Urban bees use plastic to build hives Thursday, May 1, 2014 "Busy" may need to be changed to "resourceful." A recent study by scientists from the University of Guelph and York University shows that two Toronto bee species are using bits of plastic waste as construction material for their brood cells. Scott MacIvor and Andrew Moore published their findings in Ecosphere in December. By observing trap nests in Toronto, they discovered that the Megachile campanulae hives, traditionally made with plant and tree resins, had bits of polyurethane exterior house sealant incorporated into them. And the hives of Megachile rotundata (leafcutter bees), usually made with leaves, contained chewed-up pieces of plastic bags. The study shows that the use of plastics was "incidental" rather than accidental and not a result of a shortage of natural building materials. Larvae developed successfully from the trap nests. Plastic may have an advantage as it can physically impede parasites. BF Herbicide resistance a problem . . . for somebody else Behind the Lines - May 2014
Ontario Opens First Soymilk Powder Plant Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Ontario is celebrating a major step forward in agri-food innovation with a nearly $24 million investment by Alinova Canada Inc. to build the country’s first non-GMO soymilk powder processing plant. The new facility, located in Morrisburg, will create 15 good-paying jobs and strengthen the... Read this article online
New marketing board possible for Ont. agriculture Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Ontario’s dairy goat industry could have its own marketing board. If approved, the marketing board would focus on four pillars, said Lindsay Dykeman, general manager of the Ontario Dairy Goat Co-operative. “Those pillars are advocacy, business risk management, research and education,... Read this article online
Compassionate Online Support Hub for Coping with Pet Loss Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Losing a pet is an emotional experience for many families, and having access to supportive information can make the healing process easier. To help caregivers during these challenging moments, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph has launched a new online resource... Read this article online
Ontario harvest outlook: 2025 challenges and maybe a 2026 recovery Tuesday, December 2, 2025 It’s December 2025, and Ontario farmers are wrapping up one of the most challenging harvest seasons in recent memory. Extended drought conditions through August and September left a mark on corn yields, while soybeans and winter wheat fared better thanks to timely rains and favourable... Read this article online
Ontario and Quebec farmers named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025 Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Two farming families from Ontario and Québec have been named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for 2025. The announcement came during the national event held in Toronto from November 27–30, where six regional finalists were honoured for their contributions to Canadian... Read this article online