U.S. sow gestation stalls under attack Sunday, April 1, 2012 The pressure to end the use of dry sow stalls is growing south of the border, and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the vise. In early February, the Austin Daily Herald in Minnesota reported that Jeff Ettinge, chief executive of Hormel Foods, announced at its annual general meeting plans to end use of sow gestation crates on its Arizona farms by next year and in Colorado and Wyoming by 2017. Ettinge was responding to a question from a member of the HSUS, which is a shareholder.At about the same time, the HSUS announced it was going after Wal-Mart suppliers Seaboard Foods and Prestige Farms. HSUS subsequently complained to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Trade Commission that Seaboard and Prestige spread "grossly false and misleading statements" about its animal welfare practices."McDonald's Corporation announced it will require its U.S. pork suppliers to outline their plans to phase out use of sow gestation stalls by May. "McDonald's wants to see the end of sow confinement in gestation stalls in our supply chain," said a joint press release with HSUS.In addition, Bon Appetit Management, a nationwide food service operator, announced it would phase out pork products from stall-housed sows by 2015. BP Behind the Lines - April 2012 Pakistan capital inundated with wild boars
North American Agriculture Leaders Back USMCA and Long-Term Trade Stability Monday, October 5, 2026 Agriculture officials from the United States,Canada, and Mexico are reinforcing their support for a stable and predictable North American trade environment, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to strengthen rural economies and agricultural supply chains. That message emerged from... Read this article online
Canada Boosts Swine Research Innovation Monday, October 5, 2026 Canada's pork industry is set to benefit from a major research funding initiative aimed at solving key challenges and creating new opportunities for growth. Swine Innovation Porc (SIP), with support from the Pork Promotion and Research Agency (PPRA), has launched the Advancing Swine Research... Read this article online
New Brunswick Farm's Record Gourd Tunnel Draws National Attention Monday, October 5, 2026 A New Brunswick farm is attracting attention from across Canada after creating what is being described as the world's longest gourd tunnel, transforming a traditional crop into an eye-catching attraction that is drawing visitors to the countryside. Located in Scotch Settlement, New... Read this article online
Solar Farms Help Protect Pollinators and Ecosystems Monday, October 5, 2026 Solar energy facilities can do more than generate electricity. The land between and around photovoltaic panels can also be managed to support pollinators, improve environmental conditions, and provide additional benefits for nearby farms and communities. Penn State Extension reports... Read this article online
Soybean Harvest Tips to Improve Farm Returns Monday, October 5, 2026 Soybean producers have spent months preparing for harvest, managing everything from planting and crop protection to field scouting and changing weather conditions. Once harvest begins, however, there are still opportunities to protect the value of the crop by reducing losses in the... Read this article online