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
OVC Veterinarian Helps Pets During Wildfire Crisis Tuesday, September 1, 2026 When wildfires forced many Northern Ontario families to leave their homes, veterinary support became an important part of emergency response efforts. An Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) veterinarian stepped in to provide care for pets affected by theevacuationsaccording to the OVC... Read this article online
Churchill Port Resumes Grain Exports with Durum Wheat Shipment Tuesday, September 1, 2026 The Port of Churchill has marked a significant milestone with the loading of its first grain export vessel since 2020. The ship is carrying approximately 30,000 tonnes of Canadian durum wheat supplied by Saskatchewan-based AGT Foods and is scheduled to depart for Europe this week. The... Read this article online
David Hansen Earns Top Wheat Growers Honor Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Earlier this summer, the Wheat Growers Association awardedDavidHansenthe 2026 recipient of the Shovel of Gratitude Award, one of the highest honors presented by the organization. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on Canadian... Read this article online
Cover Crops Influence Corn’s Natural Pest Defences Tuesday, September 1, 2026 The choice of cover crop may do more than improve soil health and nutrient cycling. New research from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences suggests it can also influence how crops defend themselves against insect pests, creating opportunities for farmers to enhance biological pest... Read this article online
Canada Launches First Private Forest Owner Survey in Over 20 Years, Farmers Invited to Participate Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Private forests are a familiar part of many Canadian farms, providing firewood, timber, wildlife habitat, clean water, and environmental benefits that extend far beyond property lines. Yet despite their importance, very little current information exists about the people who own and manage... Read this article online