Better Pork

By: Farms.com In 2023, Alberta's agriculture sector navigated a mixed bag of farm input price changes, with electricity rates climbing and prices for several other key inputs like purple gas, diesel fuel, propane, and farm natural gas witnessing declines. This trend emerges amidst an era marked by high volatility, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, as highlighted by Azam Nikzad, a market analyst with the Alberta government. Statistics Canada reports a 20% hike in farm operating expenses from 2021 to 2022, with Alberta's farm input price index up 9.6% in the third quarter of 2023 versus the same period in 2022. The analysis of yearly averages for 2023 compared to 2022 shows electricity and oil for diesel engines experiencing the most significant price increases, by 44.6% and 27.6% respectively. On the flip side, global market adjustments led to a 23.1% average price reduction for other fuels and a 18.2% decrease in fertilizer costs, with urea prices notably dropping by 29.5%. Moreover, farm machinery and seed prices went up by 14.4% and 5.6%, respectively, while feed prices modestly increased by 1.1%. Crop chemicals and livestock drugs varied, with some prices climbing and others falling, reflecting the broad impact of global supply and demand shifts. 2023's price dynamics were influenced by several factors, including logistical challenges, labour market shifts, and geopolitical tensions such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which notably affected fuel and fertilizer markets. These conditions, coupled with inflationary pressures, have played a significant role in shaping the farm input landscape. Looking ahead, predictions for 2024 farm input prices range widely, with some experts anticipating further increases due to ongoing global uncertainty and supply constraints, while others expect a moderation in prices. The future direction will largely hinge on energy costs and global demand, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring these indicators for Alberta's agricultural p

By Farms.com Canola farmers in Alberta can capitalize on the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, with a competitive rate of 12.49% applicable for the 2023 tax year. This tax credit allows growers to claim a portion of their service charge payment, specifically used to fund qualifying research initiatives. Alan Hampton, Chair of Alberta Canola's research committee, emphasizes the significant value for growers participating in the canola service charge. He states, "Farmers can recover a portion of their dollars invested by the Commission in research through the SR&ED tax credit." Hampton highlights Alberta Canola's strategic partnerships and efficient allocation of research funds to tackle challenges such as blackleg and clubroot disease management, along with monitoring insect pests for susceptibility and resistance to insecticides. For instance, an individual grower who paid a $1000 service charge to Alberta Canola in 2023 is eligible to claim a $124.90 tax credit. The SR&ED tax credit can serve various purposes: Offset federal taxes in the current year. Receive a tax refund.

A new national campaign is putting Canadian farmers who implement regenerative agriculture practices in the spotlight. Regeneration Canada, a non-profit created in 2017 to promote regenerative agriculture and soil health, recently launched its Stories of Regeneration campaign. “Our mission is to promote and scale out regenerative agriculture across the country,” Antonious Petro, executive director of Regeneration Canada, told Farms.com. “We are the first non-profit in Canada focusing exclusively on regenerative agriculture.” The organization works with farmers to support transitions to regenerative ag end ensure producers’ financial success. It also works with consumers and other stakeholders on social, environmental and economic issues. The Stories of Regeneration campaign features a collection of films, podcast conversations, articles and webinars with Canadian farmers and stakeholders that highlight the benefits of regenerative ag. “Our farmer members wanted us to find a way to bridge the gap between producers and consumers and help increase trust,” Petro said. In total, the campaign features 10 farms from across the country. One of those farms belongs to Blake Vince, a f

