Trumpeter swans protected but problematic for farmers Monday, April 6, 2015 Trumpeter swans are posing a problem for farmers in B.C.'s Cowichan Valley.Bob Crawford, president of the Cowichan Valley Agricultural Society, told the CBC that flocks of trumpeter swans are causing problems – including flooding and soil damage – for local farms. "Every time these birds get in on a field that's grazed, it delays the cutting of crops by seven days," he said. Despite this, farmers are not allowed to kill the birds, as they are a protected species.According to the CBC, farmers have resorted to using noisy propane cannons to try to scare the swans. But non-farming households in the area have complained about the noise, and one frightened swan managed to cause a blackout at the home of a non-farmer after hitting a power line. Crawford told the CBC, "You have moved to the farmland now. You're going to have noises, and farms farm 24 hours a day." BF Swede midges 'last straw' for northern canola growers A Geiger counter for your kitchen?
What Distributed Energy Resources Mean for Canadian Producers Tuesday, April 7, 2026 As energy costs rise, many Canadian farms are looking for ways to take greater control of their electricity use. One term that farmers are hearing more often is distributed energy resources, often shortened to DERs. While the phrase may sound technical, the concept is highly practical, and... Read this article online
Agricultural Educator and Industry Leader Dr Tom Funk Remembered for Lasting Influence Tuesday, April 7, 2026 The agricultural education community is mourning the passing of Dr Tom Funk, a highly respected Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph whose influence spanned more than three decades of teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Dr Funk dedicated over 35 years to teaching... Read this article online
Blue Collar Brings Canada’s Dairy Farming to Prime Time Tuesday, April 7, 2026 A new Canadian streaming series on Crave is offering audiences an unpolished look at some of the country’s toughest jobs, and in Episode 5, that spotlight turns to dairy farming. BLUE COLLAR is a Crave original series that blends workplace comedy with real-world grit and humour found... Read this article online
New Measures Support Craft Brewers and Reduce Rising Costs Tuesday, April 7, 2026 To help producers in the beverage sectoras the economy is facing rapid changes and creating uncertainty for businesses, theCanadiangovernment has announced a two-year extension of alcohol excise duty relief starting April 1, 2026. This decision aims to support brewers, distillers, and... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Monday, April 6, 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