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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Urban bees use plastic to build hives

Thursday, May 1, 2014

"Busy" may need to be changed to "resourceful." A recent study by scientists from the University of Guelph and York University shows that two Toronto bee species are using bits of plastic waste as construction material for their brood cells.

Scott MacIvor and Andrew Moore published their findings in Ecosphere in December. By observing trap nests in Toronto, they discovered that the Megachile campanulae hives, traditionally made with plant and tree resins, had bits of polyurethane exterior house sealant incorporated into them. And the hives of Megachile rotundata (leafcutter bees), usually made with leaves, contained chewed-up pieces of plastic bags.

The study shows that the use of plastics was "incidental" rather than accidental and not a result of a shortage of natural building materials. Larvae developed successfully from the trap nests. Plastic may have an advantage as it can physically impede parasites. BF

Current Issue

March 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Farmer Planting Decisions for 2025 Taking Shape

Thursday, March 13, 2025

As farmers across Canada prepare for the 2025 crop year, Statistics Canada says their planting decisions reflect a complex mix of factors including moisture conditions, crop rotation considerations, and market prices. Nationally, farmers are expected to plant more wheat, corn for... Read this article online

Grain Growers of Sounding the Alarm Over U.S. Tariffs

Monday, March 10, 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

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

Keep Yours Toes Warm in Every Season with the Agro 897

Friday, February 28, 2025

BY: Zahra Sadiq Say goodbye to leaky boots that don’t keep you warm, the Lemigo Agro 897 offers durable waterproof protection, insulation for all-day comfort, and a sturdy design perfect for tackling tough farm tasks in any weather. Lemigo is a family business, 26 years strong, that... Read this article online

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