Mark Kihn was the owner and publisher of the Charolais Banner. Photo: Supplied

Farm writer and political fundraiser Mark Kihn passes

After a long struggle with cancer, Mark Kihn, the former owner and publisher of the Charolais Banner, has died. Outside the beef industry, Kihn is likely best known for his work fundraising for Stephen Harper, rustling up over $3.5 million for Harper’s two leadership campaigns.

(Photo courtesy Canada Beef Inc.)

Prairie forecast: Cooler weather coming, but little precipitation

Forecast issued July 31, covering July 31 to August 7, 2024

It's looking like we'll soon see an end to the hot conditions of the last few weeks as upper ridging collapses and the upper flow across the Prairies moves to a straight west-to-east flow. Under this pattern, we should see textbook summer conditions. The only downside is there aren't many chances of precipitation.

Mary Wells, University of Waterloo Dean of Engineering, explains collaboration potential between the agriculture and the university’s Applied Science and Engineering faculty to create sector technology solutions during the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation symposium in Elora on June 20, 2024.

University of Waterloo engineers stronger agriculture ties

Dean of engineering says agriculture offers students opportunity to further sector technology while completing co-op studies

The University of Waterloo engineering program is sowing the seeds of agriculture technology development, one partnership at a time. “Collectively, there is so much more we can do as a country and as a province towards this,” said Mary Wells, the university’s dean of engineering, during the Livestock Research Innovation Corporation symposium in Elora. Why […] Read more

Female farm worker inspecting soy at field summer evening time.

Organization focuses on female farmers

Dimension-E offers mentoring and resources to address unique needs and challenges

In French, the feminine version of “entrepreneur” is “entrepreneure.” The letter E at the start and end of that word inspired the name of Dimension-E, an organization working to empower women in the agriculture and forestry sectors. Dimension-E is available to women who become members of the Agricultrices du Quebec. While primarily targeting female producers […] Read more

Farm connections flagged in infectious disease spread

Farm connections flagged in infectious disease spread

Shared equipment, workers may play roles in interstate spread

Glacier FarmMedia – When Dr. Deb Murray arrived at a sow barn to deliver the news that porcine epidemic diarrhea virus had broken out, she immediately organized an emergency management plan. Why it matters: Hog barn workers’ morale can suffer when a disease outbreak occurs among the animals. Then she noticed most of the staff […] Read more


Canada is getting warmer and wetter, mostly in the winter and in the North, says the research lead with Agri-Food Economic Systems.

Producers’ climate change strategy: mitigate or adapt?

An economist argues Canadian farmers should be adapting to climate change rather than focus strictly on mitigation

Glacier FarmMedia – Canadian farmers could benefit from climate change, says an Ontario agricultural economist. That’s not a popular perspective, since mitigating climate change and reducing emissions from food production have become the main priorities in Canadian agriculture. Why it matters: An economist believes farmers could benefit from changes related to climate change. However, Al […] Read more

Mike McMorris

Livestock leader McMorris calls it a career

Among his many roles, Mike McMorris led the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association during BSE

Mike McMorris is a human transformer who can change a person’s outlook with a few words. The Livestock Research Innovation Corporation CEO has brought positive change to every position he’s held, say colleagues in the industry. Why it matters: Skilled people in the industry aid the success of farm organizations and programs. “I feel so […] Read more

Interius Farms takes the growing structures used for vertical farms and uses them in greenhouses.

Merging greenhouse and vertical farm advantages innovations

Interius Farms won the 2024 University of Guelph pitch competition

Interius Farms, a company that brings vertical farming technology to greenhouses, won the 2024 University of Guelph Agri-Tech Pitch Competition. The company was one of five selected to pitch their technology to a panel of three investors and experts. The winner was awarded $10,000. Why it matters: Agri-tech pitch competitions give start-up companies the chance […] Read more


After a 50-year career, Ross Annett’s retirement from the Bow Slope Shipping Association in Brooks, Alta., was marked by a standing ovation at the Livestock Marketing Association of Canada annual convention in Waterloo, Ont. in May.

Ross Annett, gentleman auctioneer, retires

Originally from Ontario, Annett found his calling as an auctioneer in Alberta

Colleagues, friends and family describe Ross Annett as professional, dedicated, loyal and a man of integrity. He received a standing ovation when the Livestock Marketing Association of Canada acknowledged his 50-year career and retirement from Bow Slope Shipping Association in Brooks, Alta., during the annual convention in Waterloo, Ont. in May. “He brought the level […] Read more

Opinion: Environmental regulation enforcement lacking in farm country

A lack of will or capacity allows polluters to go uninvestigated in rural areas

There is no shortage of environmental regulations in this province. Indeed, some people are concerned that regulatory burdens unnecessarily infringe on how farmers, other business owners and regional authorities conduct day-to-day business. From my perspective in southwestern Ontario, all the regulation in the world has failed to stop a range of serious, long-running pollution problems. […] Read more