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
Titan XC marks 100 million acres treated, driving fertilizer efficiency for farmers Friday, November 21, 2025 Loveland Products, Inc. has announced that , its leading fertilizer biocatalyst, has now been applied to more than 100 million acres across North America since its introduction in 2013. The achievement underscores ’s long-standing role in helping farmers improve nutrient efficiency... Read this article online
Winter Farm Meeting with Keynote and Networking Friday, November 21, 2025 The Grey Soil & Crop AGM and Winter Meeting , as well as Social Tradeshow will take place on December 18, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bognor Community Centre in Bognor, Ontario. The evening format is new this year, offering participants a warm and welcoming environment to connect... Read this article online
Buying a horse? How to protect yourself from fraud and hidden health issues Thursday, November 20, 2025 Buying a horse is a major investment for farmers and equine enthusiasts alike. Whether for work, breeding, or recreation, the process often involves trust between buyer and seller. Unfortunately, that trust can sometimes be misplaced. Cases of horses sold with undisclosed... Read this article online
Ont. farmer raises money for employees affected by Hurricane Melissa Thursday, November 20, 2025 An Ontario farmer collected donations to support members of his staff affected by Hurricane Melissa. Brad Raymont employs nine migrant workers from Jamaica to help harvest strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries at Raymont’s Berries in Cottam. “Our farm wouldn’t exist without these... Read this article online
Canadian Farmers Seek Fair Succession Tax Reform Thursday, November 20, 2025 Family farmers across Canada are urging the federal government to update tax rules that they say no longer reflect the reality of modern farming families. Current laws under the Income Tax Act allow farmers to transfer their farms to their own children without immediate tax... Read this article online