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
Swine Health Ontario confirms first PED case of 2026 Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Ontario has its first case of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) in 2026. A finisher barn in Perth County is dealing with the disease as of Jan. 2, Swine Health Ontario says. In total, Ontario has 23 active instances of PED dating back to January 2025. Seven are in Perth County,... Read this article online
Bushel Plus unveils modular X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves for John Deere X9 combines Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Bushel Plus Ltd. has introduced a major update to its MAD Concave lineup with the launch of the X9 Split Frame MAD Concaves, a modular system engineered specifically for John Deere X9 Series combines. Bushel Plus is a global leader in harvest optimization technology, dedicated to helping... Read this article online
PigTek offers new warranties on select products Monday, January 5, 2026 Following recent updates to its feed line offering, PigTek of Milford, Indiana, has announced new five-year limited warranties on select products. The company’s anchor bearing, stainless-steel boots, and stainless-steel control units now come with the industry-leading warranties for... Read this article online
Ontario Farmers -- Share Your 2026 Planting Plans and Win Big! Monday, January 5, 2026 Would you like an early look at what Ontario farmers will plant in 2026 and how the acreage mix might shape up? Farms.com Risk Management is inviting farmers across Ontario to participate in the Annual Ontario Planting Intentions Survey—a quick and easy way to share your plans and gain... Read this article online
Women Farmers Drive Growth in Canadian Agriculture Monday, December 29, 2025 For the first time since 1991, Statistics Canada reports a significant increase in female farm operators across Canada. In 2021, there were nearly 80,000 women leading farm operations. Today, that number is closer to 90,000—a milestone that reflects a powerful shift in the agricultural... Read this article online