An Alberta ag organization has introduced an award for deserving canola farmers. During the Alberta Canola Conference, which ran Jan. 24 and 25, the Alberta Canola Producers Commission unveiled the Walter Paszkowski Farm Leadership Award. The award “pays tribute to (Paszkowski’s) legacy and dedication to canola, while emphasizing Alberta Canola’s unwavering commitment to fostering leadership and excellence within the canola industry and within Alberta’s rural communities,” Christine McKee, chair of Alberta Canola’s Grower Engagement and Extension Committee, said in a statement. The recipient of the award will receive a $5,000 bursary to support their participation in Farm Management Canada’s National Farm Leadership Program. This program includes virtual learning, an in-person residency, and leadership effectiveness support. Paszkowski is an important leader in Alberta ag. “He is the reason why there is a canola commission in Alberta,” Christi Friesen, an Alberta farmer, posted on X on Jan. 24. “Thank you, Walter, for everything you’ve contributed to the agriculture industry.” Walter Paszkowski being honoured tonight in the Peace Country- he is the reason why there is a c

rall, Director of Outreach, Education & Research, Pig Brig Trap Systems Wild pigs, also known as feral hogs, have become one of the most prominent invasive species across many parts of the US and Canada, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. Their rapid reproduction, generalist diet, and lack of natural predators allow them to outcompete native wildlife, reducing biodiversity and significantly damaging habitats. For farmers, ranchers, and landowners, the intrusion of wild pigs is a pressing concern, causing substantial economic losses through damaged crops, livestock threats, and property destruction. Environmentalists are equally troubled by the erosion, water contamination, and disruption to natural plant succession these animals cause, further stressing ecosystems already threatened by climate change and habitat loss. The ethical management of wild pig populations presents a complex challenge that requires balancing the management of their numbers and ensuring humane treatment. By adopting responsible and effective management strategies, we can mitigate the adverse effects of wild pigs on our ecosystems and agriculture, paving the way for a more sustainable coexistence with our natural world. Understanding the Challenge Wild pigs are recognized globally for their invasive prowess, which is characterized by their remarkable adaptability, high reproductive rates, and omnivorous diets that allow them to thrive in diverse environments. This adaptability, however, comes at a high cost to ecosystems, agriculture, and local economies. Farmers and ranchers face significant challenges as these animals root through crops and pastures, leading to substantial financial losses. Moreover, wild pigs compete directly with native wildlife for food and habitat, often emerging victorious due to their aggressive nature and generalist feeding habits. Wild pigs can also disrupt soil composition, water quality, and plant diversity, leading to the long-term degradation of habitats that reduces their biodiversity and resilience to other stresses. The cumulative effect of these disruptions poses a severe challenge to conservation efforts, agricultural productivity, and the maintenance of biodiversity, underscoring the urgency of finding effective management solutions. Ethical Wild Pig Management Strategies Ethical wild pig management involves strategies that minimize suffering, reduce environmental impact, and consider the welfare of both wild pigs and native wildlife. Among various management methods, trapping stands out for its adaptability, efficiency, and potential for humane treatment. Trapping allows for the selective removal of wild pigs from sensitive ecosystems without the use of poisons or firearms, which can harm non-target species and pose safety risks. The key to ethical trapping lies in designing and implementing traps that minimize animal stress and injury, including corral traps that can capture entire sounders at once, reducing the social stress associated with separation. It's also crucial to check traps regularly to ensure that captured animals are dealt with swiftly and humanely. Beyond trap design, ethical management strategies emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach. This involves: Assessing the Ecological Impact and Necessity of Management Measures Implement non-lethal methods, such as

