Animal protein feeding examined in Europe Monday, October 3, 2011 The European Union (EU) is considering revising its ban on feeding animal byproducts to livestock and poultry. But don't expect to see ruminant byproducts being fed to cattle and sheep again, at least not for now. The issue has come up for consideration because of concerns about how the world will feed itself. Vegetable-based protein meal that isn't fed to livestock can be used to feed people. Even the notoriously reactionary French are seriously considering it. France's National Food Council says the aquaculture industry may be the first to benefit from the lifting of the ban.A working group established under the EU last year found that the health situation is now under control and the reasons behind the ban in the 1990s are outdated. The conservation of fishery resources is a top priority. The food council says it aims to study the issue "from other angles, including that of social responsibility."In Britain, farmers aren't as enthusiastic, according to the online Independent News in England. A debate at an annual pig and poultry show revealed that many farmers were horrified by the proposal. The poultry industry is worried that its reputation will be sullied. Food industry consultants were quoted as saying that consumers wouldn't stomach the change.The newspaper says far fewer people succumbed to variant Creutzfeldt- Jacob Disease than was initially feared – 171 in two decades with four remaining alive. BF 2011: A tough year for organic farmers Ethanol corn use surpasses feed for first time in U.S.
Ontario farmers get boost for energy upgrades Friday, July 11, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million in the third round of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This funding will help farmers improve the energy efficiency of their operations and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture... Read this article online
Swede midge and cabbageworm found in Ontario canola Thursday, July 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFA website fieldcropnews.com, Ontario canola crops are at various growth stages, ranging from seedling to full bloom depending on planting time and region. Winter canola is now fully podded, and harvest is expected to begin soon in Essex and other southern... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online