Big chickens, big problems Monday, March 7, 2016 The market in the United States for chickens weighing more than six pounds accounts for about 55 per cent by head count and about 70 per cent by pounds of meat produced as the industry gears up to meet high demand for boneless breast meat while reducing labour costs in plants. But the big bird trend has run squarely into a problem with so-called "woody breasts," defined as meat that is hard to the touch.There is also a concern about a phenomenon called "white striping," which appears on raw meat. One out of five birds in commercial plants appears to be affected, according to meatingplace.com, and quality, as defined by decreased water-holding capacity, increased fat and lower protein, is affected.There is no indication of this being a problem in Canada, where the percentage of birds raised as "roasters" remains relatively small. BF Metabolic diagnoses in a minute? Grass-fed label rescinded in U.S.
Royal Canin Clarifies Groundwater Use With Amended Water Permit Near Guelph Thursday, April 16, 2026 Royal Canin Canada Company has received approval from Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to amend its Permit to Take Water (PTTW) for its pet food manufacturing facility near Guelph, Ontario, following weeks of public consultation and local... Read this article online
Proposed USDA budget cuts could shift the North American ag landscape Wednesday, April 15, 2026 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, the proposal outlines a... Read this article online
Study reveals key climate drivers of potato beetle outbreaks Tuesday, April 14, 2026 A long term research project from Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Wisconsin is offering new insight into what drives Colorado potato beetle outbreaks, giving US potato growers a clearer picture of how weather patterns and environmental conditions shape one of the... Read this article online
Fuel Tax Suspension Offers Timely Relief for Canadian Farmers Ahead of Peak Growing Season Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Canadian farmers are set to see short-term relief at the fuel pump following a major federal policy announcement that directly affects on-farm operating costs. On April 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal government will temporarily suspend the Fuel Excise Tax on... Read this article online
Operating farm equipment in Ontario Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Farms.com continues to dive into farm equipment licensing and insurance requirements for Canadian producers with a look at the rules for Ontario. Do Ontarians need a license to drive a tractor? No license is required for a farm tractor or other self-propelled farm equipment whether on private... Read this article online