A newly-funded faculty chair at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) will be focused on growing food crops more efficiently while maintaining soil health. Recruitment of the Martin and Denise Pick Family Chair in Sustainable Cropping Systems is underway and the position will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Pick […] Read more
Tag Archives University of Guelph — page 4
New professorship to lead teaching and research in sustainable cropping
The Ontario Agricultural College chairholder will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Pick family
Editorial: Sustainability shouldn’t be an optical illusion
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, one our freelance writers, Rebecca Hannam, brought to my attention an interesting press release from the University of Guelph on how its on-campus child care centre has reduced its carbon footprint by switching to only feeding a plant-based diet. She asked in her email to me “why is no one talking […] Read more
University of Guelph child care centre touts plant-based menu to reduce carbon footprint
Food service decision and sustainability claim raises concerns among farm groups
The University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre (CCLC) has become the first in Ontario to switch to a fully plant-based menu. A commissioned report estimates that its new carbon footprint is nearly 65 per cent lower than when the menu included animal-based products. Now the director is encouraging other institutions to follow suit. […] Read more
Pest management research in dry beans largely grower-led
White mould and western bean cutworm control among top priorities
Research results from the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown campus are equipping bean growers with new knowledge to make informed pest management decisions. Chris Gillard, associate professor in the department of plant agriculture, leads an agronomy and pest management program and is focused on collaborating with growers to ensure the research is in line with their […] Read more
Pain can be reduced during calf disbudding
Combining local anesthesia and NSAID analgesics helps reduce pain
To combat the pain associated with horn bud removal, University of Guelph researchers are examining methods that will make calves more comfortable. University of Guelph Professor Charlotte Winder and PhD candidate Cassandra Reedman, from the Department of Population Medicine, have found that administering local anesthesia with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) pain relievers is the most […] Read more
The next incarnation for dairy disease resistance
Immunity+ traits from Semex are now incorporated into genetic indices, with broad application across the herd
Dairy customers of Semex now have a more in-depth decision to make if they aim to increase the resistance of their herd to disease, thanks to an updated version of the Canadian bovine genetics provider’s Immunity+ program. Until now, Semex bulls have been listed as either having Immunity traits or not. In the company’s recently […] Read more
Heat stress a growing factor on dairy farms
New research is underway to select cattle with high milk production and resilience to heat
University of Guelph researchers are seeking ways to select cattle for greater heat tolerance. A research team from the Department of Animal Biosciences recently investigated the association of milk production traits with weather data to identify heat-tolerant cows. Why it matters: Projected climate changes will influence livestock production, an important issue for the dairy industry. […] 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
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
Bringing rapid genetic testing to the farm
Competition win helped Harvest Genomics bring its technology to the agriculture industry
The last two years have been a whirlwind for Harvest Genomics CEO and co-founder Chris Grainger. After his Guelph-based start-up won the University of Guelph Gryphon’s LAAIR pitch competition in 2020, the company has been on a rapid growth trajectory. Launching a business in the middle of a pandemic was not without its challenges, but […] Read more
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