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
Canada AI Minister Visits EMILI Innovation Farms Friday, July 17, 2026 Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, recently visited EMILI’s Innovation Farms in Manitoba to learn more about agricultural technology and artificial intelligence projects being tested in real-world farm conditions. The visit gave the minister... Read this article online
FCC Backs Farmer Mental Health Network Friday, July 17, 2026 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has renewed its support for a national mental health initiative that serves Canada's farming community. The organization has committed $1.8 million over the next three years to help continue and expand services offered through the National Farmer Wellness Network... Read this article online
Indian Head and Scott Research Farms to Survive Friday, July 17, 2026 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Government of Saskatchewan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore options for maintaining agricultural activities at the Indian Head and Scott Research Farms while the federal government proceeds with plans to dispose of... Read this article online
Todd Klink Earns Top 4 H Canada Honor Friday, July 17, 2026 Todd Klinkhas been named the recipient of the 2026 4-H Canada Honorary Member Award, the highest recognition presented by the organization. The award celebrates his many years of leadership, volunteer service, and dedication to supporting youth development and agriculture across Canada. A... Read this article online
Alberta Facility Expands Black Soldier Fly Production Friday, July 17, 2026 FairGene, a partnership between Fairville Farming Co. andNRGeneCanada, has launched a dedicated black soldier fly (BSF) egg production facility in Bassano, Alberta. The facility has already started producing BSF eggs and aims to provide insect producers around the world with a dependable... Read this article online