Flatulent cow story is overblown Friday, April 4, 2014 In late January, news outlets were abuzz with the story of how 90 flatulent cows at a German dairy farm released enough methane gas to blow up their own barn. In fact, manure may have been the culprit. Reuters reported that the explosion was severe enough to damage the roof of the cow shed and injure one of the cows, that had to be treated for burns. Local police said high levels of methane had built up within the shed, then "a static electric charge caused the gas to explode with flashes of flame." Naturally, burping and farting cows were blamed. After all, cows can produce 250 to 500 litres of methane per day, according to the Journal of Animal Science. But Modern Farmer magazine says a follow-up report from German newspaper Hünfelder Zeitung points the finger at manure slurry, which can produce high levels of concentrated methane. BF In the works: an ambitious plan to bring High-Speed Internat to rural western Ontario Mounties investigate horse tail hackers
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