New sheep biosecurity standard a handy reference for producers Thursday, April 4, 2013 by DIANNE FETTERLYWhile many Canadian sheep producers have already implemented some form of biosecurity practices on their farms, the newly-released National Sheep On-farm Biosecurity Standard could be a useful reference guide.According to Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency general manager Jennifer MacTavish, farmers are already doing a good job of keeping disease out of their flocks, but the new standard released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency last week could work as an extra tool on the farm – a resource there to help if it is needed.“The standard could be beneficial for farmers (because) it has linked good biosecurity practices with minimizing production-limiting diseases,” MacTavish said.Developed over a two-year period by CFIA and the Canadian Sheep Federation, the biosecurity standard was created by an advisory group using input from researchers, veterinarians, the provinces and producers from across the country. In the initial stages, those developing the standard visited sheep farms across Canada and collected producers’ opinions.After completion, the standard was also circulated to industry representatives before launch to ensure it would work for sheep farmers, MacTavish said.She also noted that it is important for producers to know that the new standard is voluntary and for reference purposes only. Sheep farmers may find the reference manual useful to research specific diseases or practices for their farms. Diseases in question could come from various sources such as other animals or from people visiting the farm.And the guidelines will not only help farmers prevent disease from entering their farm in the first place, but also from spreading within the flock or to neighboring farms, she added.According to CFIA, the standard, announced March 28, is aimed at all sizes and types of sheep operations to help producers improve their herd health and to provide a plan outlining biosecurity practices to reduce disease outbreaks.The on-farm biosecurity standard for sheep deals with four specific areas of management including, “animal health practices; farm facilities and equipment; proper record keeping; and people.” BF Saying thanks has its benefits Europe's horse meat scandal underlines the divide between Britain and the mainland
Stinger Spade Bits kit from Spyder Friday, September 20, 2024 By Braxteen Breen, Whether you are constructing/repairing fencing and other structures around the farm, you can get those tasks completed on the farm quickly with the Stinger Spade Bits kit from Spyder. The Spade Bits kit provides an economical solution for someone who wants to make... Read this article online
$18.4M Boost for Canadian Cereal Grain Innovation Thursday, September 19, 2024 Gate Project Receives Major Funding for Research Canada's position as a pioneer in cereal grain research is set to strengthen with the Gate Capital Campaign raising $18.4 million. This funding will support the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) initiative, a project... Read this article online
BASF introduces Surtain herbicide for field corn growers Tuesday, September 17, 2024 Field corn growers in eastern Canada have a new crop protection product available to them. After about 10 years of research and trials, BASF has introduced Surtain, a residual herbicide for corn that combines PPO inhibitor saflufenacil (Group 14) and pyroxasulfone (Group 15) in a premix... Read this article online
We Didn’t Start the Fire! Impacts of Wildfire Smoke on Corn Monday, September 16, 2024 Assistant Professor of Corn Production at Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Daniel Quinn, PhD. recently provided fascinating insights into the impacts of fire on major corn producing areas, many of which have been impacted by smoke from wildfires. Quinn was the keynote... Read this article online
New home for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario Saturday, September 14, 2024 The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) has announced it has moved into its new office building in Ingersoll. Located at 274620 27th Line in Ingersoll, the new office will serve as the hub for CFFO’s ongoing efforts to advocate for and support Ontario’s Christian farmers.... Read this article online