'Ag gag' law passes in another U.S. state Friday, June 7, 2013 Tennessee is the latest state to approve a bill making it illegal to record animal cruelty incidents on livestock farms without reporting them to the police right away. The "ag gag" concept is catching on as farm groups and agribusiness try to take the wind out of the sails of activists performing undercover operations. The current Tennessee law doesn't ban shooting photos and filming on farms entirely, as do laws in Iowa and Utah. The Tennessee law calls for sending film to the cops within 24 hours. An Alabama law gives 120 hours leeway. "These bills are a reaction to the bad publicity that erupts whenever a new undercover video is released," says the About Animal Rights website, which continues: "These bills are troubling not only to animal protection activists, but also to those concerned with food safety, labour issues, free speech and freedom of the press" because they "apply equally to journalists, activists and employees." When the Retail Council of Canada recently announced its member stores wouldn't buy pork from farms using gestation stalls in 2022, Mercy for Animals took credit, citing its videotaping inside a Puratone pig barn late last year. BP Now it's hunting with drones Where patrons 'sweat like a pig, then eat one'
Equipment Technician Demand Reaches New Highs Friday, September 25, 2026 Canada's agriculture and construction equipment industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled technicians, according to a new report released by industry organizations the Canada Equipment Dealers Association (CEDF)and the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF). The findings... Read this article online
B.C. ag minister won’t seek re-election Friday, September 25, 2026 British Columbia’s minister of agriculture won’t run in the next provincial election when the time comes. Lana Popham, the NDP MLA for Saanich South currently in her second tenure as the ag community’s voice in the provincial legislature, made the announcement on Sept. 21. “I am sad to... Read this article online
Dorothy Long Leads New Era for Canadian Food Focus Thursday, September 24, 2026 Canadian Food Focus is entering a new stage of growth with the appointment of Dorothy Long as Executive Director. The organization, which focuses on improving food literacy and public trust in agriculture, aims to help Canadians better understand where their food comes from and how it is... Read this article online
Judy Sweet Strengthens Future of Farm Education Thursday, September 24, 2026 A significant investment in agricultural education is set to benefit students, researchers and the livestock industry in western Canada. Long-time Lakeland College supporter Judy Sweet has contributed funding to the Student-Managed Farm (SMF) Lab Revitalization Project. The investment... Read this article online
FCC Report Highlights Challenges for Food Manufacturers Thursday, September 24, 2026 Canada’s food and beverage manufacturers are facing a more uncertain business environment as tariffs, trade restrictions and fluctuating energy and transportation costs add pressure to margins, according to a mid-year analysis from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Economics. Industry sales... Read this article online