Seems Temple likes farrowing crates after all Sunday, April 5, 2009 The first Niman Ranch news release about a new certification program launched by Temple Grandin, renowned designer of humane livestock handling facilities, had this to say: "Animals must be given the opportunity to care for, interact with and nurture their young. In the case of swine, farrowing crates are not allowed . . . Pasture and bedding are preferred environments."However, in a statement, a few days later, Grandin said: "I personally approve of farrowing stalls and I think it is very positive that industry is evaluating alternative sow housing and that some producers have already converted to group housing. It would not be practical to house all pigs outside and most conventional pigs will still be housed indoors in the same buildings that now exist."Grandin went on to explain that she was working with California-based Niman Ranch "to make their standards clearer and easier to audit. My seal of approval is verification that they adhere to Niman Ranch standards and have a rigorous auditing program . . . Other companies can also develop a program and seek my approval." BP Behind the Lines - April 2009 Earning a college credit, barbecue style
Quebec elects PQ government Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Quebec voted for change on Oct. 5 as the Parti Québécois (PQ) earned 59 seats – five short of a majority – and will form the next government. “To elected premier of Quebec is a huge privilege. It’s also a great responsibility,” PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said in his victory speech... Read this article online
New Syngenta foliar insecticide available for potato growers Tuesday, October 6, 2026 A new tool is available for Canadian potato and specialty crop growers to protect their crops from insect pressure. Syngenta recently introduced Incipio foliar insecticide, which includes a novel Group 30 mode of action called PLINAZOLIN. (Click here to go to Incipio’s specialty crop... Read this article online
How One Ontario Pumpkin Farm Turned 10% of Production Into Half Its Revenue Tuesday, October 6, 2026 For one Ontario farm that was looking beyond traditional commodity production to strengthen their businesses,the answer has come from an unlikely source: ornamental pumpkins and gourds. Located east of St. Thomas, Ontario, Butters Farms has built a successful niche around seasonal... Read this article online
Canadian Food System Trust Holds Steady, but Uncertainty and Misinformation Are Rising Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Canadians largely maintain a positive view of the nation's food system, but rising concerns about affordability, misinformation, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence are creating a more complex environment for maintaining public trust. That was among the key findings... Read this article online
Canadian Agri-Businesses Face Insurance Crunch as Premiums Rise and Coverage Options Shrink Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Small agricultural businesses across Canada are facing a mounting insurance challenge as premiums climb and coverage options become harder to find, according to research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The report highlights a growing concern among farmers,... Read this article online