Trucker obstructed livestock inspector, court rules Friday, October 22, 2010 by KRISTIAN PARTINGTONIt’s been more than a year since livestock trucker and farmer Frank DeBoer challenged the decision of a veterinary inspector to euthanize a lame cow at the Hagersville Livestock Auction Barn near Cayuga. Earlier this month a Justice of the Peace at the Ontario Court of Justice in Cayuga found DeBoer guilty of one count under the Livestock Community Sales Act for obstructing an inspector in the course of duty. The livestock trucker must now pay a fine of $800 plus a victim fine surcharge of $125.A provincial news release indicates that DeBoer prevented a veterinary inspector from euthanizing a lame cow that was not medically fit to be transported without undue suffering.David Honey, president of the Niagara Landowners Association, which has been advocating on DeBoer’s behalf, says that despite the inspector’s assertion the cow was unfit for humane transport it managed to avoid harness before running from its pen when the gate was opened. Honey maintains the animal was fit for transport and simply needed a “pedicure.” It was later retuned to its owner and had its hoof trimmed. Ten days later it sold at auction without incident. DeBoer could not be reached for comment. Honey says DeBoer spoke on behalf of 16 other farmers on site who questioned the decision to euthanize the animal. DeBoer did not own the animal. The case should never have reached the courts, Honey says. “All Frank was asking for was a second opinion and she (the inspector) wouldn’t give it to him.” Honey says he’d like to see the Act changed to allow those who disagree with an inspector’s decision to appeal it on the spot in order to avoid unnecessary euthanasia. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Regulatory Compliance Unit Manager Rodger Dunlop says there are no intentions to make changes to the Act at this time. As it stands, livestock handlers have no option but to “abide by the inspector’s decision.”“One of the purposes of the Livestock Community Sales Act is to monitor the humane handling of livestock,” he says. “The ministry takes its responsibility under the Act seriously.”Dunlop declined comment on the specifics of the DeBoer case, noting he wasn't there so he wouldn't speculate.Honey says his association and others across the province will continue to oppose the power bestowed upon inspectors to make decisions without input from experienced livestock handlers. “If someone wants to wrongfully seize and destroy your property,” he said, “you should have the right to stop them and question their motives.” BF Town hall meeting to highlight livestock woes Dairy producers debate quota cap
Ontario’s most problematic weed -- Canada Fleabane Cuts Corn and Soybean Yields Wednesday, September 17, 2025 At the , Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph highlighted the persistent challenge of Canada fleabane, one of Ontario’s most problematic weeds. Once easily controlled with glyphosate, the weed has now developed resistance not only to glyphosate but also to multiple herbicide... Read this article online
Augusta Van Muyen selected as the 67th Grape King Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada have announced that Lincoln vineyard manager Augusta Van Muyen has been chosen by her peers as the . Currently, the vineyard manager at Tawse Winery, Van Muyen, followed a path to success that took her across Ontario and the world.... Read this article online
Grain Growers of Canada calls on Carney to Prioritize Upgrades to the Port of Vancouver Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is calling on the federal government to urgently prioritize major upgrades to the Port of Vancouver and its connecting rail infrastructure. The organization warns that without these improvements, Canada’s economic growth and global trade reliability are at... Read this article online
Strategies to Optimize Market Returns in Ontario Monday, September 15, 2025 Berkley Fedorchuk, grain marketing specialist with Hensall Co-op in Southwestern Ontario, recently shared insights into the current corn market and strategies for forward marketing during his presentation at the . With a focus on the Ontario and Eastern Canadian grain sectors,... Read this article online
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region September 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online