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
Grey County Ag Services launches 2026 winter course lineup for farmers and rural residents Friday, January 30, 2026 Grey County Agricultural Services has released its 2026 Winter Course List, offering one of the most diverse and community‑focused educational lineups the organization has ever assembled. Running from February through early April, this year’s program includes hands‑on livestock training,... Read this article online
DIY Spark Plug Test - Keep Engines Running Smoothly Friday, January 30, 2026 From chainsaws to snow blowers, you can keep your small engine equipment in great shape with some preventative maintenance and knowledge. Help keep your machines running smoothly. If you use other small-engine tools on the farm, like chainsaws and other power equipment, spark plugs... Read this article online
Québec names Lori Anne Berthiaume and Steeve Nadeau as 2026 Outstanding Young Farmers Friday, January 30, 2026 Berthiaume’s leadership at Ferme Porc SB Inc. and her team-centred approach helped drive major productivity gains and earned recognition from Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers. Québec’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program has named Lori Anne Berthiaume and Steeve Nadeau as the... Read this article online
Canada’s Ag Day Is Coming Soon – Here is why it matters! Thursday, January 29, 2026 Canada’s Ag Day is a national moment to recognize the people who grow, raise, make, and move our food. Ag Day will be on February 10th and it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. But beneath the celebration lies something even more essential: our food system depends on... Read this article online
Red Tape Pushes 70% of Agri Businesses to Deter Next Generation from Farming Thursday, January 29, 2026 Canada’s food production system is under mounting pressure as agri-businesses warn that regulatory overload is discouraging the next generation from entering the industry. A new snapshot from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that almost 70% of agri... Read this article online