'Tweeting' attracts unwelcome attention Sunday, June 7, 2015 Anyone who has followed the news likely knows the trials and tribulations of Appin dairy farmer Andrew Campbell, who planned to post a farm photo on his Twitter account every day this year and was subsequently attacked by anti-agriculture activists. Campbell is not unique in finding that launching a farming blog can bring unwelcome publicity. Wisconsin dairy farmer Carrie Mess and Alberta grain farmer Sarah Schultz told their stories at an Ontario Farm and Food Care conference in April. After Mess pronounced a PETA video allegedly showing abused cattle on a dairy farm in North Carolina a fraud on her blog, she "received a cease-and-desist order" from PETA, ordering her to take her blog off down. "I didn't . . . I framed (the letter) and put it up in my office." Because of the video the farmer couldn't find a market for his milk. The agricultural community should have supported the farmer, not abandoned him, Mess asserted. Schultz, wife of a farmer and a nurse, was investigated by her professional association after a local activist falsely accused her of selling health products from her website. How hateful does all this get? Schultz relates that, when she blogged that she was taking a holiday in Hawaii, "someone hoped my plane would crash." All three "agvocates" say they continue to tweet and blog because there is so much misinformation about agriculture on social media that needs to be corrected, and that is best done by farmers. BF Diversification: One farmer's answer to the crop rotation puzzle Farming electricity from plants
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online