'Cow database' launched to prevent illegal slaughter Sunday, June 7, 2015 Increased restrictions on cattle slaughter in India may be serious for the slaughterhouses, but there are some funny moments. Throughout most of India, there is a general ban on the slaughter of cows and calves. But the state of Maharashtra in western India recently extended the ban to include bulls and bullocks, CNN reports. Considering the difficulties in identifying the "victims" – a BBC article placed the state's cow population at just over 21 million – police in the Maharashtra city of Malegaon began asking farmers to provide mug shots of their cattle. "We are creating a database," deputy superintendent of the Malegaon police Mahesh Sawai told CNN. "If we get an information of a cow slaughter, we can quickly go to the resident's place and check whether it is there or not." According to CNN, apart from the photographs farmers are to list distinctive features, such as tail length and colouring. People aren't the only ones inconvenienced by the ban. The New York Times reports that animals at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai – which is also located in Maharashtra – have to go without beef. The park's nine Bengal tigers, three lions, 14 leopards and three vultures must chow down on chicken rather than their usual fare. Shailesh Bhagwan Deore, who oversees the care of animals kept in captivity at the park, told the New York Times that he fears the leaner diet might have long-term consequences for the animals' health. BF Pension plan concerned about Saskatchewan's farmland rules Toronto to close Riverdale farmers market
From Plows to Plates - The 2025 International Plowing Match Returns to Niagara Friday, September 12, 2025 For the first time since 1926, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is returning to the Niagara Region Setpember 16 to 20. Set to take place in West Lincoln, the 106th edition of this iconic event will run under the theme “,” celebrating the deep roots and fresh flavours of... Read this article online
Festival of Guest Nations returns to Leamington Friday, September 12, 2025 On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Seacliff Park in Leamington, Ontario, will come alive with music, food, and celebration as the Festival of Guest Nations returns to honour the migrant worker communities who play a vital role in Essex County’s agricultural economy. With more than 20 years... Read this article online
York Region launching new Agri-Food Startup Program Thursday, September 11, 2025 A new program in York Region is designed to help entrepreneurs find their footing in the food space. The 14-week hybrid Agri-Food Start-up Program partners entrepreneurs with local organizations like the Foodpreneur Lab, Syzl, York Region Food Network, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island... Read this article online
Corn and Soybean Diseases Spread This Season Wednesday, September 10, 2025 As reported on the OMAFRA website fieldcropnews.com, as well as in previous articles by Farms.com, the 2025 growing season is nearing its end with corn and soybean farmers in Ontario and the U.S. Corn Belt facing disease challenges that reflect changing weather conditions. For corn, two... Read this article online
Wheat Output Decline Projected for 2025 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Statistics Canada’s latest modelled estimates suggest that wheat production in Canada will decline slightly in 2025, driven primarily by weaker yields across several regions. National output is expected to edge down 1.1% to 35.5 million tonnes, with yields forecast to fall 1.2% to 49.6... Read this article online