Another step taken in pullet growers' bid for marketing agency Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by SUSAN MANN The panel appointed by the Farm Products Council of Canada held the first of two days of hearings last week studying the request of Pullet Growers of Canada to establish a marketing agency. The hearing was held April 23 in Ottawa. Andy DeWeerd, chair of Pullet Growers of Canada, says they faced some tough questions “but we were able to give the answers.” He characterized the hearing as a “good day overall.” DeWeerd says Pullet Growers was one of 10 presenters at the hearing. All of the submissions “were in favour so it was very positive that way. The council took a very active role and asked good questions of us.” The next hearing will be in Winnipeg on May 22. After that the panel will make a recommendation to the Farm Products Council of Canada and “if it’s favourable” the council will make a recommendation to federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, who takes it to Cabinet, DeWeerd says. The minister makes the decision based on the council’s recommendation. There are 550 pullet growers in Canada. Pullets, young chickens raised to become egg layers, are currently the only part of the feather industry not under supply management. The pullet growers’ organization is pursing agency status to give it the required legal powers to represent and make decisions on behalf of members. Having a national marketing agency means pullet farmers will have their own voice in the poultry industry. BF Contest's goal is to help put a face to farming Federal reforms tread lightly on seasonal ag worker program
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
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online
Cattle Stress Tool May Boost Fertility Friday, June 27, 2025 Kansas State University researchers have developed a cool tool that may help reduce cattle stress and improve artificial insemination (AI) results. The idea came from animal science experts Nicholas Wege Dias and Sandy Johnson, who observed that cattle accustomed to their environment... Read this article online
Ontario pasture lands get $5M boost Friday, June 27, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $5 million to strengthen shared community grazing pastures. This funding supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario’s agriculture sector and help cattle farmers improve pasture quality, ensuring long-term sustainability and... Read this article online