'Healthy pork' worth $100,000 Wednesday, April 6, 2011 by BETTER FARMING STAFF A couple who produce Omega-3 enriched pork are this year’s recipients of a $100,000 provincial award that recognizes innovation in agriculture. Three years ago Paul and Rosie Hill shifted from commodity pork production to marketing what Paul describes in a recent presentation at the London Swine Conference as “healthy” pork. The product is DHA/EPA or fish oil based Omega-3 pork. Their product is the only one on the market in the world “that is able to make a health claim,” Paul Hill writes in a paper accompanying his presentation. The pork also contains Selenium, a trace mineral studied by researchers for its potential as an anti-cancer agent. The couple had anticipated the health benefits of their product would easily generate a large demand. “Were we ever wrong,” Paul says, describing the process of marketing the product as a huge challenge. However, interest is growing and Paul says he hopes to eventually scale up production. The Hills received their Premier’s Award for Agri-food Innovation Excellence on Monday in Toronto. Also on hand for the awards ceremony were Arie and Lisa Duizer of Burford, Oxford Brant County. The couple received the $50,000 Minister's Award for the innovative design of their robotic dairy barn. Arie Duizer says it’s exciting to receive the award. “We hope that we make dairy farming attractive for the next generation by being innovative.” Duizer says what makes the barn innovative is that the robotic milkers occupy its centre and feed alleys run along the edge. The cows – the Duizers have 220 stock in total and 120 cows currently milking – occupy the area in between. “It’s nice and easy handling for me for the cattle,” Arie says, noting he can automatically separate cows. “The whole barn is set up that everything can be done by one person.” The innovation has made their lifestyle more flexible, he says. “With a young family that’s nice.” A provincial news release notes that 55 regional winners will be recognized at ceremonies throughout the province this spring. BF Jeffray begins third term at Ontario Pork with new challenges Now is the time for young farmers to join the industry
PEI Dairy Leader Wins Atlantic COYF Title Monday, August 3, 2026 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) has named Deanna Doctor of Kensington, Prince Edward Island, as the 2026 Atlantic Regionalhonouree. The recognition celebrates her achievements in dairy farming, leadership, and commitment to agricultural innovation. Over the past decade, Deanna... Read this article online
Rural Albertans wanted for grief study Friday, July 31, 2026 Researchers from the University of Alberta are looking to connect with rural Albertans who’ve dealt with grief related to substance use. “What we’ve been hearing from our past research and work in the community is there’s a lot of substance use related grief,” Holly Mathias, a human... Read this article online
Preparing for Farming Uncertainty Friday, July 31, 2026 Farm Management Canada has introduced a new report that proposes a National Strategy for Education and Communication on Agricultural Risk Management, aimed at improving how Canadian producers and agricultural service providers understand and use the wide range of risk management programs, tools... Read this article online
Central Ontario FS Expands Grain Network with Acquisition of Haley's Elevator in Burford Friday, July 31, 2026 Central Ontario FS is strengthening its presence in southwestern Ontario after signing a purchase agreement to acquire Haley's Elevator Inc., a long-established grain handling facility located in Burford. The acquisition marks another step in the growth of the company's grain elevator... Read this article online
Ag Union concerned about MOU related to Sask. research farms Thursday, July 30, 2026 The union representing agriculture workers in the public sector is concerned an MOU to keep two research farms in Saskatchewan open will ultimately result in job losses. The Agriculture Union, which represents more than 770 workers in federal agencies like the Canadian Food Inspection... Read this article online