'Pocket pigs' pose problems Sunday, February 6, 2011 "Pocket pigs" got a big boost last year in Britain when celebrity guests, including soccer star David Beckham and his glamorous wife Victoria, went home from the Golden Globe movie awards with miniature pot-bellied pigs in their goodie bags. The pigs, which cost £3,000 to buy, were compliments of the owner of Patty's Royal Dandie Miniature Pet Pig. It was a good publicity stunt. By early December British authorities were warning of dangers involved in buying these pigs as pets for children. The pigs can carry and pass on the skin condition erysipeloid and the bacterium Streptococcus suis, which can lead to illness, including meningitis and deafness in humans. The micro pigs have been bred down to size, only 28 grams at birth. They still weigh as much as 29 kilograms and 35 centimetres in height when fully grown. They can live to be 18 years old. BP Manitoba producers sink under an increasing burden of regulation Worldwide hog production shrinks and Smithfield rocks
USDA Report Sparks Mixed Results Across Grain Markets Thursday, October 15, 2026 Grain and oilseed markets posted mixed results during the week ending October 9, 2026, as traders evaluated larger-than-expected U.S. corn production estimates, harvest delays, changing fund positions and potential weather risks in South America. Corn prices declined sharply, while... Read this article online
Paul Hoekstra Joins U of G Leadership Thursday, October 15, 2026 The University of Guelph has appointed Paul Hoekstra as its first executive director of agri-food strategy and partnerships, marking an important step in the institution’s efforts to strengthen ties with Ontario’s agricultural and agri-food sectors. Hoekstra brings more than 20 years of... Read this article online
Canada Backs Smart Lettuce Farming Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Vegetable farmers across Canada face several challenges, including labor shortages, rising production costs, profitability concerns, and the increasing effects of climate change. These challenges make it more important than ever for growers to have access to accurate information and... Read this article online
Using bats to protect crops and livestock Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Just as Batman has been known to use live bats to thwart crime in Gotham City, B.C. farmers are invited to learn about employing bats to stop insects causing crop and livestock damage. The Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society and the BC Community Bat Program are hosting a free event... Read this article online
Sask. opens consultations on farmland law Wednesday, October 14, 2026 The Saskatchewan government is inviting farmers and others to take an online survey related to farm legislation. Until Nov. 30, Saskatchewanians can participate in the public consultation related to The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, which covers multiple farm ownership... Read this article online