Backyard flocks not healthy for the birds Thursday, January 3, 2013 A study conducted last year in Britain says backyard chicken operators aren't doing their birds any health care favours.It found that, while birds are generally kept in good welfare conditions (a place to scratch, stretch their wings and so on), owners rarely vaccinate the birds to prevent diseases such as Marek's disease, laryngotracheitis and infectious bronchitis, which have all been found in backyard flocks.It also noted that there is little biosecurity – rodents, wild birds and humans all had access – and most operators don't comply with national regulations banning the feeding of catering waste. Then there's Newcastle disease, caused by feeding chicken meat and eggs back to the birds.The Royal Veterinary College conducted the study by sending surveys to 65 operations in the city of London. About 30 surveys were returned and policies on dealing with all backyard operations in Britain may be developed on those replies. BF Report release resurrects 'Skippy burger' jokes Brazil subsidizes its agriculture
$12M Invested in Agri-Food Growth in Southern Ontario Thursday, March 6, 2025 The Government of Canada has announced an investment of over $12 million to support the growth and development of southern Ontario’s agri-food sector. This funding aims to help businesses scale up, adopt advanced technologies, and enhance production capabilities. Several organizations... Read this article online
U of G Advancing Soil Health Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The University of Guelph is taking a significant step forward in tackling climate change and advancing soil health, with the announcement of a new $4-million investment. This initiative, fueled by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation, matched by a contribution from the... Read this article online
International Women’s Day – Angela Cammaert Wednesday, March 5, 2025 As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, Farms.com is asking women in ag about what they’d tell their younger selves about being a farmer, to give a piece of advice to young women entering the ag sector, and to highlight a woman in agriculture they consider a mentor or... Read this article online
Grain Growers of Sounding the Alarm Over U.S. Tariffs Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Not surprisingly, the Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is raising concerns over the United States' decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian grain and grain products, a move that could jeopardize the livelihoods of family-run grain farms and lead to higher food prices for American... Read this article online
Taking Issue with Charlebois’ Criticism of Canada’s Dairy Supply Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Farms.com recently received correspondence from Phil Mount, National Farmers Union 1st vice president (Policy) with his response to recent criticism of Canada’s dairy supply management system. Recent criticism of Canada’s dairy supply management has come from well-known Sylvain... Read this article online