Backyard flocks not healthy for the birds Thursday, January 3, 2013 A study conducted last year in Britain says backyard chicken operators aren't doing their birds any health care favours.It found that, while birds are generally kept in good welfare conditions (a place to scratch, stretch their wings and so on), owners rarely vaccinate the birds to prevent diseases such as Marek's disease, laryngotracheitis and infectious bronchitis, which have all been found in backyard flocks.It also noted that there is little biosecurity – rodents, wild birds and humans all had access – and most operators don't comply with national regulations banning the feeding of catering waste. Then there's Newcastle disease, caused by feeding chicken meat and eggs back to the birds.The Royal Veterinary College conducted the study by sending surveys to 65 operations in the city of London. About 30 surveys were returned and policies on dealing with all backyard operations in Britain may be developed on those replies. BF Report release resurrects 'Skippy burger' jokes Brazil subsidizes its agriculture
Ontario Farm Leaders Drew and Heather Spoelstra Named 2026 Outstanding Young Farmers Friday, April 10, 2026 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) Program has announced Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ontario, as the Ontario regional winners for 2026. The announcement was made following the Ontario regional competition held April 7 through 9 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. As provincial... Read this article online
Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre designs revealed Thursday, April 9, 2026 Attendees of the Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre’s (OAFDC) AGM last month received a first look at building design concepts. The planned 34,000-square-foot science centre in Listowel, Ont., designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects, the same firm responsible for the looks of buildings... Read this article online
Proposed USDA budget cuts could shift the North American ag landscape Thursday, April 9, 2026 Image by Konyvesotto from Pixabay The US administration’s latest budget proposal includes a significant reduction to the US Department of Agriculture’s discretionary spending, a move that could have ripple effects across North American agriculture. According to Farms.com reporting... Read this article online
Corn and Soy Products Cleared for Global Market Access Thursday, April 9, 2026 The Market Access Committee for corn and soybeans has completed its 2026 review of new crop protection products, confirming no export concerns for four corn products and six soybean products. Approved corn products includeCovintroCorn,TelaroneDC,ZiduaSC Herbicide, and Storen Herbicide.... Read this article online
What Distributed Energy Resources Mean for Canadian Producers Tuesday, April 7, 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