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
How to Avoid Soil Compaction at Spring Planting Monday, March 16, 2026 Soil compaction is one of the most costly yet overlooked challenges facing cash crop producers. Often described by extension agronomists as a “silent yield robber,” compaction restricts root growth, reduces water infiltration, and limits nutrient uptake—sometimes for years after the damage... Read this article online
Global Market Volatility Sparks Concerns for Commodity Markets Monday, March 16, 2026 On the weekly with expert Farms.com Risk Management Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino, who shared that the markets moved positively in several sectors during the week of March 9 to 13, as a result of rising concerns about global price volatility, driven largely by higher crude oil... Read this article online
Record bulk grain exports at Port of Vancouver in 2025 Monday, March 16, 2026 Canadian ag helped the Port of Vancouver have a record year in 2025. “The Port of Vancouver handled 170.4 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in 2025, an almost 8% increase compared to the previous record set in 2024,” the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said in a March 9... Read this article online
Small Firms Call for Energy Action Monday, March 16, 2026 Farmers and small business owners across Canada are urging governments to act quickly to strengthen the country’s domestic energy supply. According to new preliminary data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), many businesses believe stronger energy production and... Read this article online
Canada’s Real Seasons (According to Farmers Who Actually Live Here) Monday, March 16, 2026 According to a chart that’s been making the rounds on social media, courtesy of The Weather Network—the Canadian calendar has officially been updated. Apparently, we no longer live by the simple rhythm of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Instead, we now rotate through such crowd... Read this article online