eventually leads to a better understanding of mental health. Why it matters: There’s more interest in […] Read more
Switch to robotics can affect both farmer and cow health
Study opens doors for further research into production practices
Plant mutation research aimed at predictability
Science Notes: More accurate breeding could result from more predictable mutations
Both people and tomatoes come in different shapes and sizes. That is because every individual has a unique set of genetic variations, mutations, that affect how genes act and function. Added together, millions of small genetic variations make it hard to predict how a particular mutation will impact any individual. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) […] Read more
Technologies driven by demand for cull-free eggs
Respeggt brand eggs now available in German supermarkets
Fuelled by the perception that many consumers want an end to the mass culling of male chicks, early-incubation gender identification of eggs continues to be a focus for researchers. A presentation at the recent Eurotier farm show in Germany, held virtually, indicated a German-Dutch collaboration may have the lead in bringing an effective technology to […] Read more
University of Guelph grads have new route to agrologist designation
The Ontario Institute of Agrologists recently launched a re-established partnership between the University of Guelph and the OIA. The partnership created a new entrance stream for University of Guelph recent graduates in 23 programs to automatically enter the OIA professional designation as an Articling Agrologist (A.Ag.). Students who are graduating in 2021 or have recently […] Read more
Picking the right digital tool
Have specific goals in mind – and be prepared to make new ones
There are a lot of digital farm management tools out there. Which one should you buy into? Why it matters: The number and capability of agronomic and farm business management tools is large and diverse, but they cost money. Knowing which best matches your goals and farm will bring a better return on investment. From […] Read more
Activist acquittal could set precedent
Ruling won't have any bearing on charges under new trespass act
Animal activist Malcolm Klimowicz celebrated his criminal charge acquittal with an almost-18-minute video on Facebook. “The fur industry has attempted to punish me for publicizing the rampant animal cruelty I witnessed inside their facilities but now their baseless accusations and plans to make an example of me has backfired,” said Klimowicz. Why it matters: The […] Read more
Mushrooms exposed to UV light produce Vitamin D
Research results could lead to value-added opportunities for producers
New research shows UV-C light treatment increases Vitamin D2 in mushroom caps and stems in both white and brown mushrooms. Why it matters: These new findings provide farmers with the opportunity to better manage their post-harvest handling and storage and can add value and nutritional benefits to consumers. Mushrooms are the only produce containing Vitamin […] Read more
Province to fund worker safety, automation tech
The pandemic created risk where workers had to be close together
Ontario is investing $22 million to try to spark sector-specific innovation, especially related to worker safety. The Agri-Tech Innovation Program is a cost-share initiative spurring large and small farm operations and processors to adopt innovative and new technologies to increase the health and safety of workers and increase efficiencies and productivity. Why it matters: The […] Read more
Ontario soybean production expected to rise
Better margins than other crops should bump up acreage
Over the past 30 days, southern Ontario received 85 to 115 per cent of normal precipitation, while temperatures were 4 to 5 C above normal. Winter wheat development is about seven to 10 days ahead of normal with the earlier seeded winter wheat moving into the reproductive growth stage. Quick look Soybeans: Ontario crush margins […] Read more
Editorial: Inflation worries
Gen Xers have enjoyed the stability the economic system has given them
I’ve been lucky to have spent most of my adult life in very stable economic times. Interest rates have been low and steady. Global trade and economic growth have been measured and predictable. Governments mostly spent within their means. Then the pandemic roiled trading systems, supply chains and supply and demand and that’s made me […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
