SL virtual reality game . . . for chickens Tuesday, August 5, 2014 An assistant professor at Iowa State University has created what may be the first video game for chickens. Second Livestock, named after the online game Second Life, uses a virtual reality headset and an omnidirectional treadmill to give a caged bird the illusion of wandering around a field. "Even the best-intentioned producers only have so much land available to raise chickens," says the Second Livestock website. 'Virtual Free Range' allows chickens to be truly free range with no confines on their movements about their virtual worlds." So is this for real? Yes and no. The Ames Tribune reported that designer Austin Stewart debuted a version adapted for human use at an exhibition in Ames, Iowa. But, Stewart told the Tribune, implementing the full system for chickens would be too expensive to be practical. The game's true purpose is to open a discussion about animal husbandry. BF Should climate change deniers be found liable? Protests halt release of GM alfalfa
Royal Canin Clarifies Groundwater Use With Amended Water Permit Near Guelph Thursday, April 16, 2026 Royal Canin Canada Company has received approval from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to amend its Permit to Take Water (PTTW) for its pet food manufacturing facility near Guelph, Ontario, following weeks of public consultation and local... Read this article online
Proposed USDA budget cuts could shift the North American ag landscape Wednesday, April 15, 2026 The US administration’s latest budget proposal includes a significant reduction to the US Department of Agriculture’s discretionary spending, a move that could have ripple effects across North American agriculture. According to Farms.com reporting, the proposal outlines a... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Tuesday, April 14, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Canadian farmers are set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Ontario Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for Ontario. Do Ontarians need a license to drive a tractor? No license is required for a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment whether on private... Read this article online