Decision in animal seizure case expected by summer Sunday, April 5, 2009 © AgMedia Inc.by BETTER FARMING STAFFA decision is expected by the summer in the case of an Elgin County father and son sued for the cost of caring for animals the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals seized in 2006.The trial of Steve and John Straub, heard by Ontario Superior Court Justice William Jenkins, began March 30 in St. Thomas and wrapped up the next day. It was expected to last a week.The Society’s statement of claim ascribes a cost of $168,746.86 to the seizing and caring of 87 animals found on the Straub property. The Straubs’ statement of defense described the Society’s claim as “excessive, remote and not recoverable at law.”The statement asked for a dismissal, citing the seizure as “unnecessary and not carried out in accordance with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.” Contacted by telephone today, Steve Straub said he could not comment on the trial until he received the ruling. BF Tribunal rules in favour of former dairy farmers Cover Story - Solar Power: The growing debate about using prime agricultural land for power generation
Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry to Visit Toronto and Southwestern Ontario Tuesday, March 3, 2026 The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will be in Toronto and Southwestern Ontario later this week as part of its ongoing study on the role of Canada’s agriculture and agri‑food sector in strengthening national food security. The fact‑finding mission is scheduled for... Read this article online
AgriStability Program Updated to Include Pasture-Related Feed Costs Beginning in 2026 Monday, March 2, 2026 In case you missed it last week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that pasture-related feed costs will be added as an allowable expense under AgriStability starting with the 2026 program year. The update addresses rising operational... Read this article online
Bringing more Food and Ingredient Processing Back to Canadian Soil Monday, March 2, 2026 Protein Industries Canada has announced the second cohort of nine companies participating in its Program, an initiative designed to bring more food and ingredient processing back to Canadian soil and expand the nation’s value‑added agriculture sector. The selected companies span the... Read this article online
Ontario and Quebec Farmers Call for Suspension of Alto High-Speed Rail Project Monday, March 2, 2026 As planning progresses for Alto, the proposed high speed rail corridor linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, Canada’s farm leaders are urging governments and project planners to hit pause. Their message is clear: the project’s current path risks carving through some of the... Read this article online
Energy-Free Miraco MiraFount Waterers for Cattle Friday, February 27, 2026 The Miraco MiraFount 1-Hole Energy-Free Roll-Away Ball Watering Trough is designed to provide clean, reliable water for livestock in all seasons without the need for electricity. Built for durability and efficiency, this insulated waterer helps prevent freezing during winter while... Read this article online