; Photo courtesy of 4-H Canada 4-H Canada is proud to announce the recipients of three prestigious national awards: ; (s); and . 4-H provides youth with the guidance, resources, and opportunities to become contributing members of their community, their country, and the world by preparing them for the various paths of life and encouraging them to find their sense of self, purpose, and responsibility. Each year, the recognize the extraordinary contributions of supporters, volunteers, and alumni who embody the mission of 4-H and make an impact on youth and the communities they serve. Distinguished Alumni Award The is presented to honour the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to their communities, country, and world. This year’s winner is Jon Montgomery of Calgary, Alberta. That’s him in the photo above. You probably recognize him from at least one of three Canadian things. He is the TV host of The Amazing Race Canada, and he is an Olympic gold medal winner in the most dangerous winter sport—the skeleton, where you go headfirst down a curving downhill course atop a sled. He is one of this writer’s favourite athletes. He won his gold medal at the held in Vancouver, British Columbia. And if one thinks he can’t top all that, Montgomery is a proud second-generation 4-H’er! His involvement in the 4-H movement began in his hometown of Russell, Manitoba, where he was a youth member of the Russell 4-H Beef Club for four years. A proud alum, Montgomery has continued to live and breathe 4-H values throughout his career as an elite athlete, philanthropist, and national TV host. He embodies leadership skills, pride in his rural roots, drive to achieve world-class goals, and a ‘can-do’ attitude that parallels 4-H Canada’s ‘Learn To Do By Doing’ motto. Along with being an Olympic gold medallist, these 4-H values have taken him far, including taking on the mantle of host of in 2013 and remaining in that position today. A household name in Canada and around the world, Montgomery frequently uses his platforms as a motivational speaker on topics close to his heart, including leadership, teamwork, and healthy living. A strong advocate for agriculture, Jon has been a fixture at important ag-related events around the country, including and the . In 2023, 4-H Canada was proud to have Montgomery host the virtual , where he led the celebration of 4-H youth, leaders, and supporters around the country. In a subsequent interview with The Pledge, 4-H Canada’s a

A researcher from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is looking for Saskatchewan farmers with sore shoulders to participate in a study about how producers move. “The initial focus is looking at the postural exposures (movement requirements) farmers experience at work,” Dr. Angelica Lang, an associate professor at the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health at the USask’s College of Medicine, told Farms.com. Dr. Lang also wants to connect with farmers who don’t have shoulder pain. This will allow her team to define the movements, compare those to farmers with pain and make other comparisons along the way. “We’ll look at sex, to see if women do things differently than men,” she said. “And for people who already have pain, we want to know if they’re moving differently than the people without pain. This can help us understand why injuries might be happening.” This research emerged from a previous study Dr. Lang ran. In 2022, she and Dr. Kenzie Friesen, a postdoctoral scholar in the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre at the University of Calgary,

MPs returned to Ottawa last week to begin the winter session of Parliament, meaning Farms.com is continuing its Ag in the House series. Ag in the House will summarize the weekly exchanges related to agriculture in the House of Commons during question period. This summary, to be released on Mondays, will include comments from the House of Commons hansard from Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Conservative Agriculture Critic John Barlow and other Members of Parliament who ask and respond to questions about farmers and the ag sector. Without any further delay, here’s where agriculture fit into question period last week. On Jan. 30, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked two questions about the carbon tax and if Bill C-234 will get passed. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland provided responses but didn’t address either question directly. Shannon Stubbs, the Conservative MP for Lakeland, also pressed the government to pass Bill C-234 to bring down production costs for farmers. Freeland’s response indicated the Conservatives want to cut child and dental care, and take away the rebates Canadians get from the price on pollution. &lt

The Executive Director of Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan says, as the rural urban divide widens across Canada, it becomes increasingly important for the story of agriculture to reach Canada’s policy makers. Established in 2014, Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan was created to engage with consumers to ensure they understand what farmers and ranchers do and why they do what they do. Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan Executive Director Clinton Monchuk says, at the start of confederation, the predominant split was about 85 percent of the population lived in rural Canada and 15 percent in urban areas where as today that ratio has shifted to about 82 percent of the population living in urban areas and the other 18 percent in rural settings. Quote-Clinton Monchuk-Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan: Right now, when you look at policy development especially in Ottawa and the disconnect that a lot of the policy makers have from agriculture, you can see policies that are coming down into the agriculture industry that really don’t meet the needs of farmers or they are a little bit off base. We see that possibly becoming worse and worse when that lack of understanding of how farmers actually grow food is getting greater and greater. I think we’re starting to see some of that and that’s why it really is the responsibility of all of us in agriculture to make sure we get the truth out there. I think that’s something we all can do. Whether it’s that conversation with people on the bench at a sporting event or a kid’s musical play, what ever it happens to be there are those opportunities to engage with people in our communities and we just have to take them one conversation at a time. Monchuk suggests, because so much of the population lives in an urban area, the ability for consumers to have an association with farmers and see what farmers are doing is less and less so the more comfortable and confident farmers can feel about talking about their own farms the higher that engagement will be. He acknowledges many consumers have a basic idea of what’s happening in food production but the not of the technologies or practices farmers use so the more farmers can get out there and engage with consumers, the more knowledge consumers will have.

