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
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
Animal Health Canada Shares 2030 Goals for Livestock Friday, December 26, 2025 Animal Health Canada (AHC) has outlined five strategic goals it plans to accomplish by 2030 to protect and advance the health and welfare of farmed animals across the country. Working under its One Health and One Welfare approach, AHC aims to unite federal and provincial governments... Read this article online
Pocket Chainsaw: Change the Way You Deal with Pesky Trees and Bushes Friday, December 26, 2025 BY: Zahra Sadiq Are you frustrated with small trees and bushes along your farm's fence line, and tired of the hassle of starting your traditional chainsaw? The pocket chainsaw might be the perfect solution for you. Mountain Lab Gear is a company founded on a passion for the... Read this article online
Maizex Seeds Breaks Ground on $8.8 Million State-of-the-Art Seed Corn Facility in Blenheim Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Maizex Seeds, the seed division of Sollio Agriculture, has announced the groundbreaking of an $8.8 million investment in a new seed corn processing and packaging plant at its Blenheim, Ontario facility. “This is a significant investment by Maizex that not only supports the ability of... Read this article online
Renew CUSMA? Grain groups say yes—but with changes Wednesday, December 17, 2025 The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)—known as USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) in the US and T-MEC (Tratado entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá) in Mexico—is the trade pact that, on July 1, 2020, replaced NAFTA (North American Free Trade... Read this article online