Purple Loosestrife not so bad after all Sunday, March 8, 2015 Twenty years ago, non-native Purple Loosestrife was expected to take over wetlands in southern Ontario and overwhelm biodiversity. It didn't happen and Prof. Ken Thompson, a senior research fellow in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield in England, says that is typical. He argues that invasive species do not pose as great a risk as many say they do, the CBC reports.In an interview with the CBC, Thompson – author of "Where Do Camels Belong - Why Invasive Species Aren't All Bad" – argues that many alien species are rarely a true threat to the native ecosystems they join. So-called "invasive" species are often just taking advantage of the damage caused by human activity and pollution. In an article for the Huffington Post, Thompson wrote that "if we think we have reason to dislike a species – native or alien – we should first check if it is actually causing net harm, and specifically if the species itself is the problem and not merely a symptom of some other problem."According to Thompson, Purple Loosestrife may in fact be providing more food for native pollinators. Thompson does admit that some species – such as the Brown Tree Snake which destroyed the native bird population of Guam – are a true risk to an ecosystem, but that measures taken by humans against invasive species often have unintentional, long-lasting and harmful consequences on the environment. BF Milk regulations that don't make sense Farm tires from dandelions?
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
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