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 Pens Potash Deal with Bangladesh Friday, September 11, 2026 Canada has taken another step to strengthen its position in global agriculture with a new government-to-government potash supply agreement with Bangladesh. Announced by Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, the agreement will provide Canadian potash to the Bangladesh Agricultural... Read this article online
Canada Backs AI Tools for Smarter Vineyards Friday, September 11, 2026 A new federal investment of up to $1.69 million will support the development of advanced machine learning and computer vision technology designed toassistgrape growers. The funding is being provided through theAgriScienceProgram under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a... Read this article online
Cleanfarms Names New Western Canada Director Friday, September 11, 2026 Cleanfarmshas announced the appointment ofDavin Johnsonas its new Director of Western Canada. Johnson steps into the role with extensive experience in agricultural recycling, stewardship programs, and farm sustainability initiatives. His appointment reflects the organization's commitment to... Read this article online
Festival celebrates migrant workers in Leamington Friday, September 11, 2026 The Festival of Guest Nations will mark its 20th anniversary on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, bringing together migrant workers, local residents, community organizations, and service providers for a day focused on culture, community, and... Read this article online
El Niño Forecast Signals Warm Fall Across Canada Friday, September 11, 2026 According to the Weather Network, the El Niño is strengthening and is expected to become one of the most significant events on record, raising questions about how the climate pattern could influence Canada’s fall weather and the end to the growing season for producers. With El Niño... Read this article online