Canada's livestock industry monitors U.S. antimicrobial phase out proposal Monday, December 16, 2013 by MATT MCINTOSH The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last week a new policy designed to help phase out the use of medically important antimicrobials in the production of food animals. But it’s too soon to determine how – or if – the policy, announced Dec. 11, will affect Canadian production. “We’re working with Health Canada on this issue,” says Jean Szkotnicki, president of the Canadian Animal Health Institute. “We need to look at it a bit closer before determining how this might affect Canadian producers.” Antimicrobial drugs refer to those that combat harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, and are very important to modern medicine. The FDA’s website says this decision comes in light of concerns over human health; that is, how the use of antimicrobial drugs in animal production can contribute to more medication-resistant bacteria and viruses. “Antimicrobials are sometimes used in feed and water to supplement animal growth or improve feed efficiency,” says Szkotnicki. “The organization is only focusing on drugs that are considered to be of critical importance to human health.” According to the FDA’s website, the new policy suggests drug companies voluntarily revise product labels to not encourage the use of antimicrobial drugs for animal production. It also calls on more veterinary oversight in the use of antimicrobial drugs, as well as other changes to the classification and regulation of certain over-the-counter drugs that are common in food animal production. BF Farmers must have licenses to hunt large game on their properties, MNR says New check-off fee for Ontario's goat milk producers
Ontario Farmers Considering more Drainage Investments to Adapt to Climate Change Monday, September 22, 2025 Farmers from Southwestern Ontario gathered at the Great Ontario Yield Tour event in Woodstock held a panel discussion, moderated by Steve Denys from Maizex Seeds, to chat about practical ways to increase corn, soybean, and wheat yields in the future, based on this year’s corn and soybean... Read this article online
Ontario’s most problematic weed -- Canada Fleabane Cuts Corn and Soybean Yields Friday, September 19, 2025 At the 2025 Great Ontario Yield Tour, Dr. Peter Sikkema of the University of Guelph highlighted the persistent challenge of Canada fleabane, one of Ontario’s most problematic weeds. Once easily controlled with glyphosate, the weed has now developed resistance not only to glyphosate but... Read this article online
Augusta Van Muyen selected as the 67th Grape King Friday, September 19, 2025 Grape Growers of Ontario and Farm Credit Canada have announced that Lincoln vineyard manager Augusta Van Muyen has been chosen by her peers as the 2025-2026 Grape King. Currently, the vineyard manager at Tawse Winery, Van Muyen, followed a path to success that took her across Ontario and the... Read this article online
Empowering the Next Generation -- Scholarship Opportunity for Agriculture Students Friday, September 19, 2025 Are you a student studying agriculture with a passion for leadership, innovation, and making a difference in the agri-food sector? The Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWC) East 2025 is offering an incredible opportunity for students to attend this transformative event through... Read this article online
Celebrating Tradition and Skill - The Art of the Plowing Match Friday, September 19, 2025 Plowing matches are more than just agricultural contests—they’re a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community. These events bring together farmers, enthusiasts, and spectators to witness the age-old skill of turning soil with precision and pride.TheInternational Plowing Match &... Read this article online