SL virtual reality game . . . for chickens Tuesday, August 5, 2014 An assistant professor at Iowa State University has created what may be the first video game for chickens. Second Livestock, named after the online game Second Life, uses a virtual reality headset and an omnidirectional treadmill to give a caged bird the illusion of wandering around a field. "Even the best-intentioned producers only have so much land available to raise chickens," says the Second Livestock website. 'Virtual Free Range' allows chickens to be truly free range with no confines on their movements about their virtual worlds." So is this for real? Yes and no. The Ames Tribune reported that designer Austin Stewart debuted a version adapted for human use at an exhibition in Ames, Iowa. But, Stewart told the Tribune, implementing the full system for chickens would be too expensive to be practical. The game's true purpose is to open a discussion about animal husbandry. BF Should climate change deniers be found liable? Protests halt release of GM alfalfa
Festival celebrates migrant workers in Leamington Friday, September 11, 2026 The Festival of Guest Nations will mark its 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, bringing together migrant workers, local residents, community organizations, and service providers for a day focused on culture, community, and... Read this article online
El Niño Forecast Signals Warm Fall Across Canada Friday, September 11, 2026 According to the Weather Network, the El Niño is strengthening and is expected to become one of the most significant events on record, raising questions about how the climate pattern could influence Canada’s fall weather and the end to the growing season for producers. With El Niño... Read this article online
Premier Ford names new ag minister in cabinet shuffle Thursday, September 10, 2026 When the Ontario legislature returns in October, the province’s agriculture industry will have a new voice at Queen’s Park. In a Sept. 10 cabinet shuffle, Premier Ford named Sam Oosterhoff as the new minister of agriculture, food and agribusiness. He takes over for Trevor Jones, who... Read this article online
Canada Trade Tribunal Submits Report on Vegetable Imports and Potential Industry Injury Thursday, September 10, 2026 The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has submitted its report on imports of certain vegetable goods to the Governor in Council following a six-month safeguard inquiry into potential injury to Canadian producers. The Tribunal announced Sept. 9 that the report contains its... Read this article online
Canada-U.S. Trade Dispute Raises Concerns for Agri-Businesses Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Like many of their small business counterparts, Canadian agri-businesses operating across the border are warning that prolonged trade tensions could threaten their financial stability, according to a by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) that was released last... Read this article online