Madness seen in a cow's eyes Sunday, June 7, 2015 A researcher in Iowa is looking into cow's eyes as a way to detect disease earlier, Phys.org reports.Research from Iowa State University (ISU) shows that retinal scans can identify bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) – more commonly known as "mad cow disease" – in animals up to 11 months before they show other symptoms. According to Phys.org, BSE is an untreatable neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded brain proteins known as prions.Heather Greenlee, an associate professor of biomedical sciences at ISU's College of Veterinary Medicine, has been researching the connection between prion diseases and the retina. In an ISU interview, Greenlee described the retina as "the part of the brain closest to the outside world, and we know the retina is changed in animals that have prion diseases."BSE-positive cattle in the food system since 2003 have cost the Canadian beef industry billions of dollars in lost trade. BF Farming electricity from plants Pension plan concerned about Saskatchewan's farmland rules
Ont. farmer Tony McQuail reflects on NDP leadership race Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Huron County farmer Tony McQuail is back at Meeting Place Organic Farm in Lucknow after vying to replace Jagmeet Singh as the leader of the federal NDP. “It was a very hopeful and positive experience for me,” he told Farms.com. “I was very pleased with what we were able to bring to the... Read this article online
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Monday, March 30, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Rural Canada Is an Economic Powerhouse that Policymakers Need to Build Upon Monday, March 30, 2026 Rural Canada is a far bigger driver of the national economy than many policymakers realize, and leaders say the time has come to place a rural lens at the centre of public policy decision-making. That message was front and centre during the Coalition for a Better Future’s Scorecard... Read this article online
Spring Swine Events Across Canada that are Not to be Missed Monday, March 30, 2026 It’s a sure sign of Spring, several swine events will be taking place over the next few months. Between April and June 2026, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario will all host significant swine-focused events, ranging from producer AGMs and pork quality competitions to large-scale... Read this article online
Boosting Wheat Production with Better Nitrogen Use Monday, March 30, 2026 A University of Guelph research team is pioneering new ways to grow wheat more sustainably by improving nitrogen efficiency and supporting soil health. Dr. Kari Dunfield, professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the Ontario Agricultural College, received $3.92 million from the... Read this article online