The Associate Director of the Swine Health Information Center reports continued increased porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea activity last month, a reflection of the winter weather. The Swine Health Information Center's monthly domestic swine disease surveillance report, released as part of its January eNewsletter highlights a spike in PRRS positivity in the wean-to-market category and higher than expected PRRS positivity in Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio and increased PED positivity in all age categories including higher than expected positive PED submissions in Missouri and North Carolina.SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says colder winter weather is typically a challenge. Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center: PED especially I think has seen a signal in December.The advisory group noted that the amount of submissions had increased and right now that really warrants looking at what's going to happen in this next report to cover the month of January.That's going to give us a big note, is it more active in the winter or not?That's something I think we're definitely going to be watching for in this next reporting. The same thing really assessing what the winter is doing.Traditionally with trends we do sometimes do see increased activity in colder months.Again, it also really makes us look at our transportation but even feed mill biosecurity and other steps, so something to be watching for in this next report. Highlights of 2023, including discussion on the major findings for each of the pathogens monitored domestically highlight the Swine Disease Reporting System's January podcast.The full domestic and global swine disease surveillance reports can be accessed through the Swine Health Information Center's website swinehealth.org.

The Executive Director of Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan says, as the rural urban divide widens across Canada, it becomes increasingly important for the story of agriculture to reach Canada's policy makers.Established in 2014, Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan was created to engage with consumers to ensure they understand what farmers and ranchers do and why they do what they do. Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan Executive Director Clinton Monchuk says, at the start of confederation, the predominant split was about 85 percent of the population lived in rural Canada and 15 percent in urban areas where as today that ratio has shifted to about 82 percent of the population living in urban areas and the other 18 percent in rural settings. Quote-Clinton Monchuk-Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan: Right now, when you look at policy development especially in Ottawa and the disconnect that a lot of the policy makers have from agriculture, you can see policies that are coming down into the agriculture industry that really don't meet the needs of farmers or they are a little bit off base.We see that possibly becoming worse and worse when that lack of understanding of how farmers actually grow food is getting greater and greater. I think we're starting to see some of that and that's why it really is the responsibility of all of us in agriculture to make sure we get the truth out there. I think that's something we all can do.Whether it's that conversation with people on the bench at a sporting event or a kid's musical play, what ever it happens to be there are those opportunities to engage with people in our communities and we just have to take them one conversation at a time. Monchuk suggests, because so much of the population lives in an urban area, the ability for consumers to have an association with farmers and see what farmers are doing is less and less so the more comfortable and confident farmers can feel about talking about their own farms the higher that engagement will be. He acknowledges many consumers have a basic idea of what's happening in food production but the not of the technologies or practices farmers use so the more farmers can get out there and engage with consumers, the more knowledge consumers will have.

The Swine Health Information Center has outlined its research priorities for 2024.As part of its January eNewsletter the Swine Health Information Center has released its 2024 Plan of Work.SHIC Executive Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says the 2024 plan includes 36 research priorities in five key areas. Quote-Dr. Megan Niederwerder-Swine Health Information Center: We have five strategic areas in which the Swine Health Information Center has really focussed its efforts in 2024. One is improved swine health information, pillar two is monitor and mitigate risks to swine health, three is respond to emerging diseases, four is surveillance and discovery of emerging diseases and the fifth pillar is our swine diseases matrices.We've been looking at how do we identify the highest priorities in each of these strategic areas. After the listening sessions we were able to provide a draft list of research topics and priorities and to our working groups as well as our Board of Directors who help identify the highest needs that would provide the greatest value to producers.The Board of Directors then revised and approved that plan of work and that plan of work is now available on our web site.We have various priorities that have been identified under those five strategic areas, one of which is to continue the domestic and global disease monitoring reports. We're looking for areas in which we can enhance those reports, provide more information in real more time so that producers are able to see the changes in both domestic and global swine diseases to provide them with that information in as real time as possible. Dr. Niederwerder says one of SHIC's goals is to be nimble, responsive and adaptive to industry needs as they arise. She says we don't know what the next emerging swine health risk is so its important to be able to identify those risks in as real time as possible and respond as they come up.

A Customer Success Representative with Farm Health Guardian says new software being integrated into various GPS tracking systems will enable pork producers and veterinarians to more efficiently deal with biosecurity breaches during the transport of pigs, both reactively and proactively. Farm Health Guardian is a biosecurity software system that helps protect pig farms and poultry farms from the spread of disease by allowing farmers and food companies to track animal movement. Farm Health Guardian Customer Success Representative Adam Black says preexisting fleet management software systems are being integrated with Motive, which tracks vehicles and provides an added layer of biosecurity. Quote-Adam Black-Farm Health Guardian: By being able to monitor the movements of these trucks, from a reactive standpoint, veterinary teams or logistics teams can look back during a disease investigation and identify the vehicles that might be at risk then pull those vehicles, clean them, do what ever is needed to get them back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible. Then proactively we can set up these breach alerts that can stop the vehicle and alert the vehicle before it enters the property or enters a few properties. There's the famous quite, "you only manage what you measure."This way the can management and measure vehicle breaches, the overall biosecurity easily and simply on a single dashboard just to improve the overall biosecurity.It's all about continuous improvement.You can use this for training purposes when there's new hires.But overall, it's just a simple easy way to improve biosecurity. Black says GPS tracks when a vehicle enters and exits a farm property and the new software integration can be configured to provide alerts to warn that there is a potential biosecurity breach and that action needs to be taken.He says, by monitoring truck movements, vehicles that might be at risk can be pulled from service, cleaned and returned to service as quickly and efficiently as possible before they can infect other properties. Further details can be accessed by searching Farm Health Guardian.

Adequate intake of essential nutrients is crucial to maintain good health of swine. Animals fed properly are more resistant to many bacterial and parasitic infections, partially due to improved digestive tract capacity, nutrient digestibility, tissue integrity, increased immunological resistance to diseases or fast recovery from them, increased antibody production and increased well-being. Nutrient utilization can only be optimized if pigs have high health status which increases productivity, efficiency, and also nutrient requirements. Therefore, diet and health are intricately connected and interdependent. The objective of this Research Topic is to publish research articles, short communications and reviews that focus on factors affecting swine’s gastrointestinal physiology, nutrition, welfare and health. The Guest Editors encourage submissions about traditional aspects of swine production, including, but not limited to: - Nutrition and gut physiology - Factors influencing changes in gut microbiome - Nutritional effects from immunological stress - Impact of management and housing on health and welfare are also welcome

A total of $6.8 million in funding was announced by Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit for livestock and forage research activities. Provided through the Agriculture Development Fund under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, this investment will support a total of 30 new research projects for 2024. This year’s funding is a nearly 14% increase compared to last year. “Investments like these are helping the agriculture sector prepare for the future,” MacAulay said. “These research projects will help our farmers adopt more sustainable practices and new methods to counter the effects of drought, diseases and other environmental challenges they face, so they can stay competitive and protect their bottom line.” "We need our livestock producers to stay competitive and profitable, and they do that by staying innovative through new ideas which become best practices," Marit said. "Investments in agricultural research help Saskatchewan maintain its status as a go-to jurisdiction when it comes to sustainably feeding the world while meeting our economic goals for the end of this decade and beyond." This year's projects, which are awarded funding on an annual competitive basis, focus on topics such as the development of a rapid and sensitive pathogen surveillance method for Bovine Respiratory Disease in cattle, development of new red clover cultivars for Western Canada, and African swine fever preparedness with a focus on evaluating manure management and treatment strategies and understanding pathogen survival in mortality management. In addition to the federal-provincial ADF funding, a total of $478,597 for eight livestock and forage projects was contributed by five industry co-funders: Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission

By Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern Transferring fuels or lubricants is a routine necessity on any farming operation, but physically transferring these liquids is not always simple. For example, you have liquids in a jerry can or drum, but you need to get them to their end-use destination. Using spouts can sometimes be challenging when the spout does not cooperate, resulting in spillage. The Quick Flow Drill Pump Kit from SP Tools allows you to pump 3 liters of liquid per minute, at 1,200 RPMS with just a push of a button. Leaving your second hand free to manage suction and/or discharge hoses. The drills universal adapter allows any drill of any size to be used with the help of the rubber mounting strap which sets the drill firmly in place. The Drill Pump is ideal for transferring: Automotive Engine oil Automatic transmission Gear oil Brake fluid Power steering fluid Coolant Industrial Hydraulic oils Machining coolants Whether it is transferring fuel for a machine or truck, diesel for a generator, lubrication for an engine, SP tools Quick Flow Drill Pump Kit will do the trick in transferring fluids on the farm. Watch this video to learn more about this cool tool.

AGCO's FarmerCore Initiative, announced on January 30 (Read about the announcement), is making waves in agriculture. This initiative represents a significant shift in the industry and AGCO’s approach, placing farmers squarely at the center of the distribution, ownership, and service process for farm machinery. Farms.com spoke with AGCO’s John Rahiya, Director of Customer Connected Distribution, to learn more about the FarmCore initiative. Rahiya explained that there are three Pillars of FarmerCore: Physical Smart Network Coverage: AGCO is redefining the distribution landscape by offering alternative, localized locations that bring services closer to farmers. Instead of relying solely on large dealerships, this approach ensures proximity and convenience for farmers. Mobile and On-Farm Solutions: Understanding the time constraints farmers face, AGCO has introduced mobile service trucks staffed with skilled technicians and equipped with smart tools and diagnostics capabilities. This initiative aims to respond swiftly to on-farm issues, reducing downtime and providing maximum convenience for farmers. Digital Tools: FarmerCore leverages digital tools to enhance the farmer's experience. These user-friendly tools simplify interactions with AGCO, allowing farmers to engage at their preferred level, whether through digital channels, phone calls, or dealership visits. One of the standout features of FarmerCore is its commitment to simplifying technology for farmers. AGCO recognizes that not all farmers are tech-savvy, and time is precious. Therefore, the initiative streamlines processes, making it effortless for farmers to identify needed parts, check availability at local stores, and choose between pickup or delivery. The primary objective of FarmerCore is to save farmers time. It eliminates the need for extensive trips to dealerships by bringing services directly to the farm. Whether scheduled maintenance or addressing unexpected downtime, FarmerCore prioritizes speed to resolution and convenience for farmers. As FarmerCore gains traction, it promises to reshape the farming industry. Farmers will come to expect greater convenience, faster service, and a seamless digital experience. AGCO envisions a future where the entire agricultural community adopts a farmer-centric approach, revolutionizing industry standards and practices. Before launching FarmerCore on a larger scale, AGCO tested Farmer Core's concept through AG Revolution, a dealership in Indiana, and Illinois. This pilot phase allowed AGCO to refine its strategy and understand the practical implications of on-farm service and localized presence, confirming the viability of bringing services closer to farmers. Farmers who want to learn more about FarmerCore should contact their local AGCO dealer. While FarmerCore is currently in a pilot phase in 2024, expressing interest to local dealers may help accelerate its adoption in some regions. Watch the interview with John Rahiya to learn how AGCO is working to prioritize farmers' needs through convenience, digital innovation, and exceptional service.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay It’s over. Two of France’s main farmers’ unions asked their members to end the protest that was blocking access in and out of the capital city of Paris after the government agreed to their demands. The French farmers took no pleasure in harassing their fellow countrymen. But it appears as though their hold on the arteries going in and out of the capital worked, as the French government agreed to many of their demands. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, just three weeks into the job, had failed with his initial attempt to quell the blockade that was starving Parisians of access to fresh fruits and vegetables. His second attempt went much better. The French protest was initiated after farmers said their concerns were being ignored by the government. French farmers were angry over rising input costs, increased taxes, falling income, and European agriculture policies. With regards to its European neighbours, French farmers were upset about its government purchasing too much agricultural product from Ukraine. Understanding that Ukraine is at war with Russia and can use financial aid, French farmers railed against its government for being too generous in flooding the market with Ukrainian goods, not to mention that they believe much of the Ukrainian products to be substandard to expected French food quality. Worse still, for the French farmers, the Ukrainian products were being sold at a cheaper price than their own. For French farmers, purchasing too many substandard and inexpensive Ukrainian agricultural products had affected their livelihood while lowering the accepted food standards for consumers. The French farmers said they had been raising their concerns to the government for years, but to finally get their point across, a tractor blockade at every roadway leading in and out of Paris caught not only the government’s attention but the attention of other European countries facing similar shortcomings. By way of apology and righting the situation, Attal said the government wants French ag to come first—French food products, produced in France, by its farmers. As well, the French government said it would create a $162 million financial aid package for its farmers. A financial aid package worth over CDN $215 million was promised for French livestock farmers. As well, the Prime Minister said there would be a ban on the import of fruit and vegetables treated with , an insecticide that may be harmful to honeybees. has been banned in the EU since 2019, but both Canada and the US allow its use, though only for limited purposes in Canada. Most importantly, the France plan—which follows the UK and EU’s plans—to reduce pesticide usage has been put on hold. While pesticide reduction is still being considered, the French government said it wants to implement an easier way for farmers to reduce pesticide usage while maintaining its yield quantity and quality. It just doesn’t know how to do that yet. The farmers’ action wasn’t a complete blockage. Aft

GUELPH - In celebration of Canada’s Agriculture Day, Ontario Pork is excited to announce that we are teaming up with the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers to hold a large-scale food drive and help tackle hunger. On Tuesday February 13, 2024, as the Rangers play host to the Guelph Storm, fans are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the game. The food will be collected by volunteers from Ontario Pork and Feed Ontario and distributed through The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. This food drive comes at an important time, as February remains a month when food bank shelves have been depleted during a busy holiday season, but the need continues to grow. There are a limited number of tickets available for producers and industry members to purchase in a group setting. Producers or industry members interested in purchasing discounted tickets to this game please email tyler.calver@ontariopork.on.ca Whether it’s a family night out, an employee appreciation opportunity, or team building within your local association, we encourage you to celebrate our industry and experience OHL hockey while supporting those in need. For more information contact: Tyler Calver Ontario Pork, Senior Communications Specialist tyler.calver@ontariopork.on.ca

Image via Grigorenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus photo Moo-ve over gassy feed, there’s a new additive in town. Just approved for use in Canada, , , is a livestock ingredient that will reduce cattle methane emissions via burps and… you know. With approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Bovaer product is said to neutralize methane in the rumen. When microbes in the rumen break down the feed, hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases are released, which combine when there’s an enzyme present. But Bovaer suppresses the enzyme, thereby reducing the amount of methane created. With less methane created, it also means fewer possible methane gases released by the cattle. Dsm-Firmenich said that the product (produced by the same-named Bovaer) could be available for sale in Canada in a few weeks. Dsm-Firmenich has the right to sell the product in Canada. Additional Canadian research into ingredient usage shows that cattle achieve a small increase in feed efficiency without any change in their growth rate. Mark van Nieuwland, the Vice-President of Bovaer, stated: “This will benefit Canadian farmers, the efforts of the sector, and support Canada in delivering on its international emissions reduction commitments, such as the Global Methane Pledge.” According to van Nieuwland, Canadian cattle feeders can reduce cow methane emissions by an average of 45 percent by using the ingredient. For dairy cows, the company said that the product additive can “reduce methane emissions by 30 percent on average, potentially lowering the overall greenhouse gas footprint per litre of milk by 10 to 15 percent.”