Genetics: Genetic markers help build a better pig faster

With DNA markers, researchers can greatly improve the accuracy of selecting for specific traits, such as meat quality, disease resistance and robustness of the animal

by SERGE POMMIER

When people ask me about the importance of genetic markers, they often bring up the halothane gene. Would greater focus on developing genetic markers help us discover more of these revolutionary genes? Would these markers transform genetic development and help us develop a super pig, one with improved meat quality, robustness, feed conversion and disease resistance?

Insights into the Ontario Hazelnut Industry’s Opportunities for Growth

March 22, 2019

Industry identifies strategies for Ontario markets The Ontario Hazelnut Association held its 10th annual Symposium in London, Ontario, on March 20, 2019, with the theme: Perspectives for Ontario Hazelnuts - An insight on industry opportunities. As part of the symposium a recent study, commissioned by OMAFRA, was reviewed with symposium attendees. While many farmers may have presumed that large retailers like Ferrero and Cadbury present the biggest market opportunities, the study identifies that small local Ontario retailers, may present better profits in the short term. Key facts to... read more

Govts support Ont. corn farmers affected by DON

March 21, 2019

The federal and provincial governments are helping support grain farmers affected by a plant disease that can make corn unmarketable. On Monday, Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s ag minister, and Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s federal ag minister, announced a tiered corn salvage benefit to help farmers who dealt with DON in their corn crops last year. Growers who had DON levels of 3-5 parts per million (ppm) will receive a benefit amount of 52 cents per bushel, Agricorp says. Farmers with DON readings from 5-8 ppm will receive 79 cents per bushel, and producers who had higher than 8 ppm... read more

Feds invest in rural broadband

March 20, 2019

Tuesday’s federal budget promised “universal high-speed Internet for every Canadian” by 2030 “no matter where they are located.” Drew Spoelstra, an executive member of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) board of directors, had mixed feelings about the announcement. While it was “encouraging” to read of federal government intentions, the long delay “absolutely needs to be accelerated,” he said in an emailed response to Farms.com. “It’s inconceivable that, heading into 2020, rural residents, farms and businesses will... read more

Natural gas coming to rural Ont. communities

March 13, 2019

The provincial government selected Chatham-Kent and Bruce County as its first regions to receive expanded natural gas access. The increased access to natural gas is part of the government’s Natural Gas Expansion Support Program. In Chatham-Kent, construction could begin this summer and will include two new transmission pipelines. Once completed, up to 1,300 homes and 200 businesses could benefit from this fuel. Switching to natural gas can save residential customers between $800 and $2,500 per year, the government says. The ag industry is celebrating the commitment to natural gas... read more

Rural partnership studies novel fuel source

March 12, 2019

Bruce County and Saugeen First Nation officials recently announced a partnership to study and demonstrate hydrogen production tactics that could provide new sources of non-carbon energy for a variety of agricultural uses, including machinery fuels and ammonia production. In a statement, Bruce warden Mitch Twolan and Saugeen chief Lester Anoquot expressed strong support for job growth potential in transportation, heating and agriculture from their joint “clean energy initiatives.” “Hydrogen has numerous game-changing, power-to-fuel applications that, if embraced, can lead... read more

Genetics: Genetic markers help build a better pig faster

Better Pork - February 2009