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
Grain Farmers of Ontario invests in future leaders with 2025 Legacy Scholarships Thursday, November 27, 2025 Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), the province’s largest commodity organization representing 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers, has announced the nine recipients of its . Each student will receive $5,000 to support their studies at accredited post-secondary... Read this article online
Kubota BX23S - Your Farm’s MVP Thursday, November 27, 2025 The Kubota BX23S stands out as a powerful and efficient compact tractor designed to meet the needs of farmers. As part of Kubota’s trusted BX Series, this model serves as a dedicated tractor loader backhoe, offering superior strength and versatility for a wide range of... Read this article online
Drew Spoelstra acclaimed for third term as OFA president Thursday, November 27, 2025 Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook will serve a third consecutive one-year term as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The association represents 38,000 farm families across the province. Spoelstra was acclaimed during OFA’s annual general meeting (held under the theme:... Read this article online
Minto Council Backs Bill 21 -- A Bold Step to Protect Ontario’s Farmland Thursday, November 27, 2025 The Town of Minto Council has officially thrown its support behind Bill 21: Protect Our Food Act, a proposed piece of legislation designed to safeguard Ontario’s agricultural lands from being lost to development. During a council meeting on November 18, Deputy Mayor Jean Anderson... Read this article online
Ontario’s Innovative Farmers and the Soil Network join forces Thursday, November 27, 2025 The Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO) has playedan important rolein helping farmers adopt new practices and strengthen their commitment to soil health. Its journey began in Huron County, guided by agricultural leaders who believed farmers should take the lead in developing... Read this article online