A chemical-free way of reducing pests Sunday, November 8, 2015 A California-based company has created a chemical-free way to reduce pests and increase yields.According to Wine Industry Network, AgroThermal Systems' thermal plant treatment system, called Thermaculture, was originally designed for insect and fungal control. However after early trials the company found that the procedure had several other benefits, including increased fruit set. Results from recent tests done at the Chateau Reynon vineyard near Bordeaux, France, found that Thermaculture helped to increase the fruit set by 20 per cent while also increasing bunch weight by 25 per cent, a press release reports.While it is currently used primarily in viticulture, AgroThermal Systems founder and CEO Marty Fischer said in a press release that "while we are most experienced with wine grapes, Thermaculture will provide benefits to other crops including orchards, berries [and] kiwifruit."A video explaining the procedure can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_8C-sNogIw BF Lake Erie agreement confronts Ontario farmers with stiff phosphorus reduction targets Now you can buy animal welfare bonds
Broadband Access is a Defining Issue for Rural Canada’s Future Thursday, April 2, 2026 Broadband connectivity took centre stage during the on March 26, as speakers emphasized that reliable, high-speed internet is now foundational to rural economic growth, community well-being, and Canada’s broader ambitions in technology and resource development. The Coalition’s latest... Read this article online
Agricultural Educator and Industry Leader Dr Tom Funk Remembered for Lasting Influence Thursday, April 2, 2026 The agricultural education community is mourning the passing of Dr Tom Funk, a highly respected Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph whose influence spanned more than three decades of teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Dr Funk dedicated over 35 years to teaching... Read this article online
What Distributed Energy Resources Mean for Canadian Producers Thursday, April 2, 2026 As energy costs rise, many Canadian farms are looking for ways to take greater control of their electricity use. One term that farmers are hearing more often is distributed energy resources, often shortened to DERs. While the phrase may sound technical, the concept is highly practical, and... Read this article online
Western Fair District Wins Agribusiness Award 2026 Thursday, April 2, 2026 Western Fair District has been named the winner of the 2026 Business Achievement Award in Agribusiness by the London Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes the organization’s strong efforts in supporting agriculture, innovation, and community development. A key part of this... Read this article online
Government Extends Interest Free Farm Loan Support Thursday, April 2, 2026 The Government of Canada has announced that it will extend the $250,000 interest-free limit under the Advance Payments Program (APP) for the 2026 program year. The decision has been welcomed by farm groups as an important step to support farmers during uncertain times. “This is a... Read this article online