A test to detect melamine in milk Wednesday, May 5, 2010 University of Miami researchers in Florida have developed a fast test to detect melamine adulteration in milk. Melamine, a plastic product, was found in pet food two years ago and in milk in China, where babies died from drinking it. Because of its high nitrogen content, melamine appears to raise the protein content of a food but also causes health problems and even death.The Florida test takes 15 minutes. The casein portion of the milk is removed first because it interferes with melamine detection. Gold nano-particles are added and, if melamine is present, the colour of the solution changes to blue from red within seconds. Adding Cyanuric acid, which also reacts to melamine, makes the test more specific to the product.The goal of the Florida research is to develop a test that can be used in third world countries. Melamine contamination is regarded as a worldwide problem. BF Michigan claims compromise was a win Defending the Cargill brand with cameras
Parliament’s shut down leaves farmers vulnerable Wednesday, January 22, 2025 In March 2025, Canada's agriculture sector and broader supply chain will face a another setback with the expiration of the extended interswitching pilot program. With Parliament prorogued until March 24th, there is effectively no opportunity to renew or make the program permanent before... Read this article online
Peavey Mart Closing 21 Stores in Ontario Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Peavey Industries LP (“Peavey”) has announced the closure of 21 Peavey Mart stores in Ontario and one store in Nova Scotia as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its operations and ensure long-term sustainability. The decision is part of an effort to streamline Peavey’s retail... Read this article online
$10 million investment supporting Ontario ag mental health Wednesday, January 22, 2025 On January 22, 2205, the Ontario provincial and federal governments announced that two initiatives designed to meet the mental health needs of the agricultural community will continue for the next three years thanks to close to $10 million in new funding. With this new funding, the... Read this article online
Tariffs and their impact on farming Wednesday, January 22, 2025 The swearing-in of a new government in Washington, DC, has brought concerns about potential tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports. With approximately 60% of Canada’s agricultural exports heading to the United States, such measures could significantly impact farmers and consumers... Read this article online
Dynasty kidney bean wins U of G Innovation of the Year award Wednesday, January 22, 2025 A kidney bean variety developed at the University of Guelph has won the school’s Innovation of the Year award for 2024. The award went to Dynasty, which Dr. Peter Pauls, a professor at the Department of Plant Agriculture at the Ontario Agricultural College, and research technician Tom... Read this article online