Ontario farmer gets another shot at justice Monday, November 3, 2014 In January 2013, a former American military sniper who now lives near St. Thomas, Ont., was convicted of careless use of a firearm after firing his gun to scare away a stray dog, The Canadian Press reports. But after a September decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario, John Batty will be entitled to another trial.In handing down its ruling, the Court of Appeal considered the implications a guilty verdict could have on rural residents. As Batty's lawyer put it, "(Farmers) can't be at risk of being convicted because somebody heard a shot." In his appeal, Batty pointed out his experience with firearms and his routine practice of shooting weasels and rats headed for the chicken coop.This was Batty's second appeal. He lost the first one in December, even though there were no eyewitnesses to say how the gun was fired. BF Feathers ruffled over U.S. mislabelling Behind the Lines - November 2014
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