'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
Innovation Takes Center Stage at Canada’s Farm Show in Regina Friday, March 20, 2026 Canada’s Farm Show officially kicked off yesterday at the REAL District in Regina, Saskatchewan, welcoming thousands of producers, innovators and industry leaders from across Canada and beyond. Presented by Bunge, the three‑day event runs through Thursday and promises a packed agenda... Read this article online
Ag groups call for pause to AAFC cuts Friday, March 20, 2026 Close to two dozen Canadian ag groups wrote to Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald to ask for an immediate pause to the scheduled cuts at AAFC research facilities. The federal government is closing seven ag research sites and eliminating 665 positions to support the prime minister’s goal... Read this article online
Top Tillage Equipment for Large Acreage Farming - A 2026 Buyer’s Guide Thursday, March 19, 2026 Choosing the right tillage equipment is crucial for high acreage growers managing heavy residue, variable soil conditions, and the need for efficient seedbed preparation. Today’s leading tillage systems combine residue sizing, soil preservation, and operational efficiency—while pairing... Read this article online
Corteva introduces Lumiscend LUXE fungicide seed treatment Thursday, March 19, 2026 Corteva has launched a new fungicide seed treatment in time for the 2026 planting season. Lumiscend LUXE combines four active ingredients – difenoconazole, metalaxyl-M and S-isomer, ipconazole, and inpyrfluxam – to provide farmers with a robust seed treatment option spanning Groups 3, 4,... Read this article online
CGC issues multiple licenses on March 18 Thursday, March 19, 2026 Two Canadian and one American grain handler received licenses from the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) on March 18. One of the Canadian companies, Red River Seeds in Morris, Man., the leading buyer of rye grain in Western Canada, received two licenses. One of those licenses is a grain... Read